'The Perfect Pilot' Requires An Honest Appraisal

Although we can dream, there is no such animal as a perfect pilot. It’s a myth, much like strong tailwinds roundtrip!

Consider this, though: if you STRIVE for perfection and fall short, you land in a very good, safe place making you a more competent, safe, and efficient aviator.

Years ago, the Northwest Airlines training department promoted this Perfect Pilot concept to its pilot group. They strongly encouraged us to develop a mindset that sought perfection rather than adequacy. Think of a flight as a perfect square hunk of granite. If you forget to hold the controls for the wind on taxi, you...