Jeffrey James Madison Author Q&A
Q: What inspired you to write YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About ‘Em?
A: I’ve been fortunate to have many people help me along my journey to becoming an airline pilot, and I wanted to pay it forward. As a Black airline pilot, I represent just 3.4% of the airline pilot population. The numbers are even smaller for other minority groups and women. This lack of diversity is troubling, especially given the looming pilot shortage in the U.S., where the industry is expected to be short 30,000 pilots by 2032. This shortage is driven by factors like mandatory retirement, a shrinking pool of military-trained pilots, and the high costs civilian pilots face to gain the necessary skills. The industry needs to promote real diversity to meet these hiring goals, and I’m committed to being part of that solution.
The stories in YIKES! are from 100 smart pilots who made mistakes and lived to share their experiences. My goal is to share the wisdom they gained so others can learn from it. By donating 100% of the proceeds to fund scholarships and provide Redbird full-motion flight simulators for aviation and STEM organizations, I’m hoping to support the next generation of pilots in achieving their dreams, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
Q: Can you tell us more about the stories in YIKES! and what readers can expect?
A: YIKES! is a collection of true stories taken from NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System database, where pilots anonymously share their close calls and moments of bad judgment. These stories, which I analyzed in my “Human Factors” column for General Aviation News, are both entertaining and educational. Readers will gain insights into the human factors that impact aviation safety, all from the comfort of their favorite armchair. It’s a book that resonates with both pilots and non-pilots, offering valuable lessons in decision-making and the importance of learning from mistakes.
Q: How do you see YIKES! making an impact beyond just being a good read?
A: YIKES! is more than just a book; it’s a tool for change. By purchasing the book, readers are directly contributing to funding scholarships and flight simulators for under-resourced flight schools, Civil Air Patrol squadrons, and STEM programs. These resources are critical in helping young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in aviation. It’s about opening doors and creating opportunities for the next generation of pilots. Filling the gap in the pilot workforce is going to require increasing the numbers of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC), women, and LGBTQIA+ pilots. Most minority pilots are at a resource disadvantage when it comes to aviation training. I was one of those pilots, but I was also fortunate to have a disparate team of people help me achieve my dream. Now, I’m passionate about paying it forward.
Q: What are your goals for the philanthropic initiatives tied to the book?
A: My primary goal is to support 100 flight schools, Civil Air Patrol squadrons, and other STEM organizations by providing them with scholarships or funding for Redbird full-motion flight simulators. These simulators are essential for training and developing skilled, safe pilots. I also aim to raise awareness about the need for diversity in the aviation industry and to inspire others to contribute to this cause. Ultimately, I want to see a more inclusive and diverse pilot workforce that reflects the world we live in.
Q: How does your work with YIKES! align with your broader mission in aviation and education?
A: My broader mission is to foster a more inclusive aviation industry by providing the resources and support needed to help aspiring pilots, particularly those from minority and underrepresented groups, achieve their goals. YIKES! is a natural extension of this mission. It’s not just about learning from the past; it’s about using those lessons to build a better future for aviation. It’s about learning through failing. Through the book and its associated initiatives, I’m working to ensure that the next generation of pilots has the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
Q: What has been the response to YIKES! so far?
A: The response has been incredibly positive. Readers appreciate the candidness of the stories and the valuable lessons they offer. The aviation community, in particular, has embraced the book as a resource for learning and growth. I’ve also been encouraged by the support for the philanthropic side of the project, with many people stepping up to contribute to the cause. It’s been gratifying to see how the book is making a difference, both in terms of safety education and in supporting future pilots.
Q: How can readers get involved and support your initiatives?
A: The easiest way to support the initiatives is by purchasing a copy of, downloading the e-book or the audiobook version of YIKES! @ YikesTheBook.com. Every dollar from book sales goes directly to funding scholarships or providing flight simulators to aviation and STEM organizations, especially those serving BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and ADA students. Additionally, I encourage people to spread the word about the book and the cause. If you’re involved in aviation or education, consider partnering with us to help bring these resources to those who need them most. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of aviation.