Some excellent words of advice to all new pilots.

Ross Sparks is an old colleague of mine - we go back a long way in Air New Zealand.

Ross’ retirement project is Head of Training at the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand here in Christchurch.

Congratulations on becoming a qualified pilot. You are at the beginning of quite a journey. I’m at one end of the journey with 51 years in the business and you’re at the other end of the journey – just starting out.

There is no doubt that on your journey, there will be certain challenges and decisions that come before you. When you look at the journey, it is true that not everyone gets to complete it. Life has its fates and challenges, and you have to be very clear that decision making is a very strong part of what you will become – both career wise and in your private lives.

Ross Sparks - hard at work at IAANZ

Young pilots sitting on the flight deck with me during night flights would ask for advice and I would say this – Life is a business - you’ve actually got to run it. So, when it comes to decision making, think carefully about whether you stay put or take a risk. You have opportunity versus temptation. Opportunity grows you; temptation destroys you. What you are trying to do on your journey is to develop the tools to be able to identify the two. You’ve got to get the right tools in your toolbox.

These tools are critical to your success in aviation.

If you’re successful in getting an airline role, you will do simulator checks every six months and you will undergo a medical every year. Your job is only ever as secure as successfully passing these checks.

The airlines do their best to make these checks work for you, after all, it is in their interest to keep you flying. As Air New Zealand Training Captains, we were looking for Humility. Humility plays a very big part in being able to ask questions – to understand the situation facing you. Arrogance will often take you down the road of disappointment. It could even end in failure because you are wanting to argue the point rather than listen to what is being said to you.

Add Humility to your toolbox of skills. Throw in being Solution Focused too. The people on the flight deck that you enjoy working with are those who know a reference source and have a bit of information they can share. So, being a Contributor should be in your toolbox too.

Ultimately your role is that of a leader – whether as a captain or aspiring to become one. You may be the captain of the airplane, but a good leader knows they can’t do it by themselves. Everyone knows something and it’s important to allow others to contribute to success – whether it’s the success of the flight or getting the kids ready for a camping trip.

We’ve just added Leadership Skills and Collaboration to your toolbox.

Don’t push the rules. The rules are the rules and in aviation, they are there for a very good reason – the safety of all. If you’re supposed to be landing in London but the weather is crappy and you are diverted to Amsterdam, it doesn’t matter. That’s the best outcome for the flight. Enjoy Amsterdam rather than fight to get the flight to London. Add Compliance to the toolbox.

Self-review. It is something I have always done, and still do. Everyday, I go home, and I look at my contributions to the day. Did I deliver? Use the tools in the toolbox for the self-review to actually learn. Ask those questions. What didn’t I know? Why didn’t I know it? Where’s the information? It’s all part of keeping you out there living your dream. It’s important that you are successful in living your dream. Not everyone does succeed in the end. Some people don’t get their fairytale life, despite their efforts.

If you are successful in securing an airline role your lifestyle will be amazing. You will get to some great places. But you have to learn to be humble again – and considerate of other people’s lives. I wouldn’t dare go home to my wife who’s been managing three children alone in my absence and tell her of the fine time I had in London watching tennis at Wimbledon. So, pop Consideration of Others in your toolbox. There will always be other times to tell your overseas stories but pick your time – when others are ready to hear them.

My greatest advice to you is that you look after yourselves. Make wise choices, seek guidance in the decisions you have to make and avoid temptation. That will always bring you down. As young people in the international world, when you first go across borders into the big wide world, there’s a lot going on. You will want to be a part of it all, but you have a responsibility, not only to yourselves, but to others.

You’ve chosen a very professional career that demands a lot from you and those that you love. I just encourage you all to think wisely in making your choices.

A good and healthy toolbox will always have in it:-

·       Humility,

·       Solution focused thinking,

·       Being a contributor,

·       Leadership Skills

·       Collaboration

·       Compliance

·       Self Review

·       Self Awareness

·       Considerations of Others

·       Responsibility

·       Self Care

·       Intelligent Decision Making

·       Professionalism

 A builder can’t get by without their hammer and drill in their toolbox, a pilot can’t get by without the contents of his or her toolbox either. Nurture, use and care for your tools and you will always be successful.

I want to wish you all the very best for the journey in front of you. Thank you.

 Capt. Ross Sparks

Head of Training

International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ)

The Sky is Waiting for You