Photo by Ray Bilcliff

As a military pilot, there are a few lessons I have learnt from flying that I believe apply to any phase in our life and are good to go if understood and followed. As a Flight Lieutenant in the AirForce, it was a dream to be able to do high altitude flying and be cleared to land at helipads above 15000 feet AMSL. It was a clearance every helicopter pilot worth his salt really wanted in their logbook. At that height,  man and machine were both operating at their peak performance level.

As we made an approach for my first landing at 19000 feet, I can still clearly remember the sound of my shallow breathing trying to take in the oxygen at that height and the pin-drop silence around me, the sound of the helicopter engine in that thin air. All around us, it was white out snow-covered mountains and it felt like being in a white golf ball. Ahead all we could see was the small marking of an H for the helipad, that was the only point of reference for me. My instructor’s words are ingrained in my mind and I can recall every word even after almost 20 years. He said,  at this altitude and max performance level it is all about the Perspective you have. If you’re too high or too low in your approach with respect to the helipad you will never make a successful touchdown and will never have the skill to operate at this level. So always be sure you have the correct perspective before you begin an approach to land. That’s the secret to a successful touchdown. This holds good for any aircraft and any good landing anywhere in the world.

Technical jargon aside, in life having the “correct perspective “is extremely important to make a successful transition and reach our goal. It takes focus and good judgment and commitment. Any change brings with it some fear and reluctance to see it through, but the right attitude or perspective is what makes all the difference for an easy and happy transition and achieving our goals.

To be in control and find you’re True North is the ultimate goal !!!

1 thought on “It’s all about the right PERSPECTIVE

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