EP7 - The Aviation Therapist, Selling the Westwind, and What Comes Next

This week’s episode covers a lot of ground. We open with our usual Bob-and-Steve hang for the first half hour — talking about the pending sale of the Westwind, what we’re considering as a replacement, and a deep dive into the current state of the single-engine turboprop market.

We talk through real-world tradeoffs between aircraft like the TBM, Meridian/M600 class, and PC-12 — cost of entry, mission capability, and what actually makes sense for how we fly.

Then we shift gears into something very different.

In the second half, we sit down with Dr. Abigail Powell, an aviation-focused therapist known online as @theaviationtherapist.

We dig into the mental health side of aviation — the parts that usually don’t get talked about in cockpits, group chats, or on layovers. From the pressures of performance and the stigma around seeking help, to hyper-vigilance, compartmentalization, and the unique psychological demands of aviation careers, Dr. Powell brings a grounded and honest perspective that every pilot — professional or recreational — will recognize.

We cover:
• Why mental health challenges in aviation are often hidden
• How stress and anxiety show up differently in high-performance flying environments
• Why compartmentalization is both a survival skill and a long-term risk
• The realities of asking for help in a career where “weakness” can feel like a liability
• Practical tools pilots can use to manage stress and stay mentally sharp

This one goes places we don’t usually go — and it’s worth the listen.

Guest:
Dr. Abigail Powell
Instagram: @theaviationtherapist
Website: theaviationtherapist.com

As always — if you fly, work in aviation, or just love hearing real conversations from inside the industry, this episode is for you.