Five Characteristic Traits Pilots Must Avoid

Five Characteristic Traits Pilots Must Avoid

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The chance to work as a commercial or airline pilot is a chance many would relish, which is why you need to prepare yourself now to set yourself up for success later on. While becoming a pilot involves a high degree of training and schooling along the way, other elements such as personality and work ethic make up a big part in whether airlines or commercial companies will want to hire you as a pilot. 

If you are unsure how you can prepare yourself for success in an aviation career, there are several ways you can begin. Here are five character traits that all pilots should avoid as they work on developing themselves and creating the best chance for success in the future. 

Being Careless 

As a pilot, you will have to make many important decisions concerning the safety of your aircraft, your crew, and any passengers you may have on board. Not only do you have to ensure your aircraft arrives on time and delivers passengers safely to their destination, but should an emergency occur, it will be up to your and your co-pilot to chart the safest course. If you tend to be careless, not only would that make you unfit for the job, but it will place your life and the lives of others at risk. 

Poor Judgement 

Going hand-in-hand with carelessness, a lack of good judgment can be a safety liability for yourself, your aircraft, and your crew. Even if you are earnestly trying to fly responsibly and safely, if you cannot make accurate decisions concerning any dilemmas or unexpected extreme weather conditions, that will affect your ability to safely pilot an aircraft and inhibit your employability. 

Poor Team Player 

Nobody likes to work with a poor team player, especially if it can affect their safety in the air. As a pilot, your responsibility is to work closely with your co-pilot, the cabin crew, and air traffic controllers to ensure a safe flight and avoid complications in the air. You must keep in mind that your decisions can directly affect the lives of others, and while you may be the one piloting the aircraft, it is important to take into consideration the opinions of your crew—especially if it concerns a matter in the cabin where you may not be paying close attention. If you lack interpersonal relations skills or struggle to work in a team, you may find yourself poorly set up for success in an aviation career. 

Indecisiveness 

While most flights will likely go according to plan, there will be occasions when those plans fall apart due to external factors, such as extreme weather or delays around the airport and airline. If you cannot make quick decisions, you may struggle to adapt to quickly developing situations that can impact the safety of your aircraft and crew. 

Furthermore, if you are dealing with a situation on the ground, such as delays with check-in baggage, failing to make a choice quickly can lead to more delays and angry customers. Whatever the case, being decisive and accurate in your judgment is a vital trait for all pilots to have. 

Lack of Foresight 

Finally, another important character trait is the ability to think ahead and plan accordingly. If you lack foresight, not only might you be caught off guard by an emergency or extreme weather conditions, but you may not respond appropriately to the situation at hand—at least not quickly enough. As a pilot, safety should be at the top of your concerns, which is why you should also be planning for a variety of situations and scenarios. 

If you are interested in becoming a pilot and an aviation career, Airlink Flight School has the experience, tools, and materials you need to set up for success. Contact us today to learn more about programs or enroll in one!