Welcome to another episode of Final Approach. I’m your host, Jonathan Knaul, and this week’s episode is a heartfelt journey through aviation achievement, family bonds, and the realities of caregiving, all told through the story of my good friend and colleague, Steve Rainey (call sign “Hooter”). We sit down at my home in Palmdale, CA, to talk about the high-flying world of test pilots, but more importantly, the grounded challenges of caring for loved ones.

In this episode, I introduce Steve, whose legendary aviation resume includes serving as the lead and chief test pilot on the F-22 Raptor for Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Air Force. We discuss his storied career, including his beginnings in rural Illinois, first flight experiences, and transitions through the Air Force Academy, Naval Test Pilot School, and flying the world’s largest wingspan aircraft at Stratolaunch.

But our conversation takes a much more personal turn as Steve opens up about his recent journey as a caregiver to his father. He shares the emotional, logistical, and financial challenges faced when caring for aging parents, from remote monitoring, securing home caregivers, and navigating the health system, to the heartbreak of loss and the importance of community support.

We reflect on the family environment at National Test Pilot School (NTPS), the power of having a strong support system—both at work and in personal life—and how being part of a caring team makes all the difference, especially during life’s toughest moments.

1. From Cockpits to Caring: Even the most accomplished professionals, including test pilots, face vulnerable moments—like those spent caring for aging parents. Sharing these stories helps normalize them and makes us stronger.
2. Value of Family & Support: Having a “family” at work, and a strong network of friends and colleagues, is invaluable when dealing with personal challenges.
3. Caregiving Realities: The transition to caregiving often comes with complex emotions, guilt, and logistical struggles, especially when negotiating between independence, dignity, and safety for loved ones.
4. Finding Good Help: Sometimes, the best caregiving resources come from personal connections, not just online searches or formal channels.
5. Cherish the Present: Spend time with your loved ones—don’t wait for “next time.” Those moments are precious and finite.
6. Aviation Community Lessons: The test pilot community’s emphasis on collaboration, safety, and mutual support has valuable lessons for caregiving—don’t try to do it alone.
7. Emotional Honesty Matters: Embracing and expressing emotion, even in traditionally stoic professions, is a form of true strength.

If you’re moved by Steve Rainey’s story or facing your own caregiving journey, I encourage you to visit finalapproachbook.com. There, you can join our caregiving community, sign up for our newsletter packed with support and tips, and learn more about my book, Final Approach: A Test Pilot Story of Caring for Loved Ones, available in print, audio, and ebook formats.

If you’re a caregiver, know that you are not alone. Reach out, share your experiences, and build your support network—just...