Politics for Pilots

Within the ranks of pilots that span a wide spectrum from student to Airline Transport Pilot with so many stops in between, there is an enormous amount of specialization. So much so that the word “pilot” becomes little more than a broad category that suggests an industry more than it explains what a given individual does.

Unlike the news reports and financial predictions on television, the weather reports and forecasts actually matter on a day to day basis. Hourly, even. The fronts, the troughs, the ridges, the high and low pressure systems and, of course, those occasional tropical problems all catch the attention of pilots and dispatchers. As they should.

Each one of us has the opportunity to set out on our own adventure. Whether we win or lose in the long run is anyone’s guess. Whether anyone remembers us or what we accomplish is beside the point. Try. Push on to the next big thing. Your next big thing. Even if nobody else cares.   

Frankly — and I think it is long past time the following statement should come into common usage — failure isn’t such a bad thing. Accept failure as a periodic occurrence. Welcome it, even. For failure only comes our way when we aim high and fall somewhat short.

As the holidays approach, it’s a good time to put some conscious thought into those things of great value that require no price tag. Friendships don’t come into our lives with an offer of gift cards, discount coupons, store credit, or easy one-day delivery. Yet, they matter.

There have been many times while in flight when I have looked out to my wings with the knowledge that air flowing over that carefully shaped structure allows for pressures to hold me aloft. The power of lift is undeniable. Yet it is invisible.