Pursuing Flight
By Tony Salgado
According to Leonardo DaVinci, "Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."
Since the dawn of mankind, there have always been a few who have gazed upon the vast expanse of the sky with curiosity and awe, and even fewer who dare to reach those heights. The seemingly endless blue horizon beckoning them to soar above. For thousands of years; however, the call could not be answered as people had not yet attained flight. Yet, the dream of flight persisted through great minds such as Aristotle, Archimedes, and Davinci. Gradually through them, our understanding of flying evolved and eventually culminated in aerial flight. In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers were credited with the first hot air balloon flight, and in 1903, the Wright brothers first powered flight. From the Biplanes of the 1910s to the Supersonic interceptors of the Cold War, aviation has evolved drastically since its initial conception. Fast forward to today, It has also become increasingly accessible to everyone – 74% of people in the world live within 100 kilometers of an airport, and as the aviation industry continues to expand, so does the demand for more and more pilots. Starting a journey in aviation raises the question of why it is pursued in the first place. For many, the answer lies within the idea that flying is the ultimate form of freedom. Being able to transcend the limitations of terrestrial movement and soaring above is deeply appealing for many. Viewing the land below and traversing vast distances quickly also satisfies the fundamental human curiosity and desire for adventure. The psychology behind the desire for flight might also have to do with humans being physically incapable of flying, our anatomy makes it impossible; however, that very impossibility may have been the catalyst that pushed humans past its barrier.
According to Flight Venture, “Whatever man has been unable to do, he strives to make the impossible possible.”
Beyond that, starting an aviation career can be fulfilling. An aviation career can lead to multiple different pathways beyond flying commercial. The variety of career options in aviation is rewarding to most people, one day you may find yourself flying search and rescue operations and the next flying in remote corners of the world as a bush pilot. Additionally, the diversification in the aviation industry allows pilots to tailor their careers based on personal interests and lifestyle preferences. The potential experiences a pilot may go through are varied. Additionally, being a pilot means you will have the opportunity to travel. Unlike traditional occupations limited to a confined workspace, a pilot's workspace can extend across continents and oceans. For those who enjoy traveling, this is an absolute steal, numerous pilots have the opportunity to visit new destinations and experience different cultures. Through flying, you will have a gateway to explore the world. The work environment is also dynamic; weather varies hour by hour and changing landscapes bring diversity, keeping the job interesting. More often than not, working as a pilot means that no two days are alike. Also, pilots earn lucrative benefits and pay. According to the U.S. Labor Bureau statistics, the median pay for pilots in 2023 was around $219,140. On top of the salary, nearly all airlines provide pilots with many benefits such as health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, pilots have an incredibly flexible work schedule and can receive paid time off. These monetary benefits along with the flying itself make being a pilot a rewarding career. The journey to becoming a pilot is arduous but well worth it, and it ultimately paves the way for an exciting and fulfilling career. Through its dynamic work environment, opportunity to travel, and benefits there won't be a single boring day in aviation.
According to Cecil Day-Lewis, ¨We who fly do so for the love of flying. We are alive in the air with this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet.”
In this profession, pilots not only navigate the skies, but they embrace the freedom of flying through its daily challenges and adventures. So, whether you are drawn by the thrill of takeoff or the allure of distant horizons, the journey of aviation reminds us of the age-old desire to soar.