Unspoken Words…

Life in the aviation industry is very unique. Unlike every other industry, we have a closeness, a bond, a brotherhood. From the air traffic controllers who control the air, to the pilots who fly the planes, everyone in this industry shares one thing in common; our love for flight.

The only reason anyone gets into this industry is because its, “really cool”! Aviation is kind of like the sexy sports car everyone looks at. When you drive down the street going 120, you’ll definitely have heads turn. I got into this industry because it was cool! I mean, I get to fly an airplane with nothing attached, soar through the air like a bird! How cool is that?!

Most people in the aviation industry are laid back, bubbly, happy about life! At least the pilots are. Pilots are really the unique breed. But it doesn’t matter if we fly or not, everyone in our industry is close. If I ran into someone in a bar and found out they were an air traffic controller, or pilot, there is an immediate connection. We both understand each other. How many people in the business world can say that?

The main reason we stay happy and joyous is because of our love of flight and the industry. We also know that every time we enter the cockpit, the control tower, or the operations control center, there could be an accident right around the corner. It is why we practice, and practice, and practice some more! If you ever stopped to think about how many things could go wrong and how they could go wrong, and let it get to you, then the aviation industry is the worst.

Just like that sports car they looks pretty, everyone who drives it knows the dangers. We know that any day something could happen. However, instead of letting it get the better of us, we go on and make light of the situation and are happy about our freedom of flight.

Most importantly, we are there for each other. One pilot to another, or anyone; we are brothers in flight. When we lose a comrade, we huddle around those who are hit most tragically and support them, knowing that anytime, they will do the same for us.

I am 25 years old, and already know 2 people who have died from this industry. I, myself, have come close. But aviation isn’t so much a “job” as it is an addiction. Sometimes in life, things happen. But I know that the people who have died, have died loving what they did, and I can go on.

So yes, the aviation industry might come across, “cocky” or “arrogant”. But that is because we know what could happen and chose to go on. Just like a fraternity, you can probably find all the aviation people in one corner swapping stories, but that’s because we earned it. When one of us falls we all mourn, when one of us succeeds we all cheer. That is why I am proud to be in my field.