Among the various fascinating denizens of the air sharing our friendly skies, there are a great many creatures of habit — but perhaps none quite to the degree of the common airline pilot. This species, to which I belong, takes great pride and comfort in its everyday routines, the highly scripted rituals of flight and furrow, heavens and hearth. Which explains why I am feeling distinctly out of place as I enter the Boeing 757’s expansive cockpit (newly clean-shaven, polyester uniform a bit too pressed and starched) after a six-week absence.
Taking Wing: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Key Takeaways:
- An airline pilot describes his unique lifestyle of intentionally taking extended annual breaks (6-7 months) to sail the Caribbean, returning periodically to fly commercial routes.
- He shares his practical strategies for efficiently re-acclimating and maintaining peak competence in the cockpit after long absences, including pre-flight review and conscious, analytical flying.
- The author reflects on the differing demands of various flying roles, noting the relative ease of returning to the Boeing 757/767 compared to more challenging past aircraft, and the importance of active engagement beyond legal currency minimums.
- He embraces his "double life," finding both the structured routine of airline flying and the freedom of sailing and general aviation deeply fulfilling and complementary.
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