I've had my private w/ instrument and multi for about 5 years. I've had more than a few close calls. Recently, frequent small plane crashes have caught my attention. It makes me think my number might be up one day. None of this used to bother me. I'd think it would never happen to me, that I'm a better pilot, and I would always fly the best aircraft I could afford. Furthermore, I thought, if I went down at least I'd die doing something I loved. My dilema is, I absolutely love flying and would be devastated if I decided to quit flying. At least I'll be alive though. I'm young and have a lot to live for, but I live for flying too. Are there any pilots out there having similar thoughts, or any who have quit flying already?
2006-11-27 17:54:51 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
I'm a pilot (commercial, CFII) and own a plane... Everyone has those thoughts. It actually makes you a better pilot.
You should study ADM (aeronautical decision making)...
Thankfully, at least you know you are not invulnerable now. Just by having the thoughts "that you know it is possible to get in accident" makes you more aware and cautious and less likely to take risks. I would be more concerned if you were still of the mindset "that it would never happen to you."
Don't listen to these other comments that tell you to quit flying... Non flyers like to say that...
My suggestion is that you work on your weaknesses.. landings, scanning for traffic etc emergencies(whatever they may be) and talk to other pilots... Always have an alternate plan and a wayout..even before you get in the plane.
I've heard it said that flying is part knowing your aircraft, knowing yourself, and the knowing the system. find out what you know best and what you know least...my guess is that you doubt yourself in emergencies... Take up a good instructor and practice. It will boost your confidence.
2006-11-29 08:44:46 · answer #1 · answered by Super 21 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I flew for about 20 years, had my own plane (Bonanza A36) and over 2000 hours, commercial license, instrument and multi engine rating. The last year I flew I put in less than 10 hours. On my last flight I was coming into a frequently used (by me, at least) alternate airport (alternative to my regular field) and landed without putting down the gear. Cost the insurance company about $40K and me countless hours of just plain embarrassment. FAA talked with me and when I fell on my sword, confessed my own folly, they merely suggested I get some recurrent training. So I decided to quit flying. Best decision I've ever made. I'm still here. It's been 13 years now. Would I go back? In a minute...if I honestly felt I could spend at least 10 hours a month in the air. But I really don't see myself doing that so I won't. If you genuinely enjoy flying and have "the bug", and can honestly say you're putting in 10 hours or so EVERY MONTH, regularly, then if it makes you happy, keep it up. If you begin to have doubts, if you have concerns about your own safety, then stop right now. YOU DON'T HAVE TO FLY. Take up motorcycle riding, kyaking, sky diving, river rafting, mountain biking, skiing, mountain climbing...or something else that gives you an adrenalin rush.
2006-12-01 16:46:13 · answer #2 · answered by judgebill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I give Super 21 a thumbs up. I agree with everything he stated. If the other comments were from real pilots they would know it is so normal to be scared. It does make you a better pilot. You do your checks better because you second guess. Just keep at it and you will enjoy your life, and flying You can have the best of both worlds. Fly High.
2006-11-30 03:21:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Evaluate why the "close calls" occurred. Are you keeping proficient? Do you fly in a congested air traffic area? Was the plane more advanced than your skills at the time? Were you under stress or going thru some difficult times in your personal life at the time? Check out the section in the FAR/AIM on Medical Facts for Pilots. The personal checklist IM SAFE ( Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion) to see if it applies.
Go with an instructor for an evaluation and some refresher time. Fly with fellow pilots.
If you truely have the desire to fly, you will want to find any possible way to work through these feelings.
2006-11-27 18:14:41 · answer #4 · answered by cavu_13 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
fear is a good thing, it will keep you alive. when you look at accidents, look at them to learn from the mistakes learned, don't dwell on the misfortunes of the victims. I used to read all the accident reports too but realized they were sending me down the road that you find yourself on. Learn from the negative stuff, but don't let it rule your life. Your going to die eventually anyway, so why not LIVE to the fullest.
I reject the sentiment that "he died doing what he loved doing" I would much rarther have it said " he got in a sticky situation and gave everything he had to get out of it or to eliminate ground casualties."
Years ago we were in Montana when I heard of a fellow who crashed a J3 in a School yard because his engine had failed, it was recess so all the kids were out playing in the yard. witnesses said that they saw the airplane heading for a large gathering of kids and saw the pilot, acutely aware of this, deliberately slam the stick to the forward stop nosing the airplane into the ground, killing himself, BUT no children were hurt. This is how a REAL pilot checks out!!!!
2006-11-30 03:47:43 · answer #5 · answered by al b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, if you love it then no! My father is a private pilot and a funeral director, so you can imagine what he thinks. I also want to get my pilots liscense when I am old enough. Remember your more likely to get in a crash on the road then you are in the air! Keep flying and have fun.
2006-11-30 08:44:26 · answer #6 · answered by Timmy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should stop flying if you no longer have the confidence.
Each time you fly you should have the mental attitude that you are the best- safest pilot you can be. It sounds like you have a couple hundred hours, and are better experianced than most private pilots. Your problem is probably not staying proficent. If you're renting it's near impossible to afford to rent a twin to stay safe and proficient.
blah blah blah old and bold pilots....
...wait and see how you feel when your girlfriend dies in a plane crash... if you go back to flying like me then you must like it
2006-11-28 16:58:28 · answer #7 · answered by citation X 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You start your flying career with 2 buckets. One is empty and one is full. The full one is your luck bucket, and the empty one is your skill bucket. Make sure you fill up your skill bucket before you empty your luck bucket.
Learn from your mistakes and always be as safety conscious as you can possibly be. I personally have been flying for 12 years now and have had my share of "close calls." I done some dumb things too. But in each case I took something away from it. Never make the same mistake twice, always plan for the worst case, and always leave yourself an out. If you do, you'll be fine.
2006-11-28 04:57:23 · answer #8 · answered by Jason 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, never let fear overcome you, because you can live in fear all the time or you can go on with your life. It is natural to worry about things like that, but chances are very slim for that to happen to you. you have a better chance for many other bad things to happen to you. I would say...keep flying!
2006-11-28 12:38:43 · answer #9 · answered by cosirius 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You are a danger to yourself and those on board as well as those under you flying with that kind of mental baggage. you can't fly with the is my number up attitude.
the man who is convinced he is going to die usually finds away to make it happen.
get your head together before you get back into the cockpit again.
2006-11-29 07:24:02 · answer #10 · answered by mark_grvr 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋