What happens when a dedicated test pilot is suddenly grounded—not by mechanical failure, but by the unexpected call to become a caregiver?

In Final Approach, host Jonathan Knaul—a former Canadian Armed Forces tactical helicopter and test pilot, aerospace industry leader, and current test pilot instructor—shares his deeply personal and vulnerable story of navigating one of life’s most difficult transitions: caring for his aging mother with dementia while balancing a high-stakes career. What began as a sudden pivot away from the skies turned into a crash course in compassion, resilience, and the human side of caregiving.

But this podcast is about much more than one man’s story. It’s a space for conversation with others who live and work at the intersection of intense responsibility and deep emotional demands. From fellow pilots and first responders to doctors, military personnel, and others in high-pressure or life-threatening professions, Jonathan invites guests to explore the emotional terrain often hidden behind stoic professionalism.

In each episode, listeners are offered a rare glimpse behind the uniform, the title, or the role—revealing the vulnerabilities, triumphs, and human moments that shape those who spend their lives in service, danger, or constant decision-making. Whether it’s managing a mission in combat or making an end-of-life decision for a loved one, the threads of courage, compassion, and character run parallel.