The story the other day about the JetBlue pilot freaking out during a flight received a lot of play, for two reasons: the potential horrifying consequences, and how unusual it seemed for that to happen. A man bites dog story, as it were. I'm aware of some other negative stories about pilots, but they do seem rare given the volume of air traffic each day.
And why? Because we generally view pilots as responsible, of decent moral stock, in a word - stable.
You've seen them as they walk through the airline terminal to the plane. Generally trim, confident, with good, commanding bearing, yet not unfriendly or overly full of themselves. The word that always occurs to me is stable - specifically mentally stable. And thank goodness.
I only know one pilot personally. He was recommended to me as a handyman by a friend about eight years ago, and we have had a great and productive relationship.
When I get things fixed around the home, I want them to stay fixed. I pay for efficiency, for know-how, for experience, for problem-solving aptitude and ability, and good judgment. And this guy has patience and superb judgment.
My next appointment with him for a few repairs at the house is in a couple weeks, because he's gonna be busy with his day job as an airline pilot, given the Easter holidays and all that. I can wait. I've learned for the last eight years that it's well worth it.
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