Page 43 - Never Fly Solo

16 | NEVER FLY SOLO
craft simulators were still too primitive to train on. They
drilled each other on every procedure and contemplated every
possible what-if and its outcome. By the time they flew their
first mission, they had already played out most of the antici-
pated emergencies. This built their confidence, not just in the
procedures but in each other.

THE COST OF PREPARATION

When fighter pilots go through training, they study hard and
sweat a ton. Instead of watching TV, they hit the simulators
and the books, work weekends, and essentially do whatever
it takes to be the best pilots they can possibly be. They also
prepare as a group, challenging and testing each other. Con-
trary to what you’ve seen in the movies, there has never been
a “top gun” who spends more time playing volleyball and
chasing women than preparing for the challenges of flight at
Mach 2 and nine Gs. The more you sweat in peace . . .
The same truth applies in your career. There’s a cost to
winning. That’s why I see WIN as an acronym for “work it
now.” What are you doing behind the scenes to win your next
mission? How much are you “sweating in peace”?
The following chair-flying WingTips will help you prepare
for your toughest missions and put you on the fast track to
earning your business wings.

Ask “What If?” in Every Possible Scenario
The biggest part of every flight briefing is when pilots plan for
contingencies and ask “what if?” What if the weather changes,
the tanker isn’t available to refuel, or a pilot has to land at an
emergency runway? These realistic scenarios have already