Living and Learning.

I am often contacted by the parents of children with a passion for aviation and seek to pursue a career among the clouds. Without attempting to dampen that passion, I remind them that is a vocation in which you never stop learning and never stop studying. For me, the last few weeks have been a typical example of this.

In addition to conducting simulator training for candidates learning to fly the Boeing 787, I’ve recently undergone training to conduct the 2-day periodic renewals that all pilots on the aircraft are required to undertake every 6 months. These “flights” are comprised of a blend of flying specific manoeuvres, flight scenarios and simulated emergencies. In order to conduct these renewals, or “cyclics”, an instructor has to observe a number of sessions, then conduct them under supervision before finally having one observed by a check pilot with the ability to approve the instructor.

At 61 years of age and with 23,000 flight hours, it was back into the books, just as I had done as a fledgling pilot 45 years ago and seemingly every year in between. Yes, initially it was difficult to stir the motivation but as the process gathered momentum, so did my curiosity. In aviation, there is always something to learn. Furthermore, surrounded by other instructors with more Boeing 787 experience than me, there were more words of wisdom to take on board.

Rather than a burden, the task kindled enthusiasm. At an age and stage of career where there is a temptation to wind down, it inspired me to delve deeper and challenge my brain. In combination with my daily gym regime, the stimulus to body and mind proved to be a positive experience. The old adage that “you get out what you put in” was never truer and I can’t help but feel that an absence of challenge is sad state of affairs, regardless of age.

So, when I see that aviation inspired spark in the eye of the youngster, I have no hesitation in letting them know that the learning never stops – and that is a good thing! Particularly as the years go by and the log books fill with the hours flown. Living and learning. They are more closely related than we sometimes realise.