Rainy Days and Sundays...

As I sit here on a rainy, dreary Sunday in my pjs, cup of coffee to enjoy, having just discussed the finer points of my husband's latest project...Heads Up Holds (shameless plug inserted here: Aero Safety January 26th a seminar open to all interested in making instrument flying a little easier)...and preparing for a full week ahead it hits me how my pilot skills infuse in my life skills.

It always amazes me how the skills we learn as a pilot become the same tools that we use to pilot through this thing called life. People pay lots of money these days to have personal coaches to share techniques that as pilots we also have spent lots of money to learn in a much different realm. Pre-flight planning...pilots know the importance of preflight planning to guarantee the success and safety of each and every flight.

As I sit here with my schedules open, emails open, to do lists and notes spread out on the coffee table and sofa burying the cushions and the cat...I realize that rainy days and Sundays offer the opportunity for me to preflight the week ahead. I am able to look at the responsibilities, appointments, classes and lessons ahead and make a plan to utilize my resources and time so that I can successfully and safely navigate each event. Ahh...as the checklist offers the security that I haven't forgotten any necessary item during each phase of the flight...my to do's and calendar offer me the same security.

By having a plan laid out before stepping out the door tomorrow, I know that the inevitable deviations from my plan have less of an opportunity to distract me to the point of getting lost. I can simply navigate around them, maintaining my situational awareness and maneuver back on course. I may need to recalculate my resources and maybe land at an alternate to gather my thoughts and plan the best way to eventually arrive at my original destination.

It is very important to be aware of limitations and be able to deviate. Without looking at the big picture and knowing where we are going...this is impossible.

Off topic but of possible interest to those of you that have been flying for many moons...check out this website...brought back memories of trips with my dad in his Luscombe when I was a VERY little girl.

http://www.airfields-freeman.com/NJ/Airfield_NJ_NW.htm

Enjoy!

The Zen of Flying...what is this?

I have been a pilot for over half my life. I have been teaching other people to be pilots for half that time. My happiest hours are those where my feet are off the ground and I am above the pettiness that keeps us bound. Flying is a total release. Flying is about seeing the world from the inside out and the outside in all at the same time.

The Zen of Flying is about becoming such a part of the plane that in reality the pilot is the most essential part of the plane...the pilot is the brain. I just saw the movie, Avatar, last weekend and as I write this I can't help but realize that the airplane is the pilot's Avatar. The airplane is the body that allows the pilot the ability to do what he/she is meant to do...fly.

All pilot's have one common thread. That thread is their need to be in or at least close to the sky. It is as much a survival element as breathing. The pilot's mental health relies on flying like their body relies on breath to function healthfully.

I would like to share in my following blogs the way that I choose to look at aviation. I choose to look at the artistic side of what many view as a science. I look forward to feedback from readers and hope to share my passion with as many people as possible.