12 lessons I wish I knew as a NEW PILOT.

Summary

The speaker reflects on lessons learned over their aviation journey, sharing insights for new pilots. Emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes, they encourage pilots to push beyond comfort zones, try new experiences, and build confidence. They highlight the value of connecting with experienced pilots, joining FAA safety webinars, and continually learning. Additionally, they advise pilots to trust their instincts, not compare themselves to others, and enjoy each phase of their journey. The speaker also stresses self-care for maintaining health and passing FAA medicals, offering practical tips for staying fit as a pilot.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mistakes are opportunities for learning and improving as a pilot.
• 🛫 Challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone to grow as a pilot.
• 📚 Keep pushing yourself, whether you're a student pilot or an experienced one; your aviation journey is unique.
• 🛬 Don't compare your progress to others; every pilot's path is different.
• 👨‍✈️ Seek out experienced pilots to learn from their stories and expertise.
• 💻 Join FAA safety webinars to expand your knowledge and meet pilots from around the country.
• 🧘‍♂️ Be humble and continuously learn from various sources, including online ground schools and YouTube.
• 🛩️ Embrace your private pilot certificate by enjoying cross-country flights and gaining experience in the air.
• ⏳ Listen to your gut; if something doesn't feel right, it's better to stay grounded than risk flying into trouble.
• 💪 Take care of your body with healthy habits, like eating well, drinking water, and wearing sunscreen, to maintain your health and pass FAA medical exams.

Q & A

How long did it take the speaker to get their private pilot's license?

The speaker got their private pilot's license a long time ago, with just over 60 hours of flight time.

What is the total number of flight hours the speaker has accumulated?

The speaker has accumulated almost 2,000 flight hours.

What does the speaker suggest about making mistakes in flying?

The speaker suggests that making mistakes is okay and is a way to learn and become safer.

How does the speaker recommend improving as a pilot?

The speaker recommends challenging oneself by getting new ratings, endorsements, destinations, and types of flying.

What should a pilot do if they feel unconfident about their instrument skills?

If a pilot feels unconfident about their instrument skills, they should practice in real IMC with an instructor.

Why is it important for pilots to not compare themselves to others?

Pilots should not compare themselves to others because everyone has an individual aviation path with different experiences and skill levels.

What advice does the speaker give to student pilots regarding the time it takes to solo?

The speaker advises student pilots not to worry about the time it takes to solo, as long as they keep pushing themselves to achieve it.

What does the speaker suggest for building aviation relationships?

The speaker suggests talking to people at the airport and joining FAA safety team webinars to build aviation relationships.

What does the speaker mean by 'be humble and keep learning'?

The speaker means that pilots should continuously seek knowledge from various sources like YouTube, online ground schools, and other pilots' experiences.

Why is it important for pilots to stay in the moment?

Staying in the moment allows pilots to embrace their current certificate level, enjoy their flying, and make better decisions based on their current experience.

What does the speaker suggest about listening to one's gut in aviation?

The speaker suggests that if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right, and pilots should trust their intuition and stay on the ground if necessary.

What are the five hazardous attitudes mentioned by the speaker?

The five hazardous attitudes mentioned are anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, and resignation.

What advice does the speaker give about living one's aviation life?

The speaker advises to live the aviation life to the fullest, enjoy every day, and not to be too hard on oneself.