Flying in the Face of Fear

Chapter 3FIGHTER PILOT MINDSET

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

—Martin Luther King Jr.

Figure 3.1 My T‐38 class at undergraduate pilot training. We would all go on to fly fighter or bomber aircraft in the Air Force.

When I started pilot training in 1999, there were 33 female fighter pilots in the Air Force, about 1% of fighter pilots. I knew I had a lot to prove, and so I put a lot of pressure on myself. I hated making mistakes. I was afraid of failing. I wish I knew then what I finally know now. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to get it perfect the first time. There will be plenty of mistakes and failures along the way. And when you fail, when you make mistakes—get up, dust yourself off, and give it another go.

CALLSIGN: “BAGS”

After two years at graduate school, I show up to undergraduate pilot training, newly married and ready to start my flying career. When I drive onto the base for the first time, I can see and hear a nonstop stream of aircraft flying overhead. I cannot wait to start, but I'm also nervous. I want to excel in pilot training so I can get my coveted fighter slot. I join my class of 30 students as we begin our journey at pilot training.

Before we can even get in the airplane, we have to get through academics and ground training, ...