Becoming a pilot deals with so much more than just being able to pilot a plane back and forth from one airport to another. Becoming a “real” pilot is developing yourself into a safer aviator. Learning these values is important in getting your pilot certificate, not just your raw skill in performing maneuvers and doing takeoffs and landings.
Safety is of utmost importance when flying. Irregardless of their size and their seeming bulk, airplanes are really delicate machines at heart. So how does one ensure that he becomes a safe pilot that anyone can trust? Let me break it to you: It takes a lot of dedication to become a safer pilot, much more than the process of learning the basic requirements to pass your test. It is not impossible though, with time and proper training, you would be able to obtain the needed skills in order to make you a very safe pilot.
Practice Frequently
When you’re still a student pilot, you have lots and lots of opportunities to cultivate the necessary skills for safe flying. It is the best time to practice because, at that time, you have an instructor that always has your back and will always correct you if you did something wrong. It’s important to continue that practice even when you’re a private pilot on your own. Don’t let your flight review be the only time you ever receive instruction. Make it a habit to get up there. Try aerobatics, gliding, or go for your sea plane rating! Anything!
Pay Attention to Your Instructor
Looks like i’ve gone to preaching now! But you know your instructor plays an intricate role in how you develop as a pilot. Now let me be the first to tell you that not all instructors were not created equally. Many pilots become instructors just to make an extra buck as they build time for a future job. Regardless use your instructor to the fullest extent. Learn all you can and pay attention to him or her. Not everyone can become a flight instructor they’ve been there and done that and i’m sure have some great information to share.
Always Keep Your Wits About Yourself
Another trait that makes up a safe pilot is keeping cool in the cockpit. To fly in an orderly and safe fashion, you need to be very calm. Though there is great pressure especially when carrying precious cargo (i.e. passengers) you shouldn’t give in to it and instead keep your mind on the necessary procedures. Calmness and prudence would come in really handy when the pressures of flying strike.
Avoid Being Overconfident
One pitfall that any pilot can fall into is oveconfidence, especially for those that are already highly rated. It’s that hazardous “macho” attitude. For example, some pilots go willingly into a potential IMC scenario because they are confident in their instrument skills and, more often than not, get themselves into accidents that could have otherwise been avoided had they not been too confident on their skills.
It is a fact that flight schools instill confidence into the minds of their students and potential pilots. This is to help them maintain a calm mind during flights especially in difficult situations. However, it is one thing to foolishly risk yourself and your passengers even if the situation calls for a diversion just because you have too much confidence on yourself. Remember, as a pilot in charge of lives, that your passengers lives are more important than personal ego.
Stick to the Regulations
The rules are there for a reason. We’ve learned this mantra since childhood. Safety in the cockpit starts when you can fully understand and comprehend the rules. The regulations keep in mind are not a buffet table ie: I’ll take a little bit of this and this, but leave that. You need to learn all the rules and apply them to your everyday flying.
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