What makes a real aviator?

[flyingwildfires]

A question for you.....
I was having a conversation recently with an attorney, who had asked me, a bit testily, why pilots were all so "different". He wanted to know what personality trait, or perhaps flaw, makes pilots so driven, to do what they do, and take the risks they take. He ended by asking what I thought made up a REAL pilot.

I (foolishly) tried to explain it but don't know if I did. You know -- fair skies, slipping the surly bonds, the wind in our hair, all that frigging crap pilots find hard to put into words to someone who doesn't fly. How do you sum up what makes a real aviator? A true airman? Whatever those words are that explain why we want to keep doing it....

Just a sentence or two... how do you explain it? Or do you even try?

 

[becket]

Real pilots don't takes "risks" That's for the movies. maybe you should have explained that to him.

 

[terryhfly]

Ray-Bans, Leather Jacket(with navy patches) and of course CFIs with license plates that say "AV8TOR". I guess you could even include pilots that have the bumper sticker "My Other Car is a Cessena".

 

[dav8or]

Ray-Bans, Leather Jacket(with navy patches) and of course CFIs with license plates that say "AV8TOR". I guess you could even include pilots that have the bumper sticker "My Other Car is a Cessena".

You left out the big watch. Everyone knows you can't be a real pilot without one.

 

[flywithastick]

You left out the big watch. Everyone knows you can't be a real pilot without one.

That's pretty good, but I think it comes down to -

A real pilot is willing to put up a little risk (as compared to sitting on the couch watching football) to enjoy the benefit of a nice view and a greaser crosswind landing.

A real pilot would enjoy flying any airplane.

A real pilot won't hesitate to tell you how good they fly and gladly take up a good conversation about anything related to flying.

A real pilot does not judge aviating satisfaction by how much money, if any, is made or what equipment one is flying.

just a couple of thoughts...

 

[Vladimir Lenin]

What makes a real aviator?

PFT

 

[fr0g]

any pilot can be a driver, however, a real aviator is an *artist*

 

[sky37d]

I find that there is a real joy in flying. I haven't done it in months now, can't even find the darn gate card that would let me go visit my airplane. My wife says when I come back from flying, my spirits are lifted, I'm a happier person. She's right. There is something about flying, precision, personal accomplishment, the view from up there, the skill level, the absolute joy in flying. I tell people that anyone can fly, but landing is kinda like pulling into your one car garage, doing 100 MPH as you clear the door. Everything has to be right on. They don't get it, but they try to understand.

How do you tell if there is a pilot at a party? He'll tell you. Yeah, there is some ego, rightly so. Last I looked, there are about 600K pilots on the FAA database. There are 230MM people in the USA, that's 1 pilot for every 383 people. When I got my instrument, I was really happy, because excluding the professional pilots, abt 300K of them, being PP, ME, I, I was in a real minority. The accomplishments we achieve are inspiring. Look at Top Gun, 12 OClock high, the Right Stuff, movies of inspiration for the poor clods who drive everywhere. I know, I was one of them for a bazillion years. Now I am one of you.

 

[enigma]

A "real" aviator is a pilot who knows when to be scared, and knows how to avoid being scared. He got that way by having been scared and having been blessed with survival.

regards,
enigma

 

[Publishers]

Aviator

There is a story about Doug Flutie who when in was in New England was found playing touch football at 10pm with his buddies after he had played quarterback that afternoon in the NFL.

I had a friend who was an MD11 driver for a major who volunteered to fly confiscated aircraft for the customs service and was rebuilding a DC3.

Another NW captain just bought a glider school here is south Florida. Just to hear him talk about soaring and you knew he was an aviator.

To me aviators are the guys that at night shut off all the radio's and lights in the cockpit and think they are in heaven. They are the guys and ladies who do not love being a pilot, but love to fly. They do not take risks when flying but risk to fly.

 

[350DRIVER]

A real aviator is always looking to improve his skills, abilities, knowledge, and someone who proves "why" he deserves that position day in and day out. He is also someone who "earned" that position through hard work, desire, dedication, years of service, etc, etc, etc,... He is also one that makes a "difference" in his community through helping others and sharing the love of aviation to the less fortunate who would not have had the chance/opportunity to enjoy the world of flight.

3 5 0

 

[flyingwildfires]

Thanks

I am sure enjoying these posts from everyone.. very good points, and so well put...

thanks.

we are a fortunate group!

 

[avbug]

A real pilot is willing to put up a little risk

Perhaps, but a professional pilot uses judgement to mitigate and minimize risk; risk isn't acceptable; it suggests chance. Hobbiests are willing to take a risk; thrill seekers are willing to take risk. A professional makes good decisions so it's not necessary.

Real pilots have a beer gut, three ex-wives, a drinking problem on the side, at least one illigitimate child, and a holier than thou attitude that couldn't be stopped with a mac truck.

 

[WrightAvia]

Real pilots don't takes "risks" That's for the movies. maybe you should have explained that to him.

Real AVIATORS are masters of risk and skill assessment.

Real AVIATORS critique every flight and are capable of acknowledging mistakes.

Real AVIATORS never stop learning. They never do ALL the talking and find the patience to listen.

 

[flint4xx]

Perhaps you should answer your friends' question with a question...

Why are all lawyers____________? You guys can fill in the blanks.

 

[hydroflyer]

I agree with all of the above posts. There is no real way to explain why we do what we do, you just have to experience it. I changed my avatar to relect that, it shows just one of the many things I enjoy about my job. How about also seeing the "aviator's halo" or cruising along skimming the tops of an overcast layer at sunset? I can't count how many times I've seen a meteor entering the atmosphere at night. Also think of your first solo, you just can't describe it. There are some awsome sights out there that most people will never see or experience.

 

[becket]

Real AVIATORS never stop learning. They never do ALL the talking and find the patience to listen.

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Date Registered: 07-15-2002
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Date Registered: 12-05-2001
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At 1270 posts, one has to wonder who is doing all the talking.

Sorry to offend your self image.

 

[WrightAvia]

haha...at least I know how to work the VB code.

And I never said I was a REAL AVIATOR.