LABELLE, FL -- I earned a private pilot's license some 40 years ago. What I've learned about getting from here to there in life and in the air; and in this episode about passing a pilot's physical examination and failing a marriage test.
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I've come to realize successfully navigating, through the stresses, anxieties and worries of everyday life, especially in these days of national and world divisions, and conflicts among people with varied beliefs and different ways of thinking, may have some similarities to how pilots learn to safely and consistently navigate from place A to place B in the clouds. Learning basic aeronautic lessons 40 years ago, and lots of training since then, lead me to understand just how success and failure has worked out for me the past four decades in the real world of work and relationships.
My early flight school techniques, getting from one place to another in an airplane, can well be applied to navigating life; family, work and personal issues, reducing or even eliminating stress and worry. Family stresses, arguments, and disagreements are becoming more and more common in these days when national leaders are seen and heard bullying and taunting each other on the nightly news.
How does an airplane pilot get successfully from Miami to Tallahassee without incident, while encountering possible bad weather, mechanical breakdowns, and unplanned delays?
As a young student at Tamiami Airport in South Florida, the first thing learned was being physically fit to fly a 1,060 pound Cessna 150, a typical light training aircraft. Heading to a local FAA designated Aviation Medical Examiner in South Miami, I was thoroughly poked, prodded and asked questions to determine if I was physically and mentally suited to fly.
To function optimally, one's eyesight, hearing, body functions, and mental capacities have to meet standards before a medical certificate will be issued. Included among the tasks required were the ability to read, follow directions, and respond and report accurately. Seeing the medical examiner while sleep deprived, or high on drugs or alcohol are going to be disqualifying factors.
I dutifully filled out the FAA medical certificate application, name, address, height, weight, questions about alcohol, drugs, medical impairments and more. Handing the completed official form to the doctor he asked how tall I was. I said "Six Foot, One." Doc replied, "The question on the application asked how many inches tall are you. So how many is that?" As quickly as my brain could calculate, I replied "73 inches, sir," as he made the correction to the form.
Doc then whispered softly "Are you on any medications?" I said "What?" He whispered a slight bit louder "On any medications?" No, sir," I replied. A pilot must not only be prepared to read and reply accurately (height in inches, not feet,) he must also be ready to respond to unusual situations, (hearing a voice in less than optimal conditions in this test.) Despite less than optimal responses on my part that morning, I Passed.
I've never been an alcohol or drug taker, but can remember in my early years being physically drained, and sleep deprived as I tried to earn a living supporting my expectant wife. Working long, difficult hours I was in no condition to care for my bride. The stress of working too much, sleeping too little, both of us failing to adjust to less than optimal conditions, lead the relationship to separation. Failed that one.
The ability to pay attention, listen, respond appropriately and adjust to changing conditions are the "beginning" skills to successfully navigate both an airplane and one's life.
Watch a National Geographic special on Dangers Of Lack Of Sleep
Watch for coming episodes and please leave comments and share what you think, your experiences piloting through your life.
