Intellectual Pursuits and the Air

I feel a drive to learn, and a compulsion to write about it. When I initially set up this blog, I intended to write about my passion for aviation.

About one year ago, I started my journey into the air, and in November I completed the requirements for my Private Pilot Certificate. Aviation has become a great, though expensive, part of my life. Upon consideration, though, I have determined that the reason for learning to fly was more than the allure of the air. It was more the desire to learn; to be challenged.

I strive to be the best at all I choose to do. This is something that I have noticed about myself and my immediate family--so I would think it a safe assertion that this trait is familial. There is a certain satisfaction at obtaining excellence, though once that level has been obtained I find a level of boredom sets in.

There is the craving for new experience and I now that about one year ago, when I started training to be a pilot, that craving was somewhat satiated. There is so much to learn, and arguably very little room for error when it comes to aviation. Even though I have reached a level of proficiency that allows me to carry passengers as a Private Pilot, there still remains so much to be learned and as such challenges to be met.

On the front of the AOPA Flight Training Magazine is the phrase, "A good pilot is always learning." This gives me pause to think that there may always be opportunity to learn more in the aviation field. I certainly desire to become increasingly proficient in my piloting abilities, but I am gladdened to know that there will always be challenges awaiting me. It is also worth noting that it is when one believes that they know it all and become complacent, that accidents generally occur.

Beyond my piloting aspirations, I also desire to learn in many other fields. Reading a variety of books sharpens my intellect and whets my appetite for more. One of the books I am currently working through is entitled "The 33 Strategies of War." I am finding this book to be one of self-discipline culled from great warriors through the ages and across cultures. It is not some quick steps to success, or anything of that order. It more akin to steel sharpening steel; the fundamentals of great leadership--even if only of oneself.

Also in the vein of bettering myself would be my desire to learn other languages and develop unusual skills. In particular on the languages would be a deep desire in me to learn the German language. I am looking toward the purchase of Rosetta Stone software to make this goal a reality. As for the unusual skills, I am just looking to be a very well-rounded person; surprising even to those who think they know me well.