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Featured Guest:
Johannes Schwab Commercial Airline Pilot First Officer, Austrian Airlines Published Date: April 23, 2026 In this episode of Wisdom for Wannabes, Jackie Morreale sits down with Johannes Schwab, First Officer for Austrian Airlines, to explore the discipline, mindset, and preparation that go into life in the cockpit. From growing up in the Austrian Alps to discovering aviation at age 20, Johannes shares his journey from glider pilot to flying Airbus A320s across Europe. He breaks down the differences between training through the Federal Aviation Administration and European systems, the importance of preparation in reducing pressure, and how experience turns uncertainty into instinct. The conversation also dives into decision-making tools like FOR-DEC, the role of fitness in maintaining mental sharpness, and why passion — not pressure — drives long-term success. |
Full Interview with Johannes Schwab:
"If you're thinking of becoming a pilot, and that's your dream, I can only tell you: Do whatever is required, study hard, get your licenses, and it will pay off. It's the most awesome job that you can have."
- Johannes Schwab (Wisdom for Wannabes episode 54, 27:52)
Great quotes from the interview:
(More great quotes throughout the transcript in blue below.)
- "Being at the controls; that’s exactly what I wanted to do.”
- “At some point, it’s your workplace, and you get used to it.”
- “Very early mornings, late nights. That’s part of the job.”
- “You’ve been in so many situations; you build your own package of solutions.”
- “I didn’t think I’d become a pilot until I was 20. It revealed itself over time.”
- “Anybody can become a pilot, you just need to put in the work.”
- “Every flight is different. You learn something new every day.”
- “If you prepare properly, you can avoid many difficult situations.”
- “Being in great shape helps you stay mentally alert for longer.”
- “Flying is my passion. I don’t need extra motivation; I just love what I do.”
(More great quotes throughout the transcript in blue below.)
Johannes Schwab wearing Wisdom for Wannabes tshirt.
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Key Topics:
Key Takeaways:
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Johannes Schwab is First Officer for Austrian Airlines, flying A320 aircrafts throughout Europe
Interview Transcript:
Jackie Morreale (00:00)
Hello and welcome to Wisdom for Wannabes, the podcast that seeks wise words in business, beauty and betterment. I'm the host, Jackie Morreale.
Today's guest has built a career around precision, discipline and constant progression. From the Youth Olympic Games in golf to a career in aviation, Johannes Schwab holds commercial airline pilot certifications from both the Federal Aviation Administration, the FAA for US travel, and European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, for European travel, along with multiple aircraft type ratings, and now serves as first officer for Austrian Airlines. This conversation is about mastering complex systems, making decisions under pressure, and what it really takes to operate in environments where preparation and trust are everything.
Other than wanting to learn, quite literally, how to fly from Johannes Schwab, I'm so proud to say that I've known Joe since he was four years old and have watched him naturally excel in sports, both extreme and traditional, and throughout all your accomplishments.
Welcome to Wisdom for Wannabes, Johannes Schwab! It is such a pleasure to have you here.
Johannes Schwab (01:16)
Thank you for having me.
Jackie Morreale (01:17)
Absolutely. Let's go right into the questions?
Johannes Schwab (01:19)
Sure, go ahead, I'm ready.
Jackie Morreale (01:20)
For those of us who might be meeting you for the first time, can you please start with your full name, where you're from, where you live now, and a little bit about what you do?
Johannes Schwab (01:29)
Great. My name is Johannes Schwab. I'm originally from Rohrmoos, a really small town in the middle of Austria, in the Alps. It's a very beautiful place surrounded by mountains. Right now, I live in Vienna. I also work in Vienna. I work as a first officer for Austrian Airlines, and I operate an Airbus A320 and A321.
As a pilot, I fly passengers from point A to point B. I start my day in Vienna, and unless I have a layover somewhere, we usually go back to Vienna, and that's where my duty also ends. That's basically what I do for a living.
Jackie Morreale (02:06)
It sounds like such an amazing job to be flying from Vienna to other places throughout Europe. What is your favorite part about your role?
Johannes Schwab (02:15)
My favorite part is the craft itself, flying. When I completed my training, I realized, being at the controls, one hand on the controls, the other hand at the throttle or now at thrust levers, is exactly what I wanted to do. It's a lot of fun.
Jackie Morreale (02:30)
What is that feeling like? It must be a total mindset shift from the rest of your life to be flying an Airbus.
Johannes Schwab (02:39)
The good thing about becoming a pilot is that you start in a small aircraft. You start with a propeller-powered aircraft. Most of them have only two seats, one for the instructor and one for you. You work yourself up.
In my case, after flying single-engine aircraft, you fly multi-engine aircraft, which is already a little bigger. At first, you might be a little intimidated because all of a sudden, you have two engines, and it's much more powerful. Then you may transition to a bigger airplane, in my case, a business jet, which was my first jet-powered aircraft. It's already a lot faster.
The transition from flying a propeller-driven to a jet-powered aircraft is enormous. The speed is so much faster. The aircraft is a lot bigger. Transitioning from a business jet to an airbus is just incredible. You have to perform a walk-around of the aircraft to inspect it for damages or anything suspicious, to make sure the aircraft is airworthy.
I still remember performing the first walkaround of the Airbus A320, which was extremely impressive because the aircraft is so much bigger than a business jet. It is also something that might be intimidating, but you get used to it. Once you are used to an A320, you look at an A380 and think, 'Wow, that's a big aircraft.'
At some point, it's your workplace, and you get really used to it and familiar with it, through training, practicing, and experience.
That's where I'm probably now; at some point, you get used to it.
Jackie Morreale (04:15)
I can only imagine getting used to checking an Airbus A320.
I think most people hear 'pilot' and imagine one thing. What's something we might not see in your day-to-day?
Johannes Schwab (04:27)
Very early mornings, late nights, working the entire night. That's something we do on a regular basis. Let's say you are on the morning shift. It's pretty common to wake up at 3:30AM, or maybe even earlier.
Also, having entire night flights. We have a few flights where you start work at 9 o'clock in the evening, and you finish at 7:30 in the morning. You just fly the entire night.
Then you deboard, refuel the aircraft, board again, take off, and return to Vienna.
Pilots do not like delays, for sure. Passengers don't like delays, and we pilots don't either. We want to be on time and finish on time. Everything is timed very closely.
At some point, delays add up. It's really difficult to get rid of the delay or land earlier. It's definitely something we also do not like.
Jackie Morreale (05:16)
Right, they add up. From the perspective of a passenger, I just show up, and I hope for on time and clear skies, and we just fly and get from point A to point B. Your role is not just to show up; there's so much preparation. There's so much planning. There's so much to it. Then if there are delays, they compound. They mess up your whole schedule, your whole work-life balance. It's a lot of pressure in this job.
Johannes Schwab (05:43)
Maybe a little bit. When I look at my captains, I realize those guys really have a lot of experience.
You get into situations, and you learn from these situations. Then it becomes experience. At some point, you have been through many different situations.
Departure delays, for example. You realize, 'Okay, I've been in this situation before or in a similar situation. We could try this or that. Maybe we ask for a different flight level that we can fly on. Maybe a different routing, to get rid of the departure slot.’
Those are all things that you learn through experience. At least that's how I see it.
You've been in so many different situations; you can just pick a little experience from this situation and that situation, mix it together, and create your own package of solutions that you can work with.
Jackie Morreale (06:30)
Wow. They say, pressure makes diamonds. You turn pressure into experience that then becomes tools that you can use to apply and do anything going forward. Cool life being a pilot. I'm going to start calling you Top Gun or Maverick instead of Joe.
Johannes Schwab (06:41)
Right, yeah. That would be awesome.
Jackie Morreale (06:49)
Let’s go through some quick-fire questions. I know that your mind is always making decisions on a split second. You ready for this?
Johannes Schwab (06:57)
I'm ready.
Jackie Morreale (06:59)
Okay. Regarding Austria. To top off the list, what is your favorite place in Austria?
Johannes Schwab (07:02)
Rohrmoos.
Jackie Morreale (07:03)
I was going to say there will be a lot of people in Rohrmoos who will be upset if you don't call it Rohrmoos. Mine too, by the way.
Alps or city?
Johannes Schwab (07:05)
Yeah. Alps.
Jackie Morreale (07:06)
Alps, of course. Favorite Austrian food?
Johannes Schwab (07:08)
Wiener Schnitzel, but only from my mom.
Jackie Morreale (07:10)
Wiener Schnitzel. Favorite Austrian tradition?
Johannes Schwab (07:12)
We have these so-called 'Bierzelt,' a huge tent in which traditional Austrian music is played, and they serve excellent traditional food and beer. Translated from German to English, it's basically a 'beer tent'. I love the music.
Since I also play a traditional Austrian instrument, I'm a huge fan of this type of event.
Jackie Morreale (07:38)
What instrument do you play?
Johannes Schwab (07:39)
It's called the 'Steirische Harmonika'. It's an instrument that uses air to create sounds. It has little buttons on the right side and a few buttons on the left side. You pull, push, and press buttons. This creates a sound. It's a very traditional Austrian instrument. It's really fun to play.
Jackie Morreale (07:55)
Is it like an accordion?
Johannes Schwab (07:57)
It's similar to an accordion, but the Austrian version of an accordion. Exactly.
Jackie Morreale (08:01)
I need pictures and video. I can't wait to see this. Wow. I could go on and on with questions about Austria because I love it. You love it. Let's talk about flying: off or landing?
Johannes Schwab (08:11)
The landing.
Jackie Morreale (08:14)
Really? Interesting. I would think that's the pressure cooker right there with the landing.
Johannes Schwab (08:14)
Yeah. You just want to nail the landing. You have your colleague sitting next to you. It's him who is doing the flying, and I'm doing the pilot not flying / monitoring stuff, like talking on the radio.
Next flight, it's me who is flying. You do compare each other according to the landing.
It's also one of the reasons why flying is fun, because that's when you add the controls. That's when you steer the aircraft, and not the autopilot. That's when you can really fly the aircraft.
That's the reason why I prefer landing to take off.
Jackie Morreale (08:53)
How fun. What camaraderie! What a great way to support each other and kind of gamify and make it competitive.
Johannes Schwab (09:00)
It's a bit of pushing each other, trying for very nice and smooth landings. You spend a lot of time with your colleague. It's nice that we push each other to become better and perform at our best.
(Continued below)
Hello and welcome to Wisdom for Wannabes, the podcast that seeks wise words in business, beauty and betterment. I'm the host, Jackie Morreale.
Today's guest has built a career around precision, discipline and constant progression. From the Youth Olympic Games in golf to a career in aviation, Johannes Schwab holds commercial airline pilot certifications from both the Federal Aviation Administration, the FAA for US travel, and European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, for European travel, along with multiple aircraft type ratings, and now serves as first officer for Austrian Airlines. This conversation is about mastering complex systems, making decisions under pressure, and what it really takes to operate in environments where preparation and trust are everything.
Other than wanting to learn, quite literally, how to fly from Johannes Schwab, I'm so proud to say that I've known Joe since he was four years old and have watched him naturally excel in sports, both extreme and traditional, and throughout all your accomplishments.
Welcome to Wisdom for Wannabes, Johannes Schwab! It is such a pleasure to have you here.
Johannes Schwab (01:16)
Thank you for having me.
Jackie Morreale (01:17)
Absolutely. Let's go right into the questions?
Johannes Schwab (01:19)
Sure, go ahead, I'm ready.
Jackie Morreale (01:20)
For those of us who might be meeting you for the first time, can you please start with your full name, where you're from, where you live now, and a little bit about what you do?
Johannes Schwab (01:29)
Great. My name is Johannes Schwab. I'm originally from Rohrmoos, a really small town in the middle of Austria, in the Alps. It's a very beautiful place surrounded by mountains. Right now, I live in Vienna. I also work in Vienna. I work as a first officer for Austrian Airlines, and I operate an Airbus A320 and A321.
As a pilot, I fly passengers from point A to point B. I start my day in Vienna, and unless I have a layover somewhere, we usually go back to Vienna, and that's where my duty also ends. That's basically what I do for a living.
Jackie Morreale (02:06)
It sounds like such an amazing job to be flying from Vienna to other places throughout Europe. What is your favorite part about your role?
Johannes Schwab (02:15)
My favorite part is the craft itself, flying. When I completed my training, I realized, being at the controls, one hand on the controls, the other hand at the throttle or now at thrust levers, is exactly what I wanted to do. It's a lot of fun.
Jackie Morreale (02:30)
What is that feeling like? It must be a total mindset shift from the rest of your life to be flying an Airbus.
Johannes Schwab (02:39)
The good thing about becoming a pilot is that you start in a small aircraft. You start with a propeller-powered aircraft. Most of them have only two seats, one for the instructor and one for you. You work yourself up.
In my case, after flying single-engine aircraft, you fly multi-engine aircraft, which is already a little bigger. At first, you might be a little intimidated because all of a sudden, you have two engines, and it's much more powerful. Then you may transition to a bigger airplane, in my case, a business jet, which was my first jet-powered aircraft. It's already a lot faster.
The transition from flying a propeller-driven to a jet-powered aircraft is enormous. The speed is so much faster. The aircraft is a lot bigger. Transitioning from a business jet to an airbus is just incredible. You have to perform a walk-around of the aircraft to inspect it for damages or anything suspicious, to make sure the aircraft is airworthy.
I still remember performing the first walkaround of the Airbus A320, which was extremely impressive because the aircraft is so much bigger than a business jet. It is also something that might be intimidating, but you get used to it. Once you are used to an A320, you look at an A380 and think, 'Wow, that's a big aircraft.'
At some point, it's your workplace, and you get really used to it and familiar with it, through training, practicing, and experience.
That's where I'm probably now; at some point, you get used to it.
Jackie Morreale (04:15)
I can only imagine getting used to checking an Airbus A320.
I think most people hear 'pilot' and imagine one thing. What's something we might not see in your day-to-day?
Johannes Schwab (04:27)
Very early mornings, late nights, working the entire night. That's something we do on a regular basis. Let's say you are on the morning shift. It's pretty common to wake up at 3:30AM, or maybe even earlier.
Also, having entire night flights. We have a few flights where you start work at 9 o'clock in the evening, and you finish at 7:30 in the morning. You just fly the entire night.
Then you deboard, refuel the aircraft, board again, take off, and return to Vienna.
Pilots do not like delays, for sure. Passengers don't like delays, and we pilots don't either. We want to be on time and finish on time. Everything is timed very closely.
At some point, delays add up. It's really difficult to get rid of the delay or land earlier. It's definitely something we also do not like.
Jackie Morreale (05:16)
Right, they add up. From the perspective of a passenger, I just show up, and I hope for on time and clear skies, and we just fly and get from point A to point B. Your role is not just to show up; there's so much preparation. There's so much planning. There's so much to it. Then if there are delays, they compound. They mess up your whole schedule, your whole work-life balance. It's a lot of pressure in this job.
Johannes Schwab (05:43)
Maybe a little bit. When I look at my captains, I realize those guys really have a lot of experience.
You get into situations, and you learn from these situations. Then it becomes experience. At some point, you have been through many different situations.
Departure delays, for example. You realize, 'Okay, I've been in this situation before or in a similar situation. We could try this or that. Maybe we ask for a different flight level that we can fly on. Maybe a different routing, to get rid of the departure slot.’
Those are all things that you learn through experience. At least that's how I see it.
You've been in so many different situations; you can just pick a little experience from this situation and that situation, mix it together, and create your own package of solutions that you can work with.
Jackie Morreale (06:30)
Wow. They say, pressure makes diamonds. You turn pressure into experience that then becomes tools that you can use to apply and do anything going forward. Cool life being a pilot. I'm going to start calling you Top Gun or Maverick instead of Joe.
Johannes Schwab (06:41)
Right, yeah. That would be awesome.
Jackie Morreale (06:49)
Let’s go through some quick-fire questions. I know that your mind is always making decisions on a split second. You ready for this?
Johannes Schwab (06:57)
I'm ready.
Jackie Morreale (06:59)
Okay. Regarding Austria. To top off the list, what is your favorite place in Austria?
Johannes Schwab (07:02)
Rohrmoos.
Jackie Morreale (07:03)
I was going to say there will be a lot of people in Rohrmoos who will be upset if you don't call it Rohrmoos. Mine too, by the way.
Alps or city?
Johannes Schwab (07:05)
Yeah. Alps.
Jackie Morreale (07:06)
Alps, of course. Favorite Austrian food?
Johannes Schwab (07:08)
Wiener Schnitzel, but only from my mom.
Jackie Morreale (07:10)
Wiener Schnitzel. Favorite Austrian tradition?
Johannes Schwab (07:12)
We have these so-called 'Bierzelt,' a huge tent in which traditional Austrian music is played, and they serve excellent traditional food and beer. Translated from German to English, it's basically a 'beer tent'. I love the music.
Since I also play a traditional Austrian instrument, I'm a huge fan of this type of event.
Jackie Morreale (07:38)
What instrument do you play?
Johannes Schwab (07:39)
It's called the 'Steirische Harmonika'. It's an instrument that uses air to create sounds. It has little buttons on the right side and a few buttons on the left side. You pull, push, and press buttons. This creates a sound. It's a very traditional Austrian instrument. It's really fun to play.
Jackie Morreale (07:55)
Is it like an accordion?
Johannes Schwab (07:57)
It's similar to an accordion, but the Austrian version of an accordion. Exactly.
Jackie Morreale (08:01)
I need pictures and video. I can't wait to see this. Wow. I could go on and on with questions about Austria because I love it. You love it. Let's talk about flying: off or landing?
Johannes Schwab (08:11)
The landing.
Jackie Morreale (08:14)
Really? Interesting. I would think that's the pressure cooker right there with the landing.
Johannes Schwab (08:14)
Yeah. You just want to nail the landing. You have your colleague sitting next to you. It's him who is doing the flying, and I'm doing the pilot not flying / monitoring stuff, like talking on the radio.
Next flight, it's me who is flying. You do compare each other according to the landing.
It's also one of the reasons why flying is fun, because that's when you add the controls. That's when you steer the aircraft, and not the autopilot. That's when you can really fly the aircraft.
That's the reason why I prefer landing to take off.
Jackie Morreale (08:53)
How fun. What camaraderie! What a great way to support each other and kind of gamify and make it competitive.
Johannes Schwab (09:00)
It's a bit of pushing each other, trying for very nice and smooth landings. You spend a lot of time with your colleague. It's nice that we push each other to become better and perform at our best.
(Continued below)
Johannes Schwab in the press:
Johannes Schwab in Inside Unlimited magazine article, page 20
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Johannes Schwab in Inside Unlimited magazine article, golf feature
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(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (09:13)
Next question: Autopilot or manual?
Johannes Schwab (09:16)
Manual.
Jackie Morreale (09:17)
Yeah, for sure. Favorite airport to fly into?
Johannes Schwab (09:19)
That's a tough one. Maybe London Heathrow. Yeah, London Heathrow.
London Heathrow is super well organized and structured. They have excellent air traffic control. They give you amazing radar vectors for the approach, which is actually really fun flying.
When air traffic control gives you radar vectors, they create the separation between the aircraft in front of you and behind you to make sure there is an exact distance between the two aircrafts to avoid wake turbulence. Those guys are really good at it.
For us pilots, at least for me, I really respect their work because it's difficult and they are doing a fantastic job. They just line up the aircraft right behind each other.
It's very, very well organized up there. It is a great airport.
Jackie Morreale (10:04)
Amazing. Shout out to all the air traffic controllers out there. Not an easy job either. They are doing it every day and making magic happen.
On extreme sports: Skiing or skydiving or gliding? Or whatever is your favorite?
Johannes Schwab (10:09)
Absolutely.
I love skiing. I would say skiing, in this case.
Jackie Morreale (10:21)
Biggest adrenaline rush?
Johannes Schwab (10:22)
Honestly, I'm glad that the work I do does not give me an extreme adrenaline rush, because that would probably be super exhausting after some time.
I guess skiing down a really steep, awesome slope gives me a big adrenaline rush. That's really a cool thing to do.
Jackie Morreale (10:31)
True. I agree. Nothing like it.
On golf: Early tee time or late afternoon?
Johannes Schwab (10:46)
Although I do not like getting up extremely early, I would say early tea time. It's an amazing atmosphere to play in the morning.
Jackie Morreale (10:52)
Driving range or full round?
Johannes Schwab (10:54)
I would say driving range.
Jackie Morreale (10:55)
Favorite thing about flying?
Johannes Schwab (10:57)
The craft at the controls and flying the aircraft.
Jackie Morreale (11:00)
Favorite book?
Johannes Schwab (11:02)
I recently read an interesting book about three specific birds that live in the Austrian Alps. I'm really into nature. It explains everything about those three birds; it's really fascinating. It took me maybe a week to read the entire book. That's usually the kind of books that I read, nonfiction.
Jackie Morreale (11:19)
A guy who loves the speed behind the wheel, on skis, in the air, on the mountain... and you read about birds?! That's beautiful. What's the name of the book? So I can read it too. Is it auf Deutsch (in German) ? Do they have an English translation?
Johannes Schwab (11:28)
Yeah. There might be an English translation. It's not a goose; it's like bird that is only active in the early morning. You’ve got to get up super early to see it. It's called 'Berghoen'. I don't know if you've heard of it, but it's a very interesting book.
Jackie Morreale (11:48)
The next time you're here in Palm Beach County, we do have some cool birds here, too, in the Everglades. I do find myself birding while I'm running and hiking. Taking pictures of all the cool nature, especially the birds.
Favorite quote or mantra for life? Of course, it can be in German.
Johannes Schwab (11:56)
Ooh, nice. This one's actually in English, and I love it. Have you heard of the five P's?
Jackie Morreale (12:07)
In marketing or in life? Product, price, placement. No, different P's? Okay.
Johannes Schwab (12:08)
Probably not in marketing, in life. It's not that.
The five P's that I'm referring to are: Proper preparation prevents poor performance.
It's great. I love it. I've used it for my pilot exams. I always practiced really well.
I thought, 'Well, there's no chance of failing. I have to pass because I prepared myself very, very well for this exam.’ And it worked out.
That's why I love the five p's.
Jackie Morreale (12:38)
Love it. Proper preparation prevents poor performance. I'm going to use that, too.
Let's talk more about flying. I love that you prepared yourself to such a degree, literally passing with flying colors and making this your life and your career. I've known you for a long time. You've always been smart, always training for something, always athletic, always a leader in life and on the court, field, course, or sky.
Tell me more about aviation. Was it always the goal? Did it reveal itself over time? Tell me how you got into this field.
Johannes Schwab (13:13)
It revealed itself over time. I didn't think I would become a pilot until I was 20 years old. That's when I became a glider pilot.
I always thought you've got to be extraordinary and super special to fly an aircraft or to become a pilot.
In the end, it turned out that anybody can become a pilot.
You just need to put in the work, study hard, and also have some feeling for flying an aircraft. I don't think it's a gift; you can train for it. I also believe that anything can be trained, but that's how I started.
I became a glider pilot, then I trained to become a private pilot. I received my private pilot's license for a single-engine propeller-driven aircraft.
After that, I thought, 'Well, this is definitely the coolest thing ever. I want to do this for a living and fly the big airplanes.' So I did some research, and I figured out that those are the exams I need to pass. This is the theoretical knowledge I need, and the practical skills I need to possess.
That's how everything came together.
I went to the US to receive my FAA commercial pilot's license. Then I returned to Austria and also obtained my European licenses. That's when I had the opportunity to apply for pilot jobs in Europe as well. I landed my first job in the business aviation sector on a business jet. After completing an additional type rating on a slightly larger jet, I transitioned to the airlines. Right now, I'm flying the A320.
Jackie Morreale (14:42)
You're living the dream. I love that you said that anyone can fly. I think anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it, as you did. Find out what really makes you tick and figure out how to get yourself trained and qualified.
You said that pilots, you thought, had to be something extraordinary. You, Joe, Johannes Schwab, are extraordinary in so many ways. I appreciate your humbleness, but just know that you are extraordinary. I'm so proud that you found this and charted your path to do this.
Let's talk about starting as a commercial airline pilot. What is a lesson from your first months as a commercial airline pilot that still sticks with you today?
Johannes Schwab (15:20)
Every flight is different. You learn something new every day. There are so many new scenarios and circumstances.
You really need an open mind because you can learn from anybody and anything every day. That sticks with me today.
Jackie Morreale (15:37)
I totally agree. You can learn something from somebody every single day.
You hold commercial pilot certifications from both the FAA and EASA. What did you learn from each? Was the experience different in LA for US flight versus in Europe with EASA?
Johannes Schwab (15:46)
Correct. The training was very different. In the US, there is more focus on the actual flying skills and less on the theoretical knowledge part. In Europe, there is much more theoretical studying to do, and probably less flying skills required.
Just for comparison, in the US, I had to take three theoretical exams. In total, 1500 questions in the US.
Jackie Morreale (16:17)
Sounds like a lot.
Johannes Schwab (16:27)
It sounds like a lot at first, but if you compare it with the European exams, it's different.
In Europe, I had to take 14 different exams, and I had to prepare for 20,000 questions.
So, there's a huge difference between the US and Europe.
However, the flying part in the US was amazing because they had us do different maneuvers and actually create or foster the feeling for the aircraft that I mentioned before, which did not take place during the training in Austria.
For example, they had us do Lazy Eights and Chandelles and Turn Around a Points, which is great for gaining this feeling for your aircraft and improving your flying skills.
I was in a really lucky position to receive the practical skills that were required in the US and also the theoretical knowledge to pass the exams in Europe.
(Continued below)
Jackie Morreale (09:13)
Next question: Autopilot or manual?
Johannes Schwab (09:16)
Manual.
Jackie Morreale (09:17)
Yeah, for sure. Favorite airport to fly into?
Johannes Schwab (09:19)
That's a tough one. Maybe London Heathrow. Yeah, London Heathrow.
London Heathrow is super well organized and structured. They have excellent air traffic control. They give you amazing radar vectors for the approach, which is actually really fun flying.
When air traffic control gives you radar vectors, they create the separation between the aircraft in front of you and behind you to make sure there is an exact distance between the two aircrafts to avoid wake turbulence. Those guys are really good at it.
For us pilots, at least for me, I really respect their work because it's difficult and they are doing a fantastic job. They just line up the aircraft right behind each other.
It's very, very well organized up there. It is a great airport.
Jackie Morreale (10:04)
Amazing. Shout out to all the air traffic controllers out there. Not an easy job either. They are doing it every day and making magic happen.
On extreme sports: Skiing or skydiving or gliding? Or whatever is your favorite?
Johannes Schwab (10:09)
Absolutely.
I love skiing. I would say skiing, in this case.
Jackie Morreale (10:21)
Biggest adrenaline rush?
Johannes Schwab (10:22)
Honestly, I'm glad that the work I do does not give me an extreme adrenaline rush, because that would probably be super exhausting after some time.
I guess skiing down a really steep, awesome slope gives me a big adrenaline rush. That's really a cool thing to do.
Jackie Morreale (10:31)
True. I agree. Nothing like it.
On golf: Early tee time or late afternoon?
Johannes Schwab (10:46)
Although I do not like getting up extremely early, I would say early tea time. It's an amazing atmosphere to play in the morning.
Jackie Morreale (10:52)
Driving range or full round?
Johannes Schwab (10:54)
I would say driving range.
Jackie Morreale (10:55)
Favorite thing about flying?
Johannes Schwab (10:57)
The craft at the controls and flying the aircraft.
Jackie Morreale (11:00)
Favorite book?
Johannes Schwab (11:02)
I recently read an interesting book about three specific birds that live in the Austrian Alps. I'm really into nature. It explains everything about those three birds; it's really fascinating. It took me maybe a week to read the entire book. That's usually the kind of books that I read, nonfiction.
Jackie Morreale (11:19)
A guy who loves the speed behind the wheel, on skis, in the air, on the mountain... and you read about birds?! That's beautiful. What's the name of the book? So I can read it too. Is it auf Deutsch (in German) ? Do they have an English translation?
Johannes Schwab (11:28)
Yeah. There might be an English translation. It's not a goose; it's like bird that is only active in the early morning. You’ve got to get up super early to see it. It's called 'Berghoen'. I don't know if you've heard of it, but it's a very interesting book.
Jackie Morreale (11:48)
The next time you're here in Palm Beach County, we do have some cool birds here, too, in the Everglades. I do find myself birding while I'm running and hiking. Taking pictures of all the cool nature, especially the birds.
Favorite quote or mantra for life? Of course, it can be in German.
Johannes Schwab (11:56)
Ooh, nice. This one's actually in English, and I love it. Have you heard of the five P's?
Jackie Morreale (12:07)
In marketing or in life? Product, price, placement. No, different P's? Okay.
Johannes Schwab (12:08)
Probably not in marketing, in life. It's not that.
The five P's that I'm referring to are: Proper preparation prevents poor performance.
It's great. I love it. I've used it for my pilot exams. I always practiced really well.
I thought, 'Well, there's no chance of failing. I have to pass because I prepared myself very, very well for this exam.’ And it worked out.
That's why I love the five p's.
Jackie Morreale (12:38)
Love it. Proper preparation prevents poor performance. I'm going to use that, too.
Let's talk more about flying. I love that you prepared yourself to such a degree, literally passing with flying colors and making this your life and your career. I've known you for a long time. You've always been smart, always training for something, always athletic, always a leader in life and on the court, field, course, or sky.
Tell me more about aviation. Was it always the goal? Did it reveal itself over time? Tell me how you got into this field.
Johannes Schwab (13:13)
It revealed itself over time. I didn't think I would become a pilot until I was 20 years old. That's when I became a glider pilot.
I always thought you've got to be extraordinary and super special to fly an aircraft or to become a pilot.
In the end, it turned out that anybody can become a pilot.
You just need to put in the work, study hard, and also have some feeling for flying an aircraft. I don't think it's a gift; you can train for it. I also believe that anything can be trained, but that's how I started.
I became a glider pilot, then I trained to become a private pilot. I received my private pilot's license for a single-engine propeller-driven aircraft.
After that, I thought, 'Well, this is definitely the coolest thing ever. I want to do this for a living and fly the big airplanes.' So I did some research, and I figured out that those are the exams I need to pass. This is the theoretical knowledge I need, and the practical skills I need to possess.
That's how everything came together.
I went to the US to receive my FAA commercial pilot's license. Then I returned to Austria and also obtained my European licenses. That's when I had the opportunity to apply for pilot jobs in Europe as well. I landed my first job in the business aviation sector on a business jet. After completing an additional type rating on a slightly larger jet, I transitioned to the airlines. Right now, I'm flying the A320.
Jackie Morreale (14:42)
You're living the dream. I love that you said that anyone can fly. I think anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it, as you did. Find out what really makes you tick and figure out how to get yourself trained and qualified.
You said that pilots, you thought, had to be something extraordinary. You, Joe, Johannes Schwab, are extraordinary in so many ways. I appreciate your humbleness, but just know that you are extraordinary. I'm so proud that you found this and charted your path to do this.
Let's talk about starting as a commercial airline pilot. What is a lesson from your first months as a commercial airline pilot that still sticks with you today?
Johannes Schwab (15:20)
Every flight is different. You learn something new every day. There are so many new scenarios and circumstances.
You really need an open mind because you can learn from anybody and anything every day. That sticks with me today.
Jackie Morreale (15:37)
I totally agree. You can learn something from somebody every single day.
You hold commercial pilot certifications from both the FAA and EASA. What did you learn from each? Was the experience different in LA for US flight versus in Europe with EASA?
Johannes Schwab (15:46)
Correct. The training was very different. In the US, there is more focus on the actual flying skills and less on the theoretical knowledge part. In Europe, there is much more theoretical studying to do, and probably less flying skills required.
Just for comparison, in the US, I had to take three theoretical exams. In total, 1500 questions in the US.
Jackie Morreale (16:17)
Sounds like a lot.
Johannes Schwab (16:27)
It sounds like a lot at first, but if you compare it with the European exams, it's different.
In Europe, I had to take 14 different exams, and I had to prepare for 20,000 questions.
So, there's a huge difference between the US and Europe.
However, the flying part in the US was amazing because they had us do different maneuvers and actually create or foster the feeling for the aircraft that I mentioned before, which did not take place during the training in Austria.
For example, they had us do Lazy Eights and Chandelles and Turn Around a Points, which is great for gaining this feeling for your aircraft and improving your flying skills.
I was in a really lucky position to receive the practical skills that were required in the US and also the theoretical knowledge to pass the exams in Europe.
(Continued below)
Schladming, Austria area, during the Summer and Winter months:
Wilde Wasser, Riesachsee, during the Summer (Photo: Trip Advisor)
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Rohrmoos during the Winter (Photo: Ski Europe)
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(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (17:18)
This is amazing. I don't know what a lot of these terms mean, but I can imagine what a lazy eight is, based on movies. The idea of you doing these kinds of maneuvers over Southern California is so cool. Then, bringing that wealth of knowledge with you for the theoretical knowledge that you needed to have for European flying. Best of both worlds!
At what point did you feel like you shifted from learning to fly to truly thinking like a pilot?
Johannes Schwab (17:46)
That probably happened after my first type rating. At this time, I had been learning non-stop. Soaking everything up.
After my first type rating, I flew one specific aircraft every day. Once you get used to this aircraft, you know the aircraft will react when you steer it. At least I thought, ‘This feels normal. I'm really getting used to this aircraft.’
That's probably when I transitioned from learning to actually thinking or just acting on instinct.
That's how I would describe it.
But it took some time. The training over the years was necessary to eventually create this feeling and thinking like a pilot.
Jackie Morreale (18:30)
Type rating, what does it mean?
Johannes Schwab (18:32)
Well, basically, it's specific authorization for you to fly this particular aircraft. You learn everything about the aircraft system, starting from the engines, hydraulic system, landing gear, pressurization, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
Once you complete the theoretical exam, you move on to simulator sessions. During these sessions, you go through all the normal operations, and also the abnormal and emergency operations during which you handle engine failures or electrical malfunctions or hydraulic malfunctions and use checklists and so on to handle any malfunction that could possibly impact the aircraft.
Jackie Morreale (19:15)
I had no idea that a pilot was responsible for knowing all these things about their aircraft.
Johannes Schwab (19:19)
Yes, it definitely helps. The good thing is, we operate according to standard operating procedures, and we use lots of different checklists for malfunctions.
Most of these things we're not required to know by heart. We only need to know a few things by heart. Those are called 'memory items' for specific malfunctions during which we need to act very, very fast and with precision.
We need to apply these so-called memory items. For example, during loss of pressurization at a very high altitude, we need to apply the memory item for an emergency descent.
But for different malfunctions, we use checklists and procedures to handle these problems.
Jackie Morreale (20:02)
You've earned multiple type ratings. What does it take to become certified, should you want to move to a different aircraft?
Johannes Schwab (20:09)
The ground course is a requirement, and time in the simulator is also a requirement.
What I thought was most demanding during a new type rating was the ‘avionics’ part.
Most of these airplanes have a so-called flight management system and a flight management computer. You use this computer to program the autopilot and to tell the airplane, 'Today we're going from point A to point B with these parameters.'
Being able to navigate through this flight management system takes quite some time. This is the most challenging part during a new type rating: to gain or to have the feeling for the aircraft. How does it react when I move the yoke, control stick, or side stick on an Airbus?
You get used to that quite quickly, but learning a new avionics system is the most challenging part.
Jackie Morreale (21:03)
You're not only able to maneuver your aircraft, but you also have to have an understanding of the brain behind the aircraft and how you program it.
You're flying over the Alps often, and that's not an easy thing to do, should there be an emergency. Have you ever had to use any of those ‘memory items’?
Johannes Schwab (21:20)
The good thing is, I have never had to use one of those memory items, but we do practice these maneuvers and procedures twice a year.
We are on the simulator twice a year and we go through all the normal and abnormal operations.
I wouldn't say it's intuitive, but I believe practice makes perfect, and experience helps a lot. I can assure you that whoever is sitting in front is well trained; the authority ensures that we are trained and we are actually capable of flying this aircraft.
Jackie Morreale (21:53)
I love that you just use two more P's, 'practice makes perfect', which is adding to the five P list.
Johannes Schwab (21:57)
Yeah, that's the seventh P.
Jackie Morreale (22:16)
Having this conversation with you and knowing nothing about aviation except that I like to fly places sometimes, it does give me such a feeling of appreciation for what you do as a pilot. The time and the passion that you put into all your training and into maintaining that. I'm grateful for you and for all that you do and have done to be that person that brings people places safely.
For you, what is that first moment like, stepping into a new cockpit?
Johannes Schwab (22:30)
A new cockpit after type rating? It's a little overwhelming. As a young pilot, you spend lots of hours studying, training, and preparing. Then you get the type rating, you end the simulator, which is already similar to the real cockpit, but it's not the real cockpit.
Finally, you get the opportunity.
For the Airbus, you walk up the stairs, then you go into the airplane, and make a left turn. That's when you see the real cockpit for the first time. It's just overwhelming. It's just amazing too.
If this is exactly what you want to do, it's everything.
It's really cool.
Jackie Morreale (23:05)
Is mastering a new aircraft more about the technical knowledge, the theoretical, or the mindset?
Johannes Schwab (23:11)
At first, it's more about the theoretical and technical part.
I fly with people who have been flying for 35 years. They are super experienced, and they have multiple different types of ratings. For them, it's probably just a mindset.
But at first, if you're not that experienced, it's more about transitioning or learning about the theoretical and technical things of the aircraft.
(Continued below)
Jackie Morreale (17:18)
This is amazing. I don't know what a lot of these terms mean, but I can imagine what a lazy eight is, based on movies. The idea of you doing these kinds of maneuvers over Southern California is so cool. Then, bringing that wealth of knowledge with you for the theoretical knowledge that you needed to have for European flying. Best of both worlds!
At what point did you feel like you shifted from learning to fly to truly thinking like a pilot?
Johannes Schwab (17:46)
That probably happened after my first type rating. At this time, I had been learning non-stop. Soaking everything up.
After my first type rating, I flew one specific aircraft every day. Once you get used to this aircraft, you know the aircraft will react when you steer it. At least I thought, ‘This feels normal. I'm really getting used to this aircraft.’
That's probably when I transitioned from learning to actually thinking or just acting on instinct.
That's how I would describe it.
But it took some time. The training over the years was necessary to eventually create this feeling and thinking like a pilot.
Jackie Morreale (18:30)
Type rating, what does it mean?
Johannes Schwab (18:32)
Well, basically, it's specific authorization for you to fly this particular aircraft. You learn everything about the aircraft system, starting from the engines, hydraulic system, landing gear, pressurization, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
Once you complete the theoretical exam, you move on to simulator sessions. During these sessions, you go through all the normal operations, and also the abnormal and emergency operations during which you handle engine failures or electrical malfunctions or hydraulic malfunctions and use checklists and so on to handle any malfunction that could possibly impact the aircraft.
Jackie Morreale (19:15)
I had no idea that a pilot was responsible for knowing all these things about their aircraft.
Johannes Schwab (19:19)
Yes, it definitely helps. The good thing is, we operate according to standard operating procedures, and we use lots of different checklists for malfunctions.
Most of these things we're not required to know by heart. We only need to know a few things by heart. Those are called 'memory items' for specific malfunctions during which we need to act very, very fast and with precision.
We need to apply these so-called memory items. For example, during loss of pressurization at a very high altitude, we need to apply the memory item for an emergency descent.
But for different malfunctions, we use checklists and procedures to handle these problems.
Jackie Morreale (20:02)
You've earned multiple type ratings. What does it take to become certified, should you want to move to a different aircraft?
Johannes Schwab (20:09)
The ground course is a requirement, and time in the simulator is also a requirement.
What I thought was most demanding during a new type rating was the ‘avionics’ part.
Most of these airplanes have a so-called flight management system and a flight management computer. You use this computer to program the autopilot and to tell the airplane, 'Today we're going from point A to point B with these parameters.'
Being able to navigate through this flight management system takes quite some time. This is the most challenging part during a new type rating: to gain or to have the feeling for the aircraft. How does it react when I move the yoke, control stick, or side stick on an Airbus?
You get used to that quite quickly, but learning a new avionics system is the most challenging part.
Jackie Morreale (21:03)
You're not only able to maneuver your aircraft, but you also have to have an understanding of the brain behind the aircraft and how you program it.
You're flying over the Alps often, and that's not an easy thing to do, should there be an emergency. Have you ever had to use any of those ‘memory items’?
Johannes Schwab (21:20)
The good thing is, I have never had to use one of those memory items, but we do practice these maneuvers and procedures twice a year.
We are on the simulator twice a year and we go through all the normal and abnormal operations.
I wouldn't say it's intuitive, but I believe practice makes perfect, and experience helps a lot. I can assure you that whoever is sitting in front is well trained; the authority ensures that we are trained and we are actually capable of flying this aircraft.
Jackie Morreale (21:53)
I love that you just use two more P's, 'practice makes perfect', which is adding to the five P list.
Johannes Schwab (21:57)
Yeah, that's the seventh P.
Jackie Morreale (22:16)
Having this conversation with you and knowing nothing about aviation except that I like to fly places sometimes, it does give me such a feeling of appreciation for what you do as a pilot. The time and the passion that you put into all your training and into maintaining that. I'm grateful for you and for all that you do and have done to be that person that brings people places safely.
For you, what is that first moment like, stepping into a new cockpit?
Johannes Schwab (22:30)
A new cockpit after type rating? It's a little overwhelming. As a young pilot, you spend lots of hours studying, training, and preparing. Then you get the type rating, you end the simulator, which is already similar to the real cockpit, but it's not the real cockpit.
Finally, you get the opportunity.
For the Airbus, you walk up the stairs, then you go into the airplane, and make a left turn. That's when you see the real cockpit for the first time. It's just overwhelming. It's just amazing too.
If this is exactly what you want to do, it's everything.
It's really cool.
Jackie Morreale (23:05)
Is mastering a new aircraft more about the technical knowledge, the theoretical, or the mindset?
Johannes Schwab (23:11)
At first, it's more about the theoretical and technical part.
I fly with people who have been flying for 35 years. They are super experienced, and they have multiple different types of ratings. For them, it's probably just a mindset.
But at first, if you're not that experienced, it's more about transitioning or learning about the theoretical and technical things of the aircraft.
(Continued below)
Johannes Schwab and Jackie Morreale, Austria, cerca 1998!
Jackie Morreale, Johannes Schwab, and Angela Schwab (who makes Johannes' favorite food, Weiner Schnitzel!) hiking (Photo: Andreas Schwab)
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Johannes Schwab, Matthias Schwab, Angela Schwab, and Jackie Morreale, out for a boat ride (Photo: Andreas Schwab)
|
(Continued)
Jackie Morreale (23:34)
To be that guy sitting there, next to a young pilot, 35 years in and multiple type ratings under your belt.
Already, you've done so much. I love what you said before about 'it's everything.'
Let's talk more about decision-making under pressure. In aviation, small decisions have big consequences. How do you stay calm and precise?
Johannes Schwab (23:57)
Before I answer this question, I would like to add that usually we try to avoid situations that require decisions. We prepare to go flying, we check the weather, we check the airports, we check NOTAM, which is a notice to airmen.
In these NOTAM, we sometimes read, 'This airport has two runways, but one of those runways is closed, some navigation facility is unserviceable...' and those are all really important things to know. Or maybe one approach facility is inoperable, so we need to fly a different approach.
If you don't look at those NOTAMs and you get confronted with these situations, five minutes before you need to fly the approach, you are in a situation you don't necessarily want to be in.
I'm coming back to the five P's: if you prepare properly, you can avoid many of these situations in which you need to make difficult decisions. In the aviation industry, we use lots of standard operating procedures.
Following these procedures allows us to make great decisions. We also have an interesting decision-making tool that helps us to make decisions under difficult circumstances.
This is an acronym; it's called FOR-DEC. It means facts, options, risks, decision, execution, and check.
If you follow these things, it really helps with decision-making. I already use this decision-making tool in my private life, once, it worked well.
Jackie Morreale (25:28)
I am overwhelmed by you, Joe. I always knew you were a smart guy, athletic guy. The depth of knowledge that you bring to the aviation career is an incredible thing.
I'm going to bring it back to something that I know a little bit about. You have this background in fitness and athletics. You're a certified fitness instructor. I also have a fitness certification. It's such a crazy thing that we both have it, yours in Europe, mine's in the US. Is there anything from that that you're able to bring into this discipline?
Johannes Schwab (25:53)
Nice. I believe being in great shape allows you to stay on high alert for a longer time. This is very important.
Let's say we work the entire night. At some point, one of us needs to make a landing at six or seven o'clock in the morning. Both of us might be tired. There might be some crosswinds, which are more challenging than with column winds. Especially in these situations, you need to stay focused all the way through the landing, until you are at the parking stand.
I do believe that being in great shape and having great fitness allows you to stay mentally alert and healthy for a longer time.
Physical training that I did in the past allowed me to stay or be more consequent when I do things.
Fitness or sports aren't always fun. If you're not motivated to hit the gym, for example, or perform any kind of training or workout, and you still do it, I think it probably trains your mind as well.
This is definitely a huge advantage.
Jackie Morreale (27:05)
What keeps you motivated, Joe, to keep showing up at this high level?
Johannes Schwab (27:09)
Flying is my passion.
I love what I do. I hope that other people have that much fun doing their job and enjoy whatever they do as much as I love what I do. It's not work for me.
Sometimes I don't like to get up early. I'd like to stay in bed at like 3:30AM when the alarm clock rings.
But honestly, the moment when we set a takeoff thrust, and we accelerate on the runway, that's just awesome. It's my passion, and I'm really grateful and happy to have found something I love.
I don't need extra motivation; I just like what I do.
Jackie Morreale (27:43)
Any wisdom to share with somebody else who might want to follow in your footsteps and become a pilot or an aviation professional?
Johannes Schwab (27:51)
Anybody listening: if you're thinking of becoming a pilot, and that's your dream, I can only tell you: Do whatever is required, study hard, get your licenses, and it will pay off.
It's the most awesome job that you can have.
If you're thinking about doing it, go ahead, do it. It's fun.
Jackie Morreale (28:10)
Any shout-outs to anyone in your field who's doing a really great job?
Johannes Schwab (28:13)
Definitely. He's a very close friend of mine. I don't know if he knows it, but I see him as my mentor. His name is Robert. If he's listening, thanks to Robert. He helped me a lot. He taught me a lot. He has so much knowledge. He's also a really awesome person. So thank you to Robert.
Jackie Morreale (28:30)
That's amazing. What is next for you, Johannes Schwab?
Johannes Schwab (28:34)
Something that I really want to do is in the aviation sector. I want to start teaching people on the A320, younger people who just start the type rating.
I want to teach them what I've learned, help them become better, achieve their full potential, and realize how amazing aviation is.
That's something I want to do next.
Jackie Morreale (28:56)
They don't even know how lucky they are that you're interested in giving back to the next gen. That's an amazing next goal for you. you so much, Joe, for taking the time. I know you're busy flying all over the world.
Thank you for doing what you do every day and getting people where they need to be, safely, on time. Thank you so much and have a wonderful day.
Johannes Schwab (29:18)
Thanks, I really had a great time talking to you. You, too. Bye.
To learn more about Austrian Airlines, visit: https://www.austrian.com/
Jackie Morreale (23:34)
To be that guy sitting there, next to a young pilot, 35 years in and multiple type ratings under your belt.
Already, you've done so much. I love what you said before about 'it's everything.'
Let's talk more about decision-making under pressure. In aviation, small decisions have big consequences. How do you stay calm and precise?
Johannes Schwab (23:57)
Before I answer this question, I would like to add that usually we try to avoid situations that require decisions. We prepare to go flying, we check the weather, we check the airports, we check NOTAM, which is a notice to airmen.
In these NOTAM, we sometimes read, 'This airport has two runways, but one of those runways is closed, some navigation facility is unserviceable...' and those are all really important things to know. Or maybe one approach facility is inoperable, so we need to fly a different approach.
If you don't look at those NOTAMs and you get confronted with these situations, five minutes before you need to fly the approach, you are in a situation you don't necessarily want to be in.
I'm coming back to the five P's: if you prepare properly, you can avoid many of these situations in which you need to make difficult decisions. In the aviation industry, we use lots of standard operating procedures.
Following these procedures allows us to make great decisions. We also have an interesting decision-making tool that helps us to make decisions under difficult circumstances.
This is an acronym; it's called FOR-DEC. It means facts, options, risks, decision, execution, and check.
If you follow these things, it really helps with decision-making. I already use this decision-making tool in my private life, once, it worked well.
Jackie Morreale (25:28)
I am overwhelmed by you, Joe. I always knew you were a smart guy, athletic guy. The depth of knowledge that you bring to the aviation career is an incredible thing.
I'm going to bring it back to something that I know a little bit about. You have this background in fitness and athletics. You're a certified fitness instructor. I also have a fitness certification. It's such a crazy thing that we both have it, yours in Europe, mine's in the US. Is there anything from that that you're able to bring into this discipline?
Johannes Schwab (25:53)
Nice. I believe being in great shape allows you to stay on high alert for a longer time. This is very important.
Let's say we work the entire night. At some point, one of us needs to make a landing at six or seven o'clock in the morning. Both of us might be tired. There might be some crosswinds, which are more challenging than with column winds. Especially in these situations, you need to stay focused all the way through the landing, until you are at the parking stand.
I do believe that being in great shape and having great fitness allows you to stay mentally alert and healthy for a longer time.
Physical training that I did in the past allowed me to stay or be more consequent when I do things.
Fitness or sports aren't always fun. If you're not motivated to hit the gym, for example, or perform any kind of training or workout, and you still do it, I think it probably trains your mind as well.
This is definitely a huge advantage.
Jackie Morreale (27:05)
What keeps you motivated, Joe, to keep showing up at this high level?
Johannes Schwab (27:09)
Flying is my passion.
I love what I do. I hope that other people have that much fun doing their job and enjoy whatever they do as much as I love what I do. It's not work for me.
Sometimes I don't like to get up early. I'd like to stay in bed at like 3:30AM when the alarm clock rings.
But honestly, the moment when we set a takeoff thrust, and we accelerate on the runway, that's just awesome. It's my passion, and I'm really grateful and happy to have found something I love.
I don't need extra motivation; I just like what I do.
Jackie Morreale (27:43)
Any wisdom to share with somebody else who might want to follow in your footsteps and become a pilot or an aviation professional?
Johannes Schwab (27:51)
Anybody listening: if you're thinking of becoming a pilot, and that's your dream, I can only tell you: Do whatever is required, study hard, get your licenses, and it will pay off.
It's the most awesome job that you can have.
If you're thinking about doing it, go ahead, do it. It's fun.
Jackie Morreale (28:10)
Any shout-outs to anyone in your field who's doing a really great job?
Johannes Schwab (28:13)
Definitely. He's a very close friend of mine. I don't know if he knows it, but I see him as my mentor. His name is Robert. If he's listening, thanks to Robert. He helped me a lot. He taught me a lot. He has so much knowledge. He's also a really awesome person. So thank you to Robert.
Jackie Morreale (28:30)
That's amazing. What is next for you, Johannes Schwab?
Johannes Schwab (28:34)
Something that I really want to do is in the aviation sector. I want to start teaching people on the A320, younger people who just start the type rating.
I want to teach them what I've learned, help them become better, achieve their full potential, and realize how amazing aviation is.
That's something I want to do next.
Jackie Morreale (28:56)
They don't even know how lucky they are that you're interested in giving back to the next gen. That's an amazing next goal for you. you so much, Joe, for taking the time. I know you're busy flying all over the world.
Thank you for doing what you do every day and getting people where they need to be, safely, on time. Thank you so much and have a wonderful day.
Johannes Schwab (29:18)
Thanks, I really had a great time talking to you. You, too. Bye.
To learn more about Austrian Airlines, visit: https://www.austrian.com/
Continued reading, recommended by Johannes Schwab:
Austria Bird Checklist Paperback – November 21, 2022. By BirdLover (Author).
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Austria Travel Guide 2026: Adventure, Comfort, and Everything in Between: Hidden Gems Local Tips, and Must-See Attractions for an Unforgettable Trip Paperback – February 1, 2026. By Kayden Bates (Author).
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