Gear Up: On Becoming a Better Pilot

Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 12:16 AM ET

Verified

** A DC-4 operated by Buffalo Airways sits in
the snow. As any true Ice Pilots addict
knows, it pays to think ahead and be ready
to adapt to changing conditions as needed.**

Key Takeaways:

Even after 45 years of flying, the author discovered significant opportunities for improvement, emphasizing that continuous learning is vital for all pilots.
The most impactful learning came from flying as a first officer with experienced Learjet captains, highlighting the value of mentorship and collaborative flight environments.
Specific professional habits adopted include immediate brake testing post-landing, meticulous runway clearance, and precision in all aspects of approach and speed control.
These experiences fostered a more vigilant, proactive, and anticipatory mindset, improving overall safety and professionalism beyond single-pilot habits.

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Hold on. I know the title is trite. Your enthusiasm for reading further may be at a low point, but hang on for a minute. I mean to persuade you that this is something other than a cliched rehash of admonishments to stabilize your approach.

It is hard to believe that, after flying continuously for 45 years, I might be learning something new. It is hard to comprehend that after rocking along in the same airplane, a Cheyenne turboprop, for 13 years, that there might be some things I could do better. Yet both statements are true.