As a pilot, you’re probably familiar with the dozens of common aviation sayings that have become a bit clichéd over the years. However, there’s a good reason that some of these sayings have remained popular for so long. Many of these catchy phrases were created to make it easier to recall important aviation safety tips and procedures, helping pilots react quickly and make better decisions under pressure. Here are a few aviation sayings that are worth remembering:
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate
In any situation, but especially in emergencies, pilots must remember to follow the aviation order of operations: aviate, navigate, communicate. Becoming distracted and failing to “fly the airplane first” can have dangerous consequences. When faced with an emergency, first focus on maintaining control of the aircraft. Then, navigate to a point of landing. Finally, communicate the emergency with ATC once everything is in order.
It’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than in the air wishing you were on the ground
This quote reminds pilots to avoid the temptation of “get-home-itis,” a phenomenon that can cause even the most experienced pilots to disregard warnings, instinct and common sense in an effort to reach their destinations on time. When making the go/no-go decision, don’t forget to consider the external and internal factors at play. Avoid letting your own emotions or pressure from your passengers override sound decision-making. When in doubt, fly another day.
Always have an out
The best pilots form a plan B (and often a plan C and D) before going out to fly. When planning a flight, take into account possible weather conditions, mechanical failures, and other emergency scenarios that could occur. Do you know the nearest airports along your route? By planning ahead, you will ensure you have an “out” if things don’t go as expected.
Before takeoff, remember: Lights, Camera, Action!
Reciting “Lights, Camera, Action” is a good way to remember checklist items immediately after receiving takeoff clearance and taking the active runway. Lights refers to external lighting, such as the landing light, strobe, and navigation lights (for night operations). Camera means turning on the transponder so the airplane can be seen and identified by air traffic control on radar. Action is used to remember last-minute items such as checking flaps and trim, switching on the fuel pump (if necessary) and applying takeoff power.
A good pilot is always learning
What’s the best way to stay proficient? Always be looking for opportunities to learn. Refine your aviation knowledge and skills with continued training, instruction, and education. Consider adding to your skill set with a new rating or endorsem*nt. When you’re not flying, take advantage of aviation books, online resources, and flight simulation tools. By continuing to learn and develop your skills, you’ll become a better pilot and avoid the dangers of complacency.
Do you have a favorite aviation quote or catchphrase? Share with us @HartzellProp.
FAQs
Before takeoff he had CIGAR: Controls, Instruments, Gas, Altimeter and Run-up; and a cigar's traditional suffix, TIP: Trim (set for takeoff), Interior (doors shut, seatbelts latched), and Prop (for complex aircraft—but make sure it's spinning anyway).
What are some pilot sayings short? ›
Pilot Quotes
- Knowledge is the eye of desire and can become the pilot of the soul. ...
- Anybody can pilot a ship when the sea is calm. ...
- If you don't trust the pilot, don't go. ...
- I have a list of things I want to experience and being a pilot was right on top of that list.
Before takeoff he had CIGAR: Controls, Instruments, Gas, Altimeter and Run-up; and a cigar's traditional suffix, TIP: Trim (set for takeoff), Interior (doors shut, seatbelts latched), and Prop (for complex aircraft—but make sure it's spinning anyway).
What is the go around quote for aviation? ›
“Fly every approach to the go around; a landing is a bonus!”
What is a cool quote about flying? ›
“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
What is the slogan for pilots? ›
"Aviate, navigate, communicate." This is a common saying that highlights the three most important priorities for pilots in order of importance: flying the plane, navigating, and communicating with air traffic control. "Keep the blue side up." This lighthearted motto is a reminder to p.
What are the 5 C's of aviation? ›
Five C's:
- Circle: If able, you want to minimize your travel so you can orient to the location without anything changing and not get any further off track.
- Confess: Admit that you are lost and need some form of assistance. ...
- Climb: "Climb to cope" ...
- Conserve: ...
- Communicate: ...
- Comply:
One such approach involves regular evaluation of: Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers, and Programming. The point of the Five-P approach is not to memorize yet another aviation mnemonic.
What is 7777 code in aviation? ›
What is the saying when a pilot dies? ›
When a pilot dies, we say they "Flew West". Sobering fact: If you are a pilot long enough, eventually you will know a pilot who flies West in an aircraft accident.
Emirates currently uses the slogan "Fly Better".
What is the slogan for the joy of flying? ›
The famous tagline “The Joy of Flying” became synonymous with Jet Airways and its unrivalled product and service.
What is the golden rule in aviation? ›
Summary. If only one golden rule were to be adopted, the following is suggested: Ensure always that at least one pilot is controlling and is monitoring the flight path of the aircraft. Page 4. 20.
What pilot says before landing? ›
To indicate the landing clearance or final approach, the Captain will either make the following announcement and/or blink the No Smoking sign. “Flight attendants, prepare for landing please.” “Cabin crew, please take your seats for landing.” It may be followed by an announcement by a flight attendant.
What is the FAA slogan? ›
Safety is our passion. We work so all air and space travelers arrive safely at their destinations.
What do pilots usually say? ›
Alpha, Bravo, Charli, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf, Hotel, India, Juliett, Kilo, Lima, Mike, November, Oscar, PaPa, Quebec, Romeo, Sierra, Tango, Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-ray, Yankee, Zulu. Pilots pronounce numbers similar to regular English, with a few exceptions: The number three (3) is pronounced “tree.”
What is short call for pilots? ›
Reserve at major airlines is normally broken into two groups: short call, where the pilot must be able to show within 2-3 hours of being notified, and long call, where the pilot must respond within 12-14 hours.
What do pilots say for yes? ›
Affirmative - Yes. Confirm - My understanding of your transmission is ______ : Is that correct? Correction - An error has been made in the transmission and the correct version follows.
What do pilots say when firing? ›
"Fox" is short for "foxtrot", the NATO phonetic designation for the letter "F", which is short for "fire". A fighter pilot announcing that a weapon has been fired is intended to help avoid friendly fire, alerting other pilots to avoid maneuvering into the path of the munition.
