My son and I just finished reading one of my favorite books! If you have ever flown with me, or spent more than five minutes with me in the office preparing for a flight, you probably have heard how much I love the book “An Astronauts guide to Life on Earth” by Col. Chris Hadfield. So, I thought I would recap some of the main takeaways from the book and discuss how they apply in life and in aviation.
1. Stay sharp through relentless preparation: Think of it like this - just like an astronaut trains endlessly for their mission, as a pilot you gotta keep honing your skills! Stay updated on all the latest regulations, meticulously plan for every flight, and never stop practicing those maneuvers. It's all about being ready for anything up there.
2. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination: Rather than fixating solely on the end goal (such as reaching space or completing a checkride), Col. Hadfield advocates for focusing on the process and enjoying the journey. In aviation, this could mean appreciating the experience of flying itself and continually seeking improvement rather than solely aiming for specific milestones.
3. See challenges as opportunities to shine: Alright, so maybe you hit a rough patch during a flight simulation or face a tricky maneuver. Don't sweat it! Treat those challenges like your personal flight training gym. Embrace them, learn from them, and watch yourself soar higher than ever before.
4. Keep that positive vibe flowing: Despite the inherent risks and challenges of space travel, Col. Hadfield emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and mindset. This is crucial in aviation as well, where staying calm and composed during emergencies or unexpected situations can be lifesaving.
5. Open comms: Communication is key! Just like astronauts rely on clear communication during their missions, you gotta keep those lines of communication open and crisp. Whether it's chatting with passengers or talking to air traffic control and your crew, smooth communication keeps the skies safe and friendly.
6. Never stop learning, keep flying the plane: Imagine yourself as a perpetual student of the skies. Stay hungry for knowledge! Whether it's brushing up on the latest aviation tech or mastering new safety protocols, keep that learning curve steep. It's what keeps you flying high and loving every minute of it!
The biggest takeaways for you as a pilot are to prepare relentlessly, focus on the process, embrace challenges, maintain a positive attitude, practice effective communications, and embrace a mindset of continuous learning.
Pick up an audible copy of “Astronaut’s Guide” here: https://amzn.to/4asTpWK
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Next week I’ll be discussing my thoughts on the Martian by Andy Weir. I hope to see you there!
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