The Blue Side Up

Back when I was building time to get to the airlines, the only thing that mattered to me was how much time I could build per day.  The goal was to get to the next step and the next step was my only focus.  All job decisions were based on accumulating the time that would help me get to the next step.  Even money was not an issue, you can always survive on ramen noodles.  Although the laser focus is good, I do look back on that time with some remorse.  I was so intent on getting to the next level that I did not take the time to enjoy the moment of what I was doing.  There is a “pure joy” in flying but you really do not see that if you are so intent on making a specific goal.  Each flight will make an attempt to show you that joy but you have to be open to seeing it.  It can be the weather, good or bad.  It can be watching a student grasp a concept.  It can be the way the airplane feels in your hands.  It could be the takeoff or landing you made, or some friends you talk to on the radio.  It can show up in any of these forms, day or night.

My advice for new aviators on the journey to a professional career, stop and smell the roses for a bit.