Becoming a Better Pilot
Welcome to the very first issue of Beyond Aviation’s newsletter - Hangar Talk!
This issue is all about becoming a better pilot. A good pilot is one who is always learning, but a great pilot practices what they have learned. If you’re like me, you’ve probably watched the ESPN special about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls called The Last Dance. What really caught my attention was hearing Michael Jordan’s teammates talk about his approach to practice. According to them, MJ’s intensity was at its peak during practice. This way, he was so prepared during games that he could just show up, drop 50 points, and hit the game-winning shot. It was his approach to practice, his preparation, and his dedication to being the best he could that transformed him into the greatest player in the history of professional basketball.
As pilots, we can learn a lot from Jordan’s approach to basketball, specifically how he practiced. At Beyond Aviation, we offer many courses designed to help you practice and, in turn, enhance your skills and improve your confidence. In this issue, we will discuss topics such as flight reviews and Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC). It’s one thing to complete these objectives to ensure you are compliant, but what can you learn during these critical lessons spent with a flight instructor? These are opportunities to expand your knowledge and improve your skill set.
Beyond Aviation is dedicated to helping you. I would encourage you to think about your flying skills and point out which areas need practice. Do you lack confidence when landing with a crosswind? Are your instrument skills good enough to get by, but not good enough to fly in actual weather conditions? Are you worried about flying with your friend or significant other who isn’t a pilot? Jordan was the best because he practiced with the best, and I recommend you do the same: spend more time with a flight instructor. A flight instructor will help you improve your own game so that you can fly with confidence and shoot that approach down to minimums while greasing that crosswind landing.
Bill Diamond