"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." - Abraham Lincoln
It’s all about attitude. We can be positive, negative, active, passive, cheerful or dull. The biggest difference between people is their attitudes. For some, learning is enjoyable and exciting. For others, it is drudgery - something that is required on the road to a job.
A flight training student needs to always have a good attitude. A 100% positive attitude not only makes you a better pilot – it makes you a better person. There is no room for negativity in the classroom or in the cockpit. Your attitude is a critical determination of how good a pilot you will be.
Here are three guidelines for becoming a better flight school student. They are called the
three C's: Commitment, Control and Challenge.
Commitment
Make a positive commitment to yourself, to learning, work, family, friends, nature, and other worthwhile causes. Encourage yourself and others. Dream of success. Be enthusiastic.
You need to give priority to the time and energy required for flight training. If you can't or won't establish it as priority one, don't begin. You must not allow money to become a detriment to your commitment. This is your new career and your new life – let everything else go.
Control
Keep your mind focused on important things. Set goals and priorities for what you think and do. Develop a strategy for dealing with problems. Learn to relax. Be honest with yourself. Enjoy success.
All of our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. We are in control, whether we know it or not. And as a commercial pilot you will be in control of 30 tons of metal souring through the sky at more than 500 miles per hour at altitudes up to 40,000 feet. Thousands of lives will depend on you. The sooner you learn “control” the better off you will be.
Challenge
Be courageous. Change and improve each day. Do your best and don't look back. See learning and change as opportunities. Try new things. Consider several options. Meet new people. Ask lots of questions. Keep track of your mental and physical health. Be optimistic.
You made the choice to fly for a living. You are a breed apart because you are pursuing a dream that requires much commitment and sacrifice. Find a flight training school that’s right for you, keep a 100% positive attitude, apply the three C’s to your studying - and good luck with your new career.