I’m fascinated with aviation, not just air travel, but everything about aircraft and the science behind flying. My dreams are about air space, flight patterns, the design of the craft, and sitting in the cockpit of a massive Boeing 787. I see myself checking the jet in preparation for take off, my eye keenly checking the schematics, landing gear, fuselage, wings, and other items for safety and readiness. Never a doubt crosses my mind that flying might be a risk. However, as much thrill as my passion gives me, it is also tinged by the chaotic reality that characterizes modern air travel.
There is a subtle, yet unsettling feeling that occupies a space in my dreams that used to be only pure excitement and certainty. Not only is it observable in my dreams of getting my pilot’s license someday; it’s also creeping into my experience as a passenger. I’ve found myself feeling concerned about the effect all of this might have on my future goal of piloting. On top of that, the rising cost of flight training, fuel surcharges, and aircraft maintenance seems to be invading my dreams.
Like my slipping confidence, the industry I fell in love with as a child seems to be in a crisis of confidence. Skyrocketing ticket prices, increasing air disasters, and technical failures have made air travel questionable for many. Changing policy regulations, new airline rules, seating models, and capacity cuts have resulted in rising safety questions. At a time when air travel is a main mode of transportation for the world, competing pricing algorithms and additional fees create a moving target experience for passengers. Cutting corners, overworking, and understaffing crew members in an industry responsible for the safety of billions of people has shifted the romance of flight to a risky adventure.
With all of that said, I firmly believe that a massive system failure can be the catalyst for foundational reform. In a sense, the chaos we have been observing is exactly what’s needed to bring a clearing of the skies. Aviation’s challenges are also its calling. The time is here for a new generation of pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers who design and work with new systems and technologies.
The pendulum has swung too far to the side of profit and competition and it is ready to swing to a new center, a center that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and accountability. And I, for one, want to be a part of that new team.
Despite the current chaos in aviation, my dreams are not diminished. My passion is ignited, my vision is clear, and I am more certain than ever that the sky is the place I want to be. My dream of flying is beyond a love of travel, it is a commitment to mastering flight and all the systems and elements. Ultimately, aviation is the privilege of taking a jet into the skies, creating a safe, comfortable, and thrilling experience for all who come aboard.
