So, you want to be a pilot. It’s not a bad idea, especially when you consider the recent growth of the aviation industry. Just know this is a profession that requires the right “stuff.”
Think you have what it takes to become an airline pilot? Here are some traits and skills you must have:
Clear communication
Here’s an interesting fact: nearly 80 percent of flight accidents are the result of poor communication. Commercial pilots are responsible for relaying information about radar vectors, weather, and traffic. Good communication is essential for a smooth flight and a safe landing.
If communication is one of your major weaknesses, then commercial pilot training may not be in the cards.
Teamwork skills
This ties back to the aforementioned point. Obviously, it takes an entire team to ensure a successful flight. As a pilot, you must work closely with other team members, in addition to air traffic controllers and dispatchers.
The absolute last thing you want to do is work as an individual rather than as a team. Keep in mind that others will rely on you to coordinate actions and provide clear feedback when necessary.
Calmness
This might be the most obvious one. When something doesn’t go according to the plan, how will you react? Remember that passengers, some of which have a fear of flying, are relying on you to get them from point A to point B without an issue.
That’s why calmness is such an essential trait for pilots. You will encounter situations where you must deal with abnormalities and, yes, the occasional emergency. Even if remaining calm under pressure doesn’t come naturally, you can still have success as a pilot with enough practice.
Decisiveness
Do you waffle in your decision-making? That doesn’t bode well for becoming a pilot. Granted, pilots have checklists available for when an emergency takes place.
However, pilots don’t usually have much time to make the ‘perfect’ decision. They must do everything within their means to make the best possible decision for a particular circumstance.
Leadership
Think of a pilot as the quarterback of a flight. Pilots are required to manage their cockpit effectively, double-checking that the right procedures are in place. Not only that, but commercial pilots must establish an atmosphere of safety, for both their team and all passengers.
One tip when it comes to leadership: until you can earn respect from your peers, you can’t consider yourself a leader.
Get Started With Commercial Pilot Training
You think you have what it takes to become a commercial airline pilot? Before getting too far ahead of yourself, you will want to enroll in a flight training program. Alliance Aviation has a program to fit your career aspirations.
For example, maybe you’ve been in the industry for a while but need some sort of accreditation. On the other hand, it could be that you’re a private pilate looking for that next opportunity with a commercial airline.
See what makes us the preferred aviation academy in the U.S. Contact Alliance Aviation today.