love | Inner Art of Airmanship Blog

If you’re looking for a formula

Quote is from the book Tools of Titans. It’s not fast or exciting or sexy. It’s more diligent checklist than Top Gun Mach 2 hair on fire. But it’s how the good get great. Maria Popova is a Bulgarian writer, blogger, and critic living in Brooklyn, New York. She is known for her wonderful blog BrainPickings.org. Original photo is two KC-135 Stratotanker pilots from the 74th Air Refueling Squadron reviewing checklists prior to an approach (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Shane A. Cuomo).

Surfing perpetual pursuit

By Dave English

World Surf League Champion 11 times, Kelly Slater clearly didn’t stop learning when he reached the top. And as someone who is 50, I can tell you, getting better at flying is also a lifelong journey.

Maya Angelou on becoming a great pilot

By Dave English

At an airshow I admire the biplanes, the jets, the smoke and the sounds. But the persistence of the pilots to get this good is most amazing.

Living the dream

By Dave English

From the first hour of flight training, realize that you are already ‘living the dream!’ Eric Auxier. Airline captain and writer.

Live the warrior’s life

By Dave English

In Greek mythology, Telamon is son of the king Aeacus of Aegina. He accompanied Jason as one of the Argonauts, and was present at the hunt for the Calydonian Boar. I don’t think he ever flew airplanes. But his words are forever true. It’s good to study aerodynamics, regulations and hydraulic systems. But study is never enough. We must also do. The preflight at 04:30. In the cold. In the rain. We must live the warrior’s life.