The pilot profession, besides a specific training, requires to have certain qualities and skills that may be developed and improved with the daily work experience, which is always the best way to learn. Thus, let’s see what are the 12 qualities that these professionals must have to be a good plane or helicopter pilot:
The work of a pilot is not only piloting the plane. Within his/her routine there are different tasks that must be combined in the most appropriate way, taking advantage of all resources available, so that the flight operation is performed in a safe way. His/her functions go from calculating the weight and balance, fuel necessary for the route and alternative, supervising the flight plan, to checking the correct load stowage or that the number of suitcases is the one reflected in the loadsheet, as well as crew and passengers management. Let’s say that professionalism is the quality in which all the other characteristics necessary to be a great pilot are compiled.
Leadership is essential in this profession as it is performed in a team in which the pilot in command is the leader. As such, he/she must create group consciousness, giving support to the rest of the crew, backing them and keeping an open and constant dialogue while strengthening their confidence by letting them develop their job, knowing how to delegate strategically.
Pilots need to have good communication skills that allow them to express their ideas clearly so that the team they lead, as well as all the people involved in the flight operation, understand correctly what is to be done with no place for misunderstanding.
The ability to choose the best possible option is a very important quality in this profession in which, often, the time to decide is very limited. However, regular training and experience help reinforce and improve this skill.
Keeping calm in any situation is something for which a pilot must be prepared as every flight is different and unexpected events need a clear mind so as to solve them successfully.
Pilots’ life is anything but monotonous. Their work and rest regime often goes against of that of the rest of workers, being off when others work, spending a lot of time away from home and, constantly, sleeping in different places. So, they need to be flexible to be able to adapt to all these changes.
Aviation is an industry in continuous development. It is essential to be up to date with the latest breakthroughs and learn, quickly, to manage the new technological advances in an effective way.
Due to the constant technological progress, pilots have non-stop training, with periodic refresher courses, some in simulator, which keep them up to date with all changes, helping them to familiarize with the latest improvements.
Having a healthy mind and body is always convenient. In the case of pilots, this is not only a good habit but also a matter of safety. The physical and mental well-being of these professionals is key for them to assume their functions in best conditions and complete the flight operation in a safe way.
Reconcile this work with personal life is not always easy. Therefore, it is important to love the profession and know how to enjoy the time that must be dedicated to it.
In a teamwork, the skills of each member are complementary and necessary, maintaining an individual responsibility and commitment to accomplish the common goal. Therefore, pilots, being the leaders, must know how to guide and manage the group without over controlling, giving them their place by creating an atmosphere of cooperation that enhances the skills of each one in order to achieve a better performance.
The ability to overcome and adapt well to adverse circumstances is vital in this occupation as unforeseen events that may be source of extreme tension, can often occur.
As we have already said, the aviation pilot profession is not just a job but a way of life. The constant changes of schedules, scenario, work partners, aircraft models, etc, require a personality willing to assume them naturally. Moreover, as it is the highest authority on board and primarily responsible for all decisions taken during the flight operation, he/she should have an assertive character that enables him/she to exercise such authority in the appropriate manner.
If you like traveling, get on well with people and hate routine, you already have much of what it takes to be a pilot. The rest you can acquire it with a meaningful learning.
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