by Mark Baker
AOPA President & CEO
Published in Midwest Flyer – October/November 2019 issue
If you’re like me, you’re friends with a lot of pilots and aviation enthusiasts, and it’s safe to assume your social media pages were ablaze with “Top Gun” posts following the release this summer of the sequel’s two-minute trailer. It’s no surprise that the classic 1986 film featuring rebel fighter pilots, top-notch military action, and Mach speed is a hit with pilots. In fact, following the film’s release, the U.S. Navy reported its highest application rates, which got me thinking: Could Hollywood be the answer to attracting the next generation?
Probably not, but Tom Cruise, equipped with a leather jacket, aviator glasses, and an inverted F-14, sure makes being a pilot look cool. And maybe that’s the trick – the cool factor. While most of us don’t have our sights set on the level of recognition garnered by legendary greats, such as Bob Hoover or John Glenn, we all share an appreciation and excitement for aviation. Regardless of whether you make a huge name for yourself in this industry, and whether flying is a part of your life or your whole life, there’s no question that we belong to a niche group. So, what makes a pilot?
For starters, confidence is key. I’m not talking about Maverick-like arrogance, but rather the ability to make decisions and stick with them. It’s a transferable trait that can be applied to other aspects of life. Some of the best business leaders I know are war veterans who flew B-17s and Corsairs in their glory days. It makes sense. Leaders are often good decision-makers, able to consume large amounts of information quickly, and aren’t opposed to risk – all qualities that make up a confident pilot.
While you’ll have a hard time finding a pilot who lacks confidence, it’s not the only trait one should possess. Humility is also crucial. Veteran pilots can log thousands of hours, but the best pilots are willing to learn from each flight.
Pilots must also be good communicators. Contrary to popular belief, we aren’t all extroverts who crave small talk and mingling at hangar parties. In aviation, however, clear communications are important. Behind the yoke, we must make our intentions known, whether it’s to ATC, to other aircraft in the vicinity, or even to the radio silence at a grassy airstrip in the middle of nowhere.
Finally, one of the most important qualities of a good pilot is the ability to remain calm under pressure. That’s easier said than done. When you fly often, emergencies are bound to arise. It’s not that easy to remain calm when your aircraft suddenly gets struck by lightning, or a vital instrument fails in adverse conditions, but the unexpected does happen; it’s just a matter of when.
We all have our strengths and weaknesses when flying. One pilot may be an ace when keying up the mic, while others may take longer to learn basic stick-and-rudder skills. But we’re all aware that these traits working in harmony are what make a good, safe pilot – you don’t have to do a low pass over the airport blasting Danger Zone to feel like a renegade. You can fly low and slow in your Piper Cub with the freedom to be an adventurer, while exploring remote mountainsides, and landing on glassy water and backcountry terrain. Being a pilot will never lose its cool factor. Once we show that to the next generation, they’ll truly understand why we love what we do.
