As an airline pilot, I awaken full of excitement to the day that lies ahead of me. Paramount on my mind is the jet, which I will be piloting to a far away destination. I proudly don my pilot’s uniform, which I have worked hard to achieve.
After meeting my first officer for today’s flight, we analyze the weather and go about the business of flight planning. This is perhaps the most important part of the job. Proper pre-flight planning and good decision-making can mean the difference between a seemingly routine flight and a catastrophe.
As I board the modern jetliner, a sense of happiness encompasses my being. This is where I belong. The user-friendly nature of the glass cockpit design never ceases to amaze me. It makes flying such a complex aircraft seem relatively simple to an experienced pilot. My colleague and I go about the business of checking and re-checking the flight systems and programming today’s route into the flight computer.
We welcome our friendly cabin crew to the aircraft. The passengers board shortly thereafter.
The doors are locked and we obtain clearance to depart the gate. I start the engines and the systems are up and running smoothly. I am in control of this large bird with a couple hundred people on board. I am filled with excitement. We are ready for the takeoff. This is my second favorite part of flying. I taxi onto the runway and the engines are screaming along at full throttle. The heaving mass of metal is shortly airborne with the ground falling by beneath us. Flight!
Our journey across the Atlantic has begun. I fly the jet with relative ease up to cruising altitude. In-flight service has begun and all is well in the cabin behind us. The first officer and myself make numerous radio communications and continuously monitor the aircraft for any abnormalities. The cirrus clouds and rising sun are a sight to behold.
I have established radio contact with Europe. Our descent has begun and I am busy making preparations for landing which is my favorite part of flying. The precise and careful maneuvering required for landing a large aircraft is demanding yet very rewarding.
The runway comes into sight. I glide the jet ever so gently towards the ground. We touch down smoothly and bring her to a stop. I taxi the majestic beauty towards the terminal building with the satisfaction of a great landing and bringing the passengers safely to their destination. My colleague and I shut down the engines in this bittersweet moment. The excitement of flight is over for today but many more flights await in the weeks to come.
A fond goodbye is given to the passengers as they deplane. I look forward to exploring my new home for the next couple of days before my return journey. I pause for a few seconds and think how lucky I am to be pursuing a career, which I am in love with.