We’ve all heard the saying, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." But did you know this is especially true in aviation? If you want to succeed as a pilot, it’s not just about studying hard and getting flight hours—it’s about who you’re learning from, and who you’re leaning on when things get tough.
So, who should you be surrounding yourself with?
First, find mentors. These are the people who’ve been where you’re headed. They understand the ups and downs, the challenges you’ll face, and how to overcome them. In aviation, having a mentor can make all the difference. It could be a flight instructor, a seasoned pilot, or even someone outside of aviation who understands the demands of high-performance professions. The key is finding someone who genuinely cares about your growth and can offer honest, constructive feedback. A good mentor will push you to be your best, and you’ll grow faster because of it.
Second, make sure you’ve got a solid group of fellows. These are the people in the trenches with you, the ones going through the same training, facing the same obstacles. The right peer group will challenge you, inspire you, and keep you on track. They’re the ones who’ll help you push through.
Steer clear of negative energy. If you’re constantly surrounded by people who complain about the workload, or those who don’t take training seriously, that attitude can rub off on you. Stay close to those who are just as committed and passionate as you are, and you’ll find yourself naturally stepping up your game.
Finally, don’t forget to connect with professionals in other areas of aviation—maintenance crew, air traffic controllers, flight attendants. These people provide invaluable insights and can offer perspectives you might not get from your fellow pilots. Building relationships across the aviation community increase your knowledge but also opens up opportunities you might not have considered before.
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In my detailed guide, I lay out actionable steps on how to find mentors, build peer support, and navigate the aviation community. It’s time to surround yourself with the people who will help you take off.
