From lead-acid, to NICAD, and lithium-ion, the evolution of aircraft batteries has always been a balancing act of weight, power and reliability. Getting that balance right is essential.

Today, I’m speaking with Chris Holder of Concorde Battery about the work their company is doing to provide dependable power to the industry. We’ll look at the development of aircraft batteries over time, common misconceptions about batteries, the future of power in aviation, and much more.

Dwight Robinson is the deputy chief pilot of flight testing at Airbus. Last year, his flying career was almost cut short when he was hospitalized with Atrial Fibrillation. But despite losing his medical, and battling the effects of his condition, Dwight made a decision. One way or another, he told himself, he was going to fly again.

Against all odds, he did just that. In roughly a year, Dwight was back to flying, with no further heart complications. His story exemplifies a spirit of of perseverance and self-advocacy from which we can learn.

Last March, the US Helicopter Safety Team launched their Peer Pilot Program — an online resource for pilots to seek help with the inner turbulence they might face. Through the program, users can speak with a trained industry “peer” who will listen to the user, and guide them through their concern — personal, professional, and otherwise. These sessions are free, and completely confidential.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Chris Baur — industry co-chair of the USHST — about launching the new program, and why mental health might be the most urgent, yet overlooked, issue in aviation.