We discover how Savina Paül decided to become a pilot, what it takes to fly a plane, and what happens when a pilot tests positive for pregnancy. We also debunk aviation myths, review recent air accidents, and talk about fear, respect, and how a cockpit really works. She also tells us about her experience with chill mood, the supplement she takes to rest after intense days of flying. The topics we explore 00:00 Intro 05:15 Why did I start running? 06:00 Work-life balance 10:19 How to become a commercial pilot? 16:00 Women in aviation 23:40 Recent aviation accidents 26:52 Are pilots afraid of flying? 27:50 The most dangerous moment during a flight 41:00 Are low-cost airlines cheaper than flag carriers? 43:50 You cannot be colorblind if you want to be a pilot 48:00 Types of rations found on a plane 54:02 Case study of sleep in aviation 56:20 Savina's supplements for a healthy life in this sector Key moments The dual role: pilot and content creator Origin and Motivation [02:33]: Savina started creating content by sharing her passion for sports, especially running at her destinations. Aviation, being a more closed world, was introduced gradually, humanizing the profession and building trust with passengers. Content Philosophy [05:10]: She always seeks to be respectful of her work and the profession. Her "filter" is asking herself if the most demanding passenger would feel calm and confident watching her content. Her goal is to inform and open the doors to an unknown world with seriousness and affection. Humanizing Aviation [06:12]: She believes that sharing her experience helps reduce the fear of flying, as much of this fear comes from not knowing what happens in the cockpit. The commercial pilot career Vocation and Decision [08:05]: Since she was a child, she was fascinated by planes, but she didn't imagine she would become a pilot. A conversation with her mother about "how she wanted to live the rest of her life" pushed her to follow her passion for a dynamic, non-routine life. Access Routes [10:58]: In Spain, there are three paths: military, university degree (like hers, "Commercial Pilot and Air Operations"), or modular (faster courses at flying clubs). She chose the university degree for security, in case any health issue prevented her from flying. Experience as a Female Pilot [14:45]: Her experience has been very positive, with no discrimination. She recognizes the role of previous generations of female pilots in paving the way. However, she has experienced prejudices from some passengers who doubted her ability due to her youth. Crew and Rest [16:10]: On short-haul flights (Europe), there are two pilots. On long-haul flights (more than 8-9 hours), there are three or four pilots, with rest compartments ("Crew Rest") and shifts to ensure there are always two fresh pilots in the cockpit. Motherhood and Career [18:02]: Although pregnancy means temporarily stopping flying (due to cosmic radiation that can affect the fetus, pressure changes, and agility required for emergencies), she doesn't consider it a limitation to being a mother. Airlines are adapting to facilitate work-life balance, and many pilot couples manage to combine both. Aviation safety and myths Aviation Accidents [22:22]: Although there has been a recent concentration of accidents, Savina insists that aviation remains very safe and statistics confirm it. Each accident, while tragic, serves to improve procedures and make aviation even safer. Fear of Flying and Turbulence [24:21]: She has never felt fear while flying. She explains that the cockpit operates with calm, double-checks, and strict procedures. Turbulence (light, moderate, severe) is not dangerous, as planes are designed to withstand forces much greater than what we perceive. Pilots have strategies to reduce or avoid them. Safety on "Low Cost" Airlines [35:37]: All airlines, including "low-cost" ones, must comply with the same safety standards required by the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA). What differs are the services and comfort, not the safety. Rigorous Health Checks [38:09]: Pilots undergo an exhaustive annual medical check (vision, hearing, heart, blood tests). Any condition that poses a risk to 100% capacity in the cockpit can lead to a temporary suspension of flying duties. Colorblindness is not allowed, as red and green colors are key for emergency and normal indicators. There are also random drug and alcohol tests, and restrictions on scuba diving (due to decompression sickness). Pilot health and lifestyle Jet Lag Management [40:50]: It is the biggest lesson from long-haul flight. There is no magic recipe; it is essential to listen to yourself: eat when hungry, sleep when tired, and cancel plans if you don't have the energy. The first day after a long flight is for total rest and resetting the body. Impact on Health [43:50]: Changes in circadian rhythms, pressure differences, and radiation are factors of wear and tear. It is essential to protect oneself, for example, by using sunscreen in the cockpit (even for passengers) due to ultraviolet radiation. Cosmic radiation is measured and controlled annually. In-Flight Nutrition [46:02]: She tries not to be restrictive and makes healthy choices, such as nuts or fruit. Sometimes she brings her own food. Crews have menus designed to be lighter and avoid digestive discomfort due to pressurization. Hydration [49:02]: Drinking plenty of water is crucial on planes due to low relative humidity, which causes dehydration and dryness in the mucous membranes. Supplementation [51:06]: She uses "Chill mood" (by be levels) to regulate sleep and jet lag, magnesium for muscle recovery (especially during periods of intense training), and liposomal vitamin C for the immune system and environmental dryness. Social and Family Life [54:43]: The flight schedule is known a month in advance. Although it is difficult to maintain regularity with some friends, she has learned to have solid relationships with people who understand her lifestyle. She also takes advantage of long layovers for sightseeing with her family or friends. This video offers a unique perspective on the world of aviation and how dedication to health and well-being is essential for coping with such a demanding profession.
