Flying Words of Wisdom
 

Howdy folks! I am fortunate to have a family member entering USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training next month, and want to provide some words of wisdom leading to a (hopefully long) flying career. However, despite 30+ years and thousands of flying hours, I know that I do NOT know it all...not even close. So to that end, I am soliciting your best flying "sound bites" that--when remembered and followed--can save a young (or not-so-young) pilot. Things like: "Aviate, navigate, THEN communicate," etc. Thanks much in advance, and fly safe. :)

If you don't learn something on each flight, you're not doing it right.

When I was a kid, my mom (a private pilot) used to like to say,

"There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots."

My Dad (a career pilot and man of few words) would just look at me and shake his head and say, "Don't be stupid". Pretty much sums it up.

When I got to USAF pilot training, they told us

The 3 most useless things in aviation are;

1. runway behind you.

2. airspace above you

3. fuel in the truck.

That and, "Airspeed is Life! Altitude is Life Insurance!"

Fly every flight as if your child/spouse/mom/grandma is riding in the back seat.

I have this same old poster my dad gave to me years ago. I think it sums up the reality of flying nicely.

http://i1.cpcache.com/product/800053...all_poster.jpg

Thanks much, folks...keep 'em coming!

If something looks f#*$@! up,it is!

1.Be nice to the people on the way up,,,, up may need them on the way down. .... This goes for mechanics, crew , fellow pilots, secretaries etc.
2. I tell my F/O's ... teach me what your favorite captains are doing. Tell me what your least favorite captains are doing.
3. Listen to that little voice in the back of you mind that tells you something is not right.
4. When you get out of your normal routine , take a Safety pause and recheck everything and or do the checklist again.
5. For your career... Stay in touch and keep a data base of all your classmates and colleagues . Many jobs and upward mobility rely on networking. See #1...
Good luck.

1. No fast hands in the cockpit (emergency/malfunction).
2. Aimpoint, Airspeed, Centerline.
3. Nothing good happens after someone says, "watch this".
4. Waveoffs are free.

For SUPT? Here's a few. Most I learned the hard way:

1. Shut up and Listen.
2. The IP is right. Getting in an argument with the IP will not end well for you.
3. Should you think the IP is mistaken, see item 2.
4. You cannot graduate from UPT solo.
5. Have a thick skin.
6. Leave any prior knowledge of flying and/or arrogance at the door.

On a more humorous note:

• Go-arounds are free.
• The only things you should say are "2," "Lead it appears you're on fire" (because Lead can d**n well figure out whether or not s/he's on fire), and "save the ugly one for me."
• You start flying with a full bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The goal is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck.
• Don't do anything Dumb, Dangerous, or Different
• Suck less tomorrow.