Mis-fit pilots...

Some people probably think that a pilot is a pilot -- that all flying is the same. Another misconception is that a pilot's skill can be equated to the size of his airplane. But not so. Flying is one more pursuit where size doesn't matter.

In truth, pilots are as specialized as physicians. I wouldn't want an oral surgeon replacing my heart valve and I won't consult a rheumatologist for eye problems. Likewise, an airline pilot who specializes in managing multi-engined jet transports across the North Atlantic, is not interchangeable with an F-18 fighter jock who's conversant with such adventures as formation flying and carrier landings. And an air-taxi pilot who specializes in operating a twin engined turbo-prop in northern Canada in winter blizzards is not a good choice to pilot a Cessna 185 on floats into the jungle rivers of South America. Each specialty involves a wealth of skills, training, ability and tricks of the trade that are acquired over many hours of experience and hard work.

Of course with training and supervision and practice, we carbon-based units are highly adaptable. Consequently, airlines hire away experienced pilots from many different backgrounds. They entice us with things like nice uniforms and bigger paychecks and better working conditions and bigger paychecks and exotic destinations -- and did I mention bigger paychecks?

But it shouldn't be assumed that all those other pilots out there are inferior in their skills, motivation and professionalism. Some people are just not attracted to the airlines for a variety of reasons. Happy is the individual who finds a niche that suits, where they not only make a living, but also enjoy the satisfaction that comes from excelling in a job they love.

Sometimes the allure of the airlines -- did I mention the big paychecks? -- draws candidates who'd really rather be doing something else. And it soon shows. Over the years I've flown with pilots who would rather be lawyers, and probably should have been. I've flown with a few pilots who discovered they preferred offices to airplanes. They moved on to become airline managers and afterwards spending little time in the flight deck.

A particular type of mis-fit pilot is the one who is ultimately and always a solo operator. Despite all the Crew Resource Management (CRM) training in the world they will never learn to play well with others. As first officers, the captains hate flying with them, and when they finally upgrade to the left seat, they make the first officer's job a misery. What a shame.

The modern airline environment demands good team players and this kind of lone eagle is no longer welcome. But there was a time when he was king of the roost ... (more about this later...)