Growing up as a pilot

Flying magazine has a great article in the current (June) issue by John Zimmerman, ‘Growing up as a pilot: Transitioning from fear to mastery’. The last paragraph is: “Done properly, the relentless pursuit of flying mastery can transform aviation from a hobby into a life-changing commitment. Understanding how your mind works, confronting risk and pushing yourself to learn new skills aren’t easy, but neither is growing up nor raising kids. Major life events — and flying definitely qualifies — often force you to confront who you really are, understand your fears and conquer your weaknesses.” I want to grow up … Continue reading Growing up as a pilot

Pablo Picasso on what counts

The plane knows nothing of your intentions to soar like an eagle. The plane knows nothing of your good intentions about being a safe, smooth, expert pilot. Carefully reading the checklist, actually checking the weather, applying the right rudder pressure, these are the things that count. Don’t intend to be a great pilot. Just work on being a good pilot. The eagle thing will come. (Pablo Picasso quote is from his ‘Statement to Marius De Mayas’, 1923.)

What’s your ambition?

Michael Schumacher is a seven-time Formula One World Champion, and widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. What’s your ambition? To be an OK pilot? Just mediocre? Or are you going to work on being better? It’s not luck or talent. It’s work. And it’s your choice. (Quote from Daily Mail newspaper, 13 September 2006.)

Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise

There are loads of self-help books. Boat loads, as they say. Some are good. Most are not. This new book—part self-help, part popular science—won’t help you lose weight or find inner peace; but if you want to learn to fly, or get better at piloting, or be the best pilot in the world in some airplane or mission—this is the best book you will read this year. It’s written by Anders Ericsson, the lead psychology researcher who’s spent his career studying how humans acquire expertise, and Robert Pool, a science writer. How the good become great. It was his research … Continue reading Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise