Becoming a pilot changes who you are, even if you don’t realize it at first. Sure, there are the practical lessons about math, physics, and engineering you don’t encounter in everyday life. But as a recent trip through my logbook

As many of you with whom I have worked know, I am an active pilot. To be a good pilot means much more than simply developing the skills to control the airplane. It means subscribing to and embracing a culture,

There is no feeling in the world like flying an airplane. The famous naval aviator Jack R. Hunt said, “For most people, the sky is the limit. For those who love aviation, the sky is home.” “Final check, then apply

In 1993, I decided to start taking flying lessons. Flying had always piqued my curiosity. On one hand, it was an activity I felt compelled to do; on the other, like any exciting pursuit, it required both adventure and risk.

When I passed the flight test and earned my private pilot’s license I was a safe and competent aviator, but not yet a good one. That would come a few years later. Piloting an aircraft is fun. It’s hard to