It’s easy to forget one of the reasons I became an airline pilot in this age of aviation technology that includes FMS, RVSM, ADS-B, RNAV/RNP, ACARS, VNAV and CAT III, plus the effects of 9/11, bankruptcy, retirement plan terminations, contentious contract negotiations and the normal stresses of a professional aviation career. Not that I completely forgot, but rather I was pleasantly reminded just recently. I’ll tell you how in a moment.
Jumpseat: A Reminder of Why I Chose My Career
Key Takeaways:
- The author pursued an airline pilot career from a young age, driven by a childhood dream, and focused intently on qualifications and advancement, sometimes losing sight of the simple joy of flying.
- An unexpected experience flying a Super Cub as a young flight instructor re-ignited his passion for the pure act of hand-flying, especially taildraggers from grass strips.
- Despite his career progressing to highly automated airline jets, he always held onto the "act of flying," eventually completing a "full circle" by owning a simple taildragger to reconnect with the fundamental pleasure that first inspired his aviation journey.
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