Launch a successful career as a commercial pilot by learning essential skills in flight school. Contact Leopard Aviation to learn more about enrolling.

What makes a good pilot? Aviators have the great responsibility of navigating long distances in the air and getting themselves and passengers to their destinations safely. When you enroll in our flight school in Arizona, you’ll learn all of the skills that make someone a successful pilot.

This guide uncovers some of the most important characteristics and personality traits a pilot must exhibit. Before becoming a pilot, you’ll have to develop these qualities through your training.

Full Understanding of Air Traffic Control

When flying an aircraft, good pilots must have a clear understanding of air traffic management. After all, this is a key part of keeping aircraft systems throughout the region clear of each other and in the correct airspace. Ground training will cover the basics of air traffic control and the lingo that pilots and controllers use.

Excellent Communication With Air Traffic Controllers

When flying, you need to do more than just understand ATC terms. The best pilots have exceptional communication skills and regularly stay in contact with ATC controllers and flight dispatchers. This quality can make or break an airline pilot.

Staying in constant contact with controllers helps all personnel both in the air and on the ground stay safe. Pilots should relay their flight conditions and movements while dispatchers inform them of possible airspace infringement and changes to a controlled flight. This aspect of the industry is what enables thousands of planes to travel around the globe safely.

Leadership Skills

Flight students will quickly learn that exceptional leadership skills are an essential part of what makes a good pilot. As a pilot, you’re in charge of the navigation inside the cockpit, as well as the flight attendants and cabin crew members. The flight crew depends on you to guide the aircraft to its destination safely, which instills trust in your passengers.

Pilots and crews should continuously improve their performance with ongoing education and safety measures. This creates better flight experiences for all people on board.

Situational Awareness for Maximum Safety

Inadequate situational awareness is unacceptable when you fly a private or commercial plane. Great pilots understand that keeping track of their surroundings is crucial for flight safety. Your initial flight plans will include a breakdown of the expected weather and visibility, as well as the projected time in the air.

However, things can change at any time and throw a wrench in your plans. Staying aware of sudden changes in your environment will help you make decisions that keep everyone on board safe. You should always keep the following issues in mind while inside the cockpit:

• The outside environment: This includes the weather patterns, terrain, and nearby planes.
• Your aircraft mechanics: Monitor fuel levels and other parts of the system that are vital for safe flying.
• Navigation systems: Keep an eye on the plane’s speed, altitude, heading, and more.

Quick Thinking and the Ability To Remain Calm

When it comes to on-the-job pressure, pilots have an enormous amount on their plates. Emergency situations can happen at any time, but you must stay calm and never second-guess the decisions you make in the air. Some of the following issues may arise after takeoff and impact the trip:

• Poor weather conditions, such as widespread storms
• Medical emergencies
• Changes in the airspace that cause a diversion
• Engine failure

Any of these issues could lead to a forced landing. Remaining calm in abnormal or dangerous situations is what makes a good pilot.

Self Discipline While Training

Learning how to fly a plane is no easy feat. The hours of ground and flight training involved require an immense amount of motivation and discipline in order to succeed. Student pilots will learn very early on that their education is stressful by design since they must have the ability to handle anything that comes their way while in the air.

If you buckle down, study all the material, and take constructive criticism from your instructors, you’ll become much better at flying. Don’t lose this essential trait after earning your pilot’s license since it’s what will make you an excellent aviator.

Attention to Detail

Pilots have a lot to keep track of both before and during their flights. The best pilots have a fantastic ability to monitor every small detail. Each aircraft has dozens of buttons and gauges that you may need to deploy while flying.

Failing to remember these details can have disastrous results. You need to have accountability and take care of every item on a checklist each time you prepare a plane for takeoff.

Leopard Aviation Creates Successful Pilots — Enroll Today

Now that you know what makes a good pilot, why wait any longer to hone your skills? Leopard Aviation teaches countless students how to become a pilot in Arizona. We have a staff of experienced instructors who will teach you basic information about your aircraft and supervise your flights as you perfect your ability to control a plane.

Contact us today at (480) 372-9815 to learn more about our program and how you can enroll.