Ex-Thunderbird Pilot Shares Lessons for Bizav Operators

Michelle “MACE” Curran says her “7 Fighter Pilot Habits to Stay Steady When Life Gets Chaotic” have useful takeaways that can apply to the business aviation industry.

Three habits are especially applicable: First, debrief everything. Debriefing is a best practice that doesn’t just apply to flying. For higher pace operations, she said an abbreviated debrief checklist can be very effective.

“For flight operations, ask whether anything was missed during the preflight briefing, were there any issues with ground operations, and so on,” she said. “A simple, repeatable model is what’s important. Regular, standard debriefs are especially helpful as more young people join the industry, as it gives them a chance to share their perspectives and a process to base their learning on,” Curran said.

This approach can be applied to conducting sales calls, schedule and dispatch, and making major business decisions. Identify what went well, so you can repeat it – and what didn’t go so well so you can learn from it.

In the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team – where the acceptable margin of error is tiny with the potential for catastrophic consequences – leaders use debriefs to ensure mistakes are addressed the same way, regardless of who makes them. “We set title, experience and ego aside to be the best we possibly can be,” she said. There’s a misconception that military leaders lead with an “iron fist,” Curran said, but humble leaders who model from the top and lead by example create “psychological safety.”

Second, simulate success. This applies to visualizing flights in advance, as well as for practicing a successful sales call or presentation. Visualize success beforehand so when it’s “go time,” you feel like you’ve already been there and done that.

Third, control the controllables. Pay attention to what you can influence and on execution instead of uncertainty. It’s easy to be overwhelmed or frustrated when things aren’t going smoothly, but some things you can’t control. Focus on what you can change.

Business aviation employers looking for high-performing employees should reach out to veterans and separating service members through internships, hiring fairs and base visits.

“People in the military don’t usually talk about business aviation – the airlines are the de facto route for most veterans coming from the cockpit,” she said. “But there’s a big opportunity to bridge that gap with education and awareness.”