Why I want to be a pilot

[bc2209]

Someone asked me today at work why I would ever want to become a pilot. I sat there trying very hard to explain it to them. Not only did they not get it from my rambaling, but I couldn't quite put it in words.

So I'm sitting here thinking exactly what is it about being a pilot that is so attractive/addictive. I've tried to explain to my parents as well and I can't articulate the emotion and passion in become a pilot. So does anybody else have the same problem when trying to describe WHY you would ever want to become a pilot? Non aviation folks don't get it i've come to realize, which is understandable. Maybe i'm thinking about it too hard or just have a slow brain.

 

[etflies]

I'm the same way, I've yet to find an adequate explanation other than "it's all I've ever wanted to do" or "it beats working."

 

[Cass]

To fly jettzz brah!

I do it because it makes me happy. It's challenging and rewarding at the same time, which is satisfying. Adrenaline rush sometimes? I dunno, maybe I do it for the ladies and dollars.

 

[A Life Aloft]

Just tell them it's because you have the best damn views on the planet.

 

[n57flyguy]

chicks

 

[Roger Roger]

Because I'm addicted to the smell of mixed avgas, ashless dispersant oil, and upholstery soiled with 30+ years of BO, greasy skin, and rainwater that leaks in.

 

[grchase90]

I tell everyone I've always wanted to be a pilot ever since I saw the cartoon Tale Spin at the ripe old age of 5 or so.

 

[Crockrocket94]

Because I am too cheap to travel to all these places on my own!

 

[cmhumphr]

So I wake up already knowing what to wear for work.

 

[Neil11]

Because I am too cheap to travel to all these places on my own!

BINGO

 

[ASpilot2be]

Because it actually makes me feel good about me. I feel accomplished.

 

[Zondaracer]

A friend asked me the same question... So here was my response:

Me: "What is something that you are passionate about?"
Them: "soccer, I really love soccer"
Me: "well the way you feel about soccer is how I feel about flying"

 

[Jpax]

Because I despise making my bed at home.

 

[dasleben]

I get to wear a big watch and make lots of noise.

 

[Pilotforhire587]

I love flying, getting above it all, getting to see what real blue sky looks like with out being out in the country all the time! LOVE IT.

 

[Pilotman83]

Because we get the best office in the world! I knew it is what I wanted to do after my first flight.

 

[bunk22]

I think you are over thinking this a bit too much

 

[EIR]

I'm the same way, I've yet to find an adequate explanation other than "it's all I've ever wanted to do" or "it beats working."

I wouldn't trade my job for a cubical even if it paid double, well maybe I would, but I still enjoy what I do. Flying is definitely work, there is no way around that, but the positives out weigh the negatives by a long shot.

 

[cmill]

Anytime someone ask me that, i just tell them "because i didnt want to work for a living." It started as a joke, but more and more i think its spot on. I really enjoy spending most of the day doing nothing and getting a paycheck. I guess the actual flying might be somewhat rewarding also.

 

[Screaming_Emu]

For me I think its because it is the perfect mix of art and science. An aircraft is very technical, but also a beautiful thing. Same with the act of flying, there's a lot of science involved, but there's also an art form to it.

There's also the wow factor of it. Me and some other guy take a 50,000lb piece of metal, fill it with 50 people, fly it up into an environment in with I can't survive, yet is only a few inches away, and the next time we will touch the ground is about 1,000 miles away. Even more impressive if you're talking about long haul stuff. When I see a plane that I know is going long haul, I can't help but be amazed that the next time that thing will touch the ground it will be on another continent on the other side of the earth.