Tips for Navigating the New World of Education

Are you considering going to an aviation school? It's important to know the coursework and training involved in getting your pilot's license, but it's also helpful to know the characteristics that make a good pilot. Some of these skills can be developed over time, while others are more innate. Consider whether you have these abilities or are willing to work to acquire them before starting a flight school program.

1. Leadership:

Regardless of the type of flight, the pilot is in charge. As the Captain, the pilot is personally responsible to lead the co-pilot, the cabin crew, and anyone else on board. Leadership is dependent on respect. The crew will recognize when a leader is both competent and confidant. Some people are natural leaders, but this quality can also be developed through training and experience.

2. Calmness Under Pressure:

Pilots are required to stay calm in emergency situations to ensure the safety of their crew and passengers. Flight training is intentionally stressful to simulate possible real-world difficulties. Some personalities will react better under pressure, while others will have to practice overcoming nerves that affect their performance.

3. Quick Thinking:

Along with calmness in tough situations, pilots need the ability to make decisions quickly. In aviation school, you will learn a checklist of procedures to follow in certain situations, but sound judgments are still needed to follow the best course of action in a specific circumstance. For example, a pilot might have to choose to commit to an emergency field landing, taking into consideration the wind, land quality, obstacles, and distance involved.

4. Attention to Detail:

Flying requires a lot of attention to detail and critical thinking. Mathematics is an important part of flight training, as well as procedural-based checklists and technical tasks. All of these are essential to a safe and successful flight. For example, the pilot will need to pay attention to the condition of the aircraft, fuel supply, weight balance, communication system, engines, and route navigation. Keeping accurate flight documentation records is also important.

5. Communication:

While good communication skills are valuable in any profession, they are essential for a pilot. A pilot and controller communicate all aspects of a flight from the takeoff to the landing. Inaccurate or unclear communication in these situations can prove disastrous. Pilots also communicate with the crew and passengers on each flight and must deliver clear instructions during emergencies.

Flying is not just an exciting profession; it takes an incredible amount of self-discipline and dedication. A commitment to these five characteristics will serve you well as you consider a path to aviation.