Further Your Flying

Leanna Osisek • August 13, 2023

Flying is a wondrous human marvel that we’re lucky to be able to experience. In my humble aviatrix opinion, “flying” happens as much on the ground as it does in the air, and I’m not talking about reading regs or tabulating a flight plan, although there is a time and place for those also. I mean that the aviation world is broad and sweeping and exists in so many ways in addition to being airborne at times, although we're prone to tunnel vision. It whimsically fills the invisible voids we don’t consciously acknowledge. It is live, encapsulating poetry. Here, I’ll write about some ways I hope you’ll find even more acute and deep value and meaning in your flying.

Mindfully appreciate the community 

Make flying more than a hobby or job starting by conversing with other aviators about flying and non-flying. This goes without saying but it warrants reiteration: pilots are a special breed. We’re cut from a cloth woven with fibers of tenacity, exploration, fearlessness, and a slew of other incredibly rad traits. Inhale that power and exhale gratitude.


Branch out with balance

As an enthusiastic advocate of treating yourself, and a broken record about how short life is, this is me asking you to add a new dimension to your flying. Whether it is a lighter-than-air adventure, a whirl in a vintage war-bird, that trip you've wanted to take before that specific jet retires, or any other idea you've probably side-lined, grow your breadth of flying into a more well-rounded facet of your identity. Equally important, try not to prioritize flying at the expense of other core pieces of yourself - don't neglect or shrink your other passions.


Take the window/wing pic

On the ground and in the air, take a moment to stop and smell the roses AKA look out the window and admire/document the view. One Merriam-Webster definition of a luxury is "something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary," which is pretty vague, so take a moment to contemplate what could be considered a luxury by your own interpretation in your life.


Take your time but don't waste it

When I was in private pilot training in a PA-28-161, a jet flew overhead and my CFI pointed and said, “The only difference between them & you is time.” It was a misleadingly simple sentiment right then, but one that I've since applied to lots of things. Be patient; whatever it is, it is worth the wait (and on that note, I challenge you to redefine "wait"). On the other hand, don't become complacent while getting comfortable; practice finding comfort in discomfort and bask in the subsequent growth.


Become an optimistic realist

I don't subscribe to the “anything is possible” mentality but rather: anything is possible within reason. Do not get hung up on (i.e. waste time) not being able do something, gracefully roll with the punches and enjoy the wild ride that is your life.

These are a handful of perspectives that I hope you can resonate with to make your flying even more empowering and powerful. No matter how/why you got into aviation, I think for most of us, there's no going back, and you're in great company. Take a New York minute today to reflect on how far you've come. You are crushing it at being you.

Newsletter 9/29/23

29 Sep, 2023
NEW AT NSPIRE

5 Steps to Switching Careers Into Aviation

By Marcus Lansky • 29 Sep, 2023
Maybe you’ve been thinking about making a dramatic career change. If you’ve always dreamed about becoming a pilot, this could be your opportunity to make that dream a reality. By taking a certification course with NSPIRE Aviation , you can kick off a new career as a commercial pilot! Furthermore, these tips will show you how to enhance your resume to secure your first job, and even walk you through some of the requirements for starting your own aviation business. Figure Out if It’s Time for a Change When do you know that it’s time for a career change? Sometimes, looking for a new job in the same field is enough - but sometimes, you need to completely shift directions. Robert Walters Group states that if your skills do not align with your true professional interests, it may be a sign to work on breaking into a new field, where you can pour your talents into a job that you love. Get Certified as a Commercial Pilot You’re committed to making a career change, and you’re ready to take the first big step towards becoming a commercial pilot by earning your pilot’s license. You’ll need to complete a private pilot certification first, earn an instrument rating, get your necessary flight hours under your belt, and then pass a written and practical exam covering everything you’ve learned. Finally, you’ll be ready to get your commercial pilot’s license! Update Your Resume If you’re getting ready to look for your first job as a commercial pilot, you might be wondering how to create a resume . Changing up your resume when switching fields can take time, so start this process early! AVJobs states that you can include your flight times, certifications, and ratings, as well as your previous jobs. Finally, even after you’ve created a strong resume, don’t forget that you can tweak it for each job opening. For example, you might want to add different keywords to the skills section based on the job description. You can also emphasize specific accomplishments in your professional history and academic sections. Navigate the Job Hunt You’ve got your license, your resume is ready, and you’re eager to start working as a pilot. You may need to get a flight instructor certification first, as it’s much easier to find employment as a flight instructor when you have minimal experience. Research different employers in your area, and try to network with people who already work there - they might be able to give you a valuable reference that could land you an interview! Even in the aviation field, networking is often the key to getting the job you want. Consider Starting Your Own Business One day, you might want to start your own business in the commercial aviation sector. For instance, if you live in an area that attracts tourists, you might want to offer private flights to show off the aerial views of your region. If you intend to start a business, you’ll have to obtain a business license first, as well as any appropriate permits. To find out which licenses and permits you’ll need, check out the requirements in your state. By hiring a service to assemble the list of required permits and licenses for your aviation business, you’ll save hours of time! Working in commercial aviation is an exciting career choice. If you’ve been itching for a career change, it might be time to take to the skies. With these tips, you’ll be ready to pursue a certification program, spruce up your resume for job applications, and even launch your very own aviation business in the future. Ready to earn your commercial pilot certification? Turn to NSPIRE Aviation ! Fill out the contact form on their website to learn more about the certification programs. Ready to earn your commercial pilot certification? Photo via Unsplash
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