Duarte Lopes

SAFETY·AWARENESS· WELLBEING

A person wearing a pilot's uniform, headset, and sunglasses is seated in an airplane cockpit.
CAPTAIN

DUARTE LOPES

Two of Captain Duarte Lopes’ life goals are to keep a curious mind, and to make connections that might seem improbable. He likes to ask “Why not?” and finds that, from the perspective of the beginner, the world is filled with endless possibilities.
During his career as an airline pilot, Captain Duarte has experienced high stress / high demand situations over short and long periods of time. He’s seen firsthand the impact this has had on himself, as well as on other aviator’s professional and personal lives and mental and physical health. As a result, he feels compelled to find solutions for these problems. As he looked into other high stress/ high demand professions, such as first responders, medical staff, ambulance drivers, security forces, ATC controllers, and even stock market brokers/dealers, he noticed some similar patterns connected with the impact of these professions.
After starting a Peer Support Group based on Critical Incident Stress Management, it became clear to Captain Duarte that prevention and awareness is paramount for individuals and organizations; he also found that honest and frank discussion are key. We must be willing to have the difficult conversations and become proactive instead of reactive.
Two pilots sit in an aircraft cockpit, with one adjusting controls overhead and the other operating instrumentation, against a backdrop of blue sky and clouds.
A blue and white commercial airplane is parked at an airport gate, with ground crew and boarding stairs in front of the aircraft.
As the science began to grow, Captain Duarte became interested in mindfulness-based approaches to wellbeing. He found that Mindful Awareness Practices (MAP’s) offer effective support in life-coaching, CRM, mentoring, and training within the aviation sector. MAP’s support our ability to explore different perspectives and build bridges. Their benefits and techniques have also proven useful in a wider scope as part of his Peer Support System.
Now, he believes there really are endless possibilities to improve the quality of life for fellow aviators.

AN insightful interview with Michelle Wescott, a licensed professional counselor specializing in aviation psychology.

Watch Captain O's exclusive interview with Michelle Westcott where Michelle provides practical advice for those in the aviation community and their families.

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Dr. Tiger Describes steps you can take today to reduce stress in your life.

Watch Captain O's exclusive interview with Dr. Robyn Tiger, of the "Stress Free MD Podcast."

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