Welcome back to Final Approach, the podcast where we explore the story of caring for loved ones from the cockpit and beyond. I’m Jonathan Knaul, your host and author of the book Final Approach: Test Pilot’s Story of Caring for Loved Ones. Today’s episode is one you don’t want to miss: I’m joined by my friend, fellow test pilot, astronaut, and family man, Andy Edgell, who brings a unique perspective from high-risk aviation and personal caregiving.

In our conversation, Andy and I talk candidly about his extraordinary career as a British Royal Air Force pilot, F-35 flight tester, instructor at top test pilot schools, and now an experimental test pilot and astronaut for Virgin Galactic. We go deep into what it’s like to care for loved ones across continents. Andy opens up about supporting his parents from afar—his father, a retired British Airways pilot, is living with Alzheimer’s in the UK, while Andy raises his own family in California.

We tackle the emotional realities of being a caregiver while holding down a high-pressure career, the struggles of communicating with loved ones affected by dementia, and the tension between our “fix-it” mentality as pilots and the true needs of those we care for. We touch on the power of music therapy, the importance of vulnerability, and the need for honest, open communication when family is spread across the globe.

Key Takeaways

1. Balancing High-Pressure Careers and Family Caregiving: Andy shares the realities of being both a test pilot/astronaut and a caregiver to family members living abroad.
2. Long-Distance Caregiving: Learn strategies for supporting loved ones from afar, including the importance of regular communication and emotional connection.
3. Military Mindset and Caregiving: How the "problem-solving" approach instilled in test pilots can help—and sometimes hinder—when applied to real-life family relationships.
4. Communicating with Family Members with Dementia: Andy’s touching accounts of connecting with his father through shared passion—especially aviation and music.
5. Vulnerability in High-Stakes Professions: Why it’s crucial for test pilots, astronauts, and anyone in demanding careers to embrace vulnerability and open up about personal struggles.
6. Role of Music Therapy: We discuss the potential benefits and limitations of using music to support cognitive health in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
7. Importance of Honest Communication: Having trusted family members who provide candid feedback is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.

If you enjoyed today’s discussion, visit FinalApproachBook.com to download your free caregiver plan, sign up for my newsletter, and learn more about my book, Final Approach. Join our community and remind yourself: you are never alone in your caregiving journey.

Share this episode with fellow caregivers, aviators, and anyone who needs support balancing career and family. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more candid conversations about resilience, aviation, and the power of caring for those you love.

Best in care,

Jonathan