You’re not a pilot unless you are flying. Maybe you once were a pilot, or are one in spirit, or perhaps continue to be a pilot on paper (compliant in satisfying regulatory definitions). But in my eyes, until you pull back on the yoke and defy gravity’s ancient pull, you aren’t one. I did not fly for 198 days this year—the longest gap between flights since earning my certificate seven years ago. During that time, I fortified my status as an aviation aficionado, but I stopped being a pilot.
Leading Edge: Act As If
Key Takeaways:
- The author experienced a nearly 200-day hiatus from flying, stemming from a traumatic 2017 gear-up accident that severely impacted his confidence.
- To address his reluctance and improve his aircraft, he undertook a six-month, comprehensive restoration of his Beech Bonanza, upgrading its engine, avionics, and interior to the highest possible standards.
- Despite lingering anxiety, he successfully completed test flights and a solo journey in his rebuilt plane, ultimately overcoming his fear and triumphantly reclaiming his identity as a pilot.
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