Mastering The Zen Of Flying

Around 600 BCE, Lao Tzu quit a good government job to seek his fulfillment in nature. He summarized his resulting thoughts in the Tao Te Ching, which can be translated as something like The Way of Nature. Its central tenet is that wisdom can be achieved by accepting reality and its causes, and responding accordingly. Questioning or pushing back against nature causes disharmony. In essence, one must go with the flow of nature to avoid unhappiness.

Key Takeaways:

• The article advocates for applying Lao Tzu's Taoist philosophy—accepting reality and "going with the flow" of nature—to improve aeronautical decision-making.
• Pilots should plan thoroughly but remain flexible and adaptable, prioritizing safety by being willing to modify plans, deviate, or abort a flight in response to unfolding conditions rather than rigidly adhering to an initial plan.
• This "Zen Master Aviator" mindset involves practical strategies such as departing early, carrying emergency funds, and detaching from strict arrival commitments to mitigate "get-there-itis" and avoid cognitive lock-in.

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