Points of Reference
During the T-37 phase of Air Force pilot training, I had a close call with elimination from the program. The “Tweet” as the T-37 is nicknamed for its high-pitched engine whine, has a stumpy nose. Kind of like looking out of a city bus windshield. This presented me with a real challenge as I couldn’t find points of reference with which to orient the plane with the outside world. As a result, I was constantly referencing flight instruments to fly straight and level. That “head in the cockpit” behavior is a sure way to run into something.
My instructor put me up for an evaluation ride with the Squadron Commander, Bo Price. It was up to him whether I would remain in pilot training or be washed-out. When the day came for the evaluation ride, I was a nervous reck. When we became airborne and established in the training area just north of Moody Air Force base, he pulls out from one of the myriad zippered pockets in his flight suit, a roll of duct tape. He then proceeds to tape over every instrument in the cockpit except for the engine instruments, altimeter, and airspeed indicator.
“Now, see those roads and fences on the ground? Those are section lines. They will always be north‒south and east‒west. Always! Line up with them and you will fly straight.”
He then instructed me to pick-out a smashed bug on the windscreen: one that was superimposed on the horizon. Just like the ones on your car windshield in the summer. “Keep that bug on the horizon.” The altitude did not vary a single foot. And, my head was not sequestered in the cockpit. After practicing for a while he instructed me to fly us back to the base. Never had another problem.
There are many facets of life that for some of us are not in full focus. Why, I don’t know. Like blind spots in our soul with its heart, mind, ego and the other topographical components of our being. I no longer try to understand why I am the way I am and am convinced that understanding is often an impediment to seeing the truth.
However, if we have clear points of reference, it’s just possible that we can begin to see more clearly character traits and strengths that have evaded our awareness.
For instance; is there someone in your life that would always wonder where you are if they lost you? Or, would move far away so they would never see you with someone else. Or, believes the happiest day of their life was the day you entered their world, or returned to it? If so, you have a reference point for love.
Is there someone in your life that would tell you the truth to their own hurt? If so, you have a reference point for honesty.
Is there someone in your life who would endure the pain you have inflicted on them but, forgave you rather than lose you? If so, you have a reference point for mercy.
The question for all of us is “can we incorporate those reference points into our nature?” Or will we keep our head in the cockpit?
“Don’t be like the man who looks in the mirror, walks away and forgets what he looks like”
Kent Weathersby
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