Being a pilot. - Come Fly With Me!

You already have wings. All you have to do is FLY.
- Author Unknown.

When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.
- Leonardo Da Vinci

BEING A PILOT

"Aviation is proof that, given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible." Eddir Rickenbacker.

Becoming a pilot is more than just attending the flight training, ground classes, and passing the flight tests. It requires the perfect harmony of attitude and skills required in becoming a good and safe one.
How can an aspiring pilot determine that he can become one? What are the characteristics of a good pilot?

If you recognize the traits of the opposite list in yourself, you might have some predispositions for flying and dealing with all aspects of flight. Of course, most of those traits can be developed through serious training and it is the flight instructor’s job and responsibility to make sure you develop them as he also works around and with your personality.

Do you have what it takes?

Pilots are expected to be physically and mentally healthy. They are always expected to be in-sync with reality as the nature of their work calls for constantly testing reality. Here are a few more characteristics expected from a good pilot.

A Pilot has Command and Authority

Good pilots know how and when to take command. They do not waste time by hesitating but know exactly what steps are necessary to take. They are confident in their skills and step up to take responsibility for the safety of each flight.

A Pilot knows how to self-evaluate

Pilots know how to resolve problems and weaknesses on their own. They do not shrink whenever things do not go as expected or planned. They know how to accept responsibility and make sure to improve their skills on the next flight.

A Pilot knows how to respect

A good pilot knows how to respect others, flight regulations, flight procedures and processes of a flight. They always make taking safe behaviors on top priority because they respect all that is on-board the (passengers and/or cargo) and most of all, the vehicle they fly.

A Pilot knows he needs recurrent flight training

To become a successful pilot, one needs training and recurrent flight training–even when you have flown more than 50,000 hours because you know that only in recurrent flight training and practice one grows and increases confidence on skills in taking flight.

A Pilot values humility

A successful pilot knows there are others who can be better than them so they continually seek for advice from experienced pilots to have a safer, better, and more efficient way to handle tasks.

A Pilot plans

A successful pilot performs the plan-do-check-analyze cycle. A successful pilot plans their flight carefully before execution. While on flight, they make sure to check performance parameters predicted for a flight for safety. If the performance parameters predicted are not met, they analyze and give resolution to areas in which they can improve to make sure they are within standard performance parameters. Upon landing, a pilot analyzes their flight performance and look for ways to improve on the next flight. A good plan is part of the good pilot's decision making and should never be ignored.

A Pilot is precise and determined

A successful pilot knows that being precise is the only way to have a successful flight. They always strive to be precise in airspeed, heading, and proper altitude. They are determined that only infrequent flying and training one can achieve experience and improvement in skills and performance.

You have what it takes?

Grow some wings,
Come fly with me!