9 Sights That Will Put A Smile On Any Pilot’s Face

Photo Credit: venturebeat.com
Panoramic!
Add this to the reasons why pilots have the best jobs in the world. For one, they can travel from one side of the globe to the other all in a few hours. But traveling isn’t the only perk. They also happen to have the best views! And the following sights are guaranteed to make them smile:
1. Lining up with the runway

Ah, yes. Thereโs always something magical about the moment youโre about to land. To some onlookers, this might seem like a piece of cake but itโs harder than it looks โ just ask any pilot you know whether theyโre newbies or experienced ones. Theyโll tell you one thing โ it takes practice, lots and lotsย of it. So basically, thereโs nothing more satisfying to a pilot than lining up the runway and holding that line. Even for those who have flown a hundred times, there are instances when it can be challenging and difficult. It takes a while to master this art and if they manage to do it perfectly, youโre guaranteed to see the biggest grin on their faces. Again and again, the key here is practice (though there are tips and tricks they have to learn too) which is no big deal because flying is their passion. Eventually, such skills will become second nature.
2. Smiling passengers

This needs no explanation. After hours of flying, the easiest and most effective way to cheer up a pilot is when he sees his smiling passengers. Thatโs a lot like patting him on the back and saying, โThanks for an awesome job!โ Surely, thereโs no more satisfying positive reinforcement than that. Itโs rewarding on so many levels. It makes all those hours worth it. Itโs not easy being the one behind the controls, mind you. Some may think itโs easy steering and maneuvering an aircraft but no, it takes more than just sheer guts. Pilots have to study and learn various skill sets. And imagine hours and hours of being up in the air. Itโs not always about traveling to beautiful places but it entails hard work. But you know, nothing says โyou picked the right career and industryโ than knowing and seeing you did a great job. That ought to make anyone smile!
3. People waving at you

Weโve all probably been there. We see an aircraft pass us by and we wave, not really caring whether the pilot sees us or not. Weโre literally looking up to them. And well, who wouldnโt like that? Itโs a lovely sight to look at, actually. And the thing is, the pedestrians donโt know the pilot is smiling because of such simple yet fun view. How can it not cheer you up? Thereโs something quite cute about it โ it doesnโt matter if youโre a kid or an adult, itโs as if the moment you see an airplane, you just have to wave at the aircraft and the pilot. You know, there are instances too when these pilots wave back. Well that only proves they are probably the coolest people in the world. I mean, did you see that pilotโs selfie while he was above the clouds? If youโre not a fan of selfies, that one was totally acceptable.
4. Witnessing sunset and sunrise

Donโt you just like chasing sunrise or sunsets? Itโs one of the most magical, spectacular and breath-taking views ever! If youโre at the beach or on top of the mountain, you just canโt miss it. But think about it, how would it look like if youโre high above the clouds? If I have to describe it in one word, itโs EPIC. Itโs like looking at natureโs masterpiece, sometimes almost too beautiful to be real. But pilots see it often. And well, itโs safe to assume they never get bored of it. Itโs a must-see but not everyone gets to share the experience. It makes you think though, how surreal it must have felt the first time pilots saw it this close. When I said they have the best views, I meant it. This is perhaps the coolest, most amazing way of chasing sunsets. It just canโt get any better than this!
5. Breaking out of the clouds

Pilots all know this to be true. After a long flight and as they approach the minimums, they start seeing the runwayโs outline. How to best describe this? Itโs a lot like working for extended hours on a holiday, then finally going home and seeing the faint traces of Christmas lights in your house. Yep, thatโs something to make anyone happy. So as you can see, itโs the exact same feeling for pilots when they start seeing the runway, albeit faintly at first. For some, itโs even exciting and gets them pumped up for the landing. These are one of those times when they can say theyย chose the right industry. It’s when theyย can find happiness even in simple moments, right? Any pilot will tell you that no matter how grand others seem to think of their โjob,โ itโs always the little things that matter. Yes, every single time.
6. City skyline view

City skylines at night look spectacular to say the least. If youโre looking from a tall building or better, a rooftop, you canโt deny how breathtaking and mesmerizing it is. What more if you get to fly over it? I guess itโs all about perspective. You get a view most people can only dream of. Just think about it, how would it look like at more than 2000 feet? Itโs going to blow you away. We only see such scenery in photos or wallpapers. But pilots? They get to experience it. Letโs admit it, how can anyone not love a job with such stellar views? Again, itโs one of those perks and little rewards you get as a pilot. You fly from one place to another, have a second home, get to meet new people regularly, enjoy your work and of course, get to experience the seemingly endless array of beautiful views.
7. Runway lights at night

For pilots with evening flights, one of the things they look forward to seeing is the array of lights in the runway. Airports and runways look magical at night. You see, pilots do challenging work every single time. From strong winds and turbulence to unpredictable weather, there are so many things they need to think about while flying the aircraft. Itโs not as easy-peasy as we think. Do you know what else is awesome aside from this stellar sight? Pilots get so much โthinking timeโ at 2,000 feet. While people like us often enjoy quiet time while looking out the window, pilots do the same thing too but through the cockpits. Now tell me if that isnโt the best thing ever. So yes, their views are different and way better than ours. Lol. And the next time when youโre on an evening flight and you look out and see the lights, you can start envying the pilot.
8. Watching theirย favorite aircraft up close

Every pilot has their favorite aircraft and watching them up-close or much better, land on the runway before theyย do, thatโs totally priceless. There are pilots who started loving aviation because of a specific plane. And more often than not, each time they get a glimpse of that bird, a smile spreads across their face. Some think that โbigger is betterโ especially when it comes to commercial airlines but there are those who like the smaller ones because itโs more fun. There are also pilots who prefer those which are fast, sturdy and powerful. Either way, thereโs something nice about watching them land before you do. Itโs almost surreal because they only used to dream about it. Then suddenly, theyโre there just holding short of the runway. Thatโs the perfect sight โ something not everyone gets to see. The thrill and excitement โ those are all indescribable. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, pilots have the time of their lives!
9. Peaceful skies

Pilots have a certain unusual sense of freedom. Itโs just different when youโre up in the air. You are literally on top of the world. Being a pilot is never dull. Itโs constantly challenging. But aside from all that Iโve mentioned, you know what else never fails to make them smile? Itโs the view of peaceful skies. When you look at the clouds from the ground, you get some sort of feel-good vibe. Thereโs no way you can stare at that view and not feel relaxed. So how do you think the pilots feel when they have this view up close? Itโs too beautiful and peaceful. Itโs the kind of panoramic scenery we all want to witness. Itโs no wonder itโs one of the things that cheers them up. So, do you feel like becoming a pilot now? Because I just canโt help but feel so jealous, they have the best job in the world!