Fifteen Life Lessons You Can Learn from Aviation

Aviation is full of adventure, and along the way, you can learn many things, not just about flying but about life as well. Here are 15 of those lessons.

1. You are responsible.

2. Attention is life. Inattention will be at least harmful, if not fatal.

3. There is always a curriculum. Preparation is advised.

4. A well-lived life, like flying, requires constant adjustment.

5. Think before you speak or key the mic.

6. The people or instructors you dislike can still teach you a lot.

7. The airplane doesn’t care about your pedigree. Neither does life.

8. If you are not putting your life or the airplane where it needs to be, it’s your fault and your responsibility to fix it.

9. Use the checklist. Plan your actions well and be ready for the inevitable emergency. It’s coming.

10. Celebrate your successes yet realize that your life’s curriculum will require more tomorrow. It’s the way.

11. As in flying and life, the path to happiness is freedom; the path to freedom is courage.

12. You never earn your Wings just once.

13. Keep learning, especially from your mistakes and those of others.

14. You are not as cool or skilled as you think. Humility is necessary to overcome incapacity and neglect.

15. You will meet real jerks along your path; don’t become one.

Fly Safe!