Aviation making people better drivers

[Gregorio]

Hi All.

Just wanted to ask around whether someone else feels the same way I do. After spending a lot of time in studying aviation and its procedures, and flying virtually in FSX trying to be attentive of all details, I think that this experience has made me a better driver. I mean, I am not a real life pilot, I only use FSX, yet the theory is basically the same. So I noticed that I when I am driving I am much more concerned about details, even on how I use the gears, and especially taking care with safety.

Does anybody feel the same way?

[]s

[expat]

An interesting question, but I think that the answer is no. I have been working on aircraft for the last 25 years, both military and civil and I have met just about every pilot character going. My experience and observation is the opposite. Hard and fast regulation in the air translate into (for want of better words) a very relaxed way of driving for quite a few, but not of course all. And in the case of some young fast jet pilots, somewhat disturbing bullet proof driving God attitude behind the wheel. However, if it helps you fine. For me, I hold a couple of thousand hearts in my hand with the number of aircraft I sign off in a day. If the road is empty, the weather is good, well, I let my hair down a bit to relax from time to time...........

Matt

Matt

[alrot]

me too

[Fozzer]

Using the Flight Sim Regularly makes you more observant of what is going on all around you at all times, otherwise, you put yourself, and others in deadly peril.

The same application to driving on the roads, equally applies!... ...!

The thought of dying frightens me, and makes me very careful, on the ground, and up in the blue!... ... ...!

As a daily Motorcyclist, the Flight Sim has also taught me to read the weather around me; my destination, and in between...the same as Pilots do!

Paul...FS 2004....and a Honda CB 500RR!... ....!

[wifesaysno]

An interesting question, but I think that the answer is no. I have been working on aircraft for the last 25 years, both military and civil and I have met just about every pilot character going. My experience and observation is the opposite. Hard and fast regulation in the air translate into (for want of better words) a very relaxed way of driving for quite a few, but not of course all. And in the case of some young fast jet pilots, somewhat disturbing bullet proof driving God attitude behind the wheel. However, if it helps you fine. For me, I hold a couple of thousand hearts in my hand with the number of aircraft I sign off in a day. If the road is empty, the weather is good, well, I let my hair down a bit to relax from time to time...........

Matt

Matt

I have been around a lot of pilots, mostly corporate/charter pilots and I have to say they are better drivers...HOWEVER, they do drive a certain way that can make others uncomfortable. They control the car very well, but they dont seem to understand what a turn signal is, stop signs, right-of-way, etc..Again, they do control the car very well though, for those that do not know them, it can be an interesting experience 

My dad is horrible when it comes to driver courtesy, yet I have never seen him come close to damaging the car nor have I ever seen him react poorly when something popped up (like a deer or a texting teen) or the car had a sudden mechanical failure.

So from my experience, being a pilot seems to make you much better at handling the car, navigating in unfamiliar areas, and handling emergencies (keeping a level head). BUT they dont understand driver courtesy.

[jetprop]

An interesting question, but I think that the answer is no. I have been working on aircraft for the last 25 years, both military and civil and I have met just about every pilot character going. My experience and observation is the opposite. Hard and fast regulation in the air translate into (for want of better words) a very relaxed way of driving for quite a few, but not of course all. And in the case of some young fast jet pilots, somewhat disturbing bullet proof driving God attitude behind the wheel. However, if it helps you fine. For me, I hold a couple of thousand hearts in my hand with the number of aircraft I sign off in a day. If the road is empty, the weather is good, well, I let my hair down a bit to relax from time to time...........

Matt

Matt

I have been around a lot of pilots, mostly corporate/charter pilots and I have to say they are better drivers...HOWEVER, they do drive a certain way that can make others uncomfortable. They control the car very well, but they dont seem to understand what a turn signal is, stop signs, right-of-way, etc..Again, they do control the car very well though, for those that do not know them, it can be an interesting experience

[ftldave]

Better drivers? I think that's a real stretch.

I'm reading Convair B-36: A Comprehensive History of America's "Big Stick" by Meyers Jacobsen. An interesting but sad fact from that book:

Gus Green, the first test pilot assigned to fly the XB-36, died in a car accident three years after he stopped flying for a living.

[VBonanza]

What makes people good drivers are the attention to their surroundings and the details. You have to be aware all of the time while driving, and it's the same with flying.

Flying gives you some more responsibility which may be carried out to your driving. Probably not with all people, but I think flying might be able to make some people pay more attention to their surroundings while they are driving.

[DaveSims]

I know a problem I have after getting out of an airplane is speeding.  Think about it, approach speed is 70-75 mph for the aircraft I typically fly.  When I leave the airport, I find my self doing 80 mph (in a 55 mph zone) without even realizing it.  Thank goodness I don't drive a faster vehicle.

[machineman9]

[quote]I know a problem I have after getting out of an airplane is speeding.

[Zaphod]

[quote][quote]I know a problem I have after getting out of an airplane is speeding.

[Apex]

I've thought about this sort of thing before.

[Zaphod]

> Both hands on the wheel, usually 3 & 9.

My major driving failing is that I catch myself with one hand on the wheel and the other on the top of the manual shift stick.

Zaphod.

[Gregorio]

Thank you all for the feedback. I already thought that the results would manifest differently to different people, but I guess that there is something to take from aviation onto the road. For me it is this special concern with safety. I always try to only make simmed-flight decisions that maximize the safety of everybody (virtually) onboard. Hence I take that to the road. Also being "procedural" and being more aware are part of the safety concern to me so they come automatically. Plus I always tell people that knowledge is something one doesn't loose, but actively recycles and reuses in other areas.

Again, thank you all for the feedback!