Jeff, I have flown fighters for 22 years, and have trained airline
pilots of all nationalities for another 11 years. From what I have observed
pilots come in several categories: Good hands, no brains; bad hands, good
brains, but slow; good hands, good brains, quick. Airliners or fighters, we
are looking to get the third variety...good hands, good brains, quick.
These descriptions of course outline what one could call boundaries with the
majority of pilots running inbetween the boundaries. The rougue pilots are
usually the first category, good hands, no brains....there are definite
advantage to these types in the combat arena as the brainy pilots will tend
to get their butt blown off thinking about their next move. This variety of
pilot is very impressed with senior leadership...monkey see, monkey do. I
would think that these guys might go a little nuts in the airline cockpit
life...not enough challenge to keep their mind working toward productive
outcomes. However, good pilots are good no matter what they are doing and
the airline life is challenging for a good pilot, just in other ways. These
ways include things like interpersonal skills, crew coordination, different
form of discipline, and more management of the overall effort than the pilot
in the military was normally exposed to during normal operations.
All said and done, there is still a need for all types of pilots and
you just can't throw anyone out the door...just a little firm guidance will
normally suffice.
Reid Fairburn
Creative Kingdom, Inc.
cr_king_at_cr_king.seanet.com
206-946-9455/4815