visualization

I can’t get no

By Dave English

“I was never satisfied with simply doing well. Even after getting a good result in a test or a flight, if I’d made a mistake I would want to fix that mistake and ensure I got it perfect for the next time. Back in our quarters I would run my own debrief. I’d go through a flight over and over, thinking through what I should’ve done and reinforcing in my mind what I would do in the future. I was very big into visualising — replaying a sight picture over and over the way it should unfold — and inevitably … Continue reading I can’t get no

Brain simulator

By Dave English

Simulators cost millions of dollars. But all of us can use our ‘brain simulators’ to become better pilots. Mélanie Astles is a five time French Aerobatic Champion and now is the first woman to compete in the Red Bull Air Races. Quote comes from an article in espnW.com by Tony Rehagen: For pilot Melanie Astles, to air is divine (15 October 2016).

Astronaut Chris Hadfield on negative thinking

By Dave English

“Self-help gurus are always advising us to think positively and envisage success, but it’s about as helpful as thinking about cupcakes. Just thinking about them isn’t going to help. It’s more important to think what could go wrong with a mission. Visualize failings, not success. That’s what’s essential to survival as an astronaut. I was an astronaut for 21 years, but I only spent six months in space. The rest of the time, I was looking into every detail that might have gone wrong during a mission. Once you’ve understood all the potential risks and you’re forewarned against them, fear no longer … Continue reading Astronaut Chris Hadfield on negative thinking