Fate Is the Hunter

1. Becoming a pilot requires rigorous training and learning from seasoned veterans.

You are supposed to know how to fly or you would not be here. You will now learn to fly all over again. Our way.

Harsh apprenticeship. Entry into airline flying meant shedding old habits and adopting strict new disciplines under unforgiving instructors like Lester and McIntosh. This classroom and initial flight training exposed deep-seated ignorance and forced a complete re-education in technical subjects and precise procedures. The goal was not just flying, but flying "their way," prioritizing safety and standardization above all else.

Veterans' wisdom. Experienced captains like Ross and Keim became the true teachers, imparting practical knowledge and demanding perfection through relentless pressure and sometimes brutal honesty. They taught not just how to operate the aircraft, but how to think ahead, anticipate problems, and handle unexpected situations with composure. This on-the-job training was often humbling but essential for survival.

Beyond the book. While ground school provided theoretical foundations, the real lessons came in the cockpit, facing real-world conditions and the idiosyncrasies of each aircraft type. Learning to handle crosswinds, instrument approaches, and the quirks of systems like the DC-2 heater or C-87 hydraulics required hands-on experience and the willingness to make mistakes under the watchful, critical eyes of seasoned masters.

2. Airline flying demands precision, discipline, and constant adaptation.

If the flight plan called for five thousand feet, then the needle of the altimeter must stand at precisely five thousand.

Exactitude is paramount. Flying the line required unwavering adherence to precise altitudes, courses, and procedures, even in rough air. Ross, for instance, demanded the altimeter needle be exactly on the assigned altitude, emphasizing that "a few feet really count" someday. This relentless focus on detail built habits essential for instrument flight and complex air traffic environments.

Mastering the machine. Each aircraft type had its own personality and required specific handling techniques, from the "stiff-legged" DC-2 on landing to the "amiable cow" DC-3. Pilots had to learn to exploit the strengths and compensate for the weaknesses of their assigned planes, often developing unique methods not found in manuals, such as Ross's precise, power-off landings.

Continuous learning. The job wasn't static; new equipment, routes, and procedures demanded constant study and adaptation. Pilots regularly attended ground schools, practiced in Link Trainers, and underwent rigorous flight checks, ensuring they could handle emergencies and maintain proficiency in an ever-evolving technological landscape. This commitment to ongoing education was vital for safety.

3. Fate and luck are ever-present, mysterious forces in aviation.

Those fifty additional sloppy feet held only a few minutes previously—so insignificant then—are now revealed as the pinion of our lives.

Unseen hand. Despite skill and preparation, survival often hinged on inexplicable moments of chance or luck. The near-miss in the prologue, where a mere fifty feet of altitude difference averted a collision, highlighted how arbitrary forces could determine life or death, defying logic and planning.

Defying explanation. Crashes and near-disasters sometimes occurred without clear technical causes, leaving investigators baffled and hinting at supernatural or random factors. The sudden loss of oil over the jungle, the engines quitting and restarting inexplicably, or the perfectly placed hole in the overcast over Stevensville felt like interventions beyond human control or understanding.

The mystery endures. Even after thorough investigation, some accidents remained shrouded in mystery, attributed only to bad luck or unknown forces. This constant awareness of the unpredictable, the "totally unrecognizable genie" that could intervene at any moment, forced pilots to develop a tolerance for the irrational, even as they relied on science and skill.

4. Seniority dictates careers, often overriding skill and experience.

All airline pilots are subject to the high cock-o-lorum of seniority, whether they like it or not.

Arbitrary system. The seniority system, designed to prevent favoritism, assigned pilots a number that determined their routes, bases, pay, and promotion opportunities. This number often trumped individual ability, sending highly skilled pilots to undesirable routes or delaying captaincies for years, regardless of their readiness or talent.

Frustration and resentment. Pilots like the author, who were temporarily promoted to captain only to be displaced by more senior men, experienced the system's arbitrary power firsthand. This constant threat of being "bumped" back down the list fostered resentment and a sense of helplessness against the "accursed numbers."

Unwanted protection. While seniority offered security to the less ambitious or less skilled, it could also stifle potential and create a sense of mediocrity. The system's rigidity meant that even highly experienced pilots were reluctant to switch airlines, as it would mean starting over at the bottom of a new list, regardless of their proven capabilities.

5. Pilots face unpredictable hazards, from weather extremes to mechanical failures.

A thunderstorm is a thunderstorm no matter where encountered, and all of them have the disposition of a Caligula.

Nature's fury. Pilots constantly battled severe weather, from violent thunderstorms with extreme turbulence and hail to freezing rain that could cripple an aircraft in minutes. Navigating these conditions required not just technical skill but an intimate knowledge of regional weather patterns and the ability to improvise when standard procedures were insufficient.

Mechanical treachery. Aircraft, despite being scientific marvels, were prone to unpredictable failures, especially the hastily converted wartime transports like the C-87. Engines could quit without warning, hydraulic systems could freeze, and instruments could lie, forcing crews to rely on instinct and desperate measures to survive.

Compounding dangers. Often, hazards combined, such as ice accumulation during an instrument approach in mountainous terrain, or engine failures compounded by faulty fuel systems. These situations demanded rapid assessment, decisive action, and a willingness to push both the aircraft and the crew to their limits.

6. True courage is often quiet resilience in the face of fear.

They wear courage like a comfortable belt, rarely giving it a thought.

Beyond bravado. Courage in airline flying wasn't about reckless heroism but about maintaining composure and executing procedures under immense pressure and fear. Pilots like Hughen, sweating profusely while battling ice and engine failures, or Johnson, calmly flying through extreme turbulence, demonstrated courage through quiet determination rather than dramatic displays.

Facing the unknown. Pilots often had to make critical decisions and perform complex maneuvers while blind, relying solely on instruments or limited visibility. This required overcoming the primal fear of the unseen and trusting their training and the reliability of their equipment, even when it seemed to fail them.

Resilience in routine. The constant exposure to potential danger, the long hours, and the physical discomforts demanded a deep well of resilience. Pilots learned to manage fear, push through exhaustion, and maintain focus, embodying a quiet strength that became a hallmark of the profession.

7. The bond between crew members is forged in shared peril and trust.

These men, wrapped for indefinite periods in an aluminum cocoon, were typical of all the others. Their faith in me as we proceeded into the relatively unknown was difficult to justify.

Mutual reliance. In the cockpit, survival depended on the seamless coordination and implicit trust between the captain, co-pilot, navigator, radio operator, and engineer. Each crew member had vital duties, and failure in any role could jeopardize the entire flight, fostering a deep interdependence.

Shared experience. Long flights, especially over remote or hazardous areas, created a unique camaraderie among crew members. Sharing discomfort, fear, and moments of triumph forged bonds stronger than those formed in ordinary circumstances, turning a collection of individuals into a cohesive, supportive unit.

Beyond the job. Crew relationships extended beyond the cockpit, with pilots and crew often eating and sleeping in the same quarters during layovers. This constant proximity, while sometimes challenging, reinforced the sense of being a "small family," relying on each other for both professional support and emotional connection in a rootless existence.

8. Experience hones instinct, but doesn't eliminate the possibility of error or bad luck.

All of this and much more came to us in time, which was measured and carefully recorded in our logbooks.

Accumulated wisdom. Thousands of hours in the air, recorded meticulously in logbooks, built a deep reservoir of practical knowledge and honed pilots' instincts. This experience allowed them to anticipate problems, read subtle cues from the aircraft, and make rapid decisions in complex situations, often relying on a "seat-of-the-pants" feel refined over years.

Limits of knowledge. Despite vast experience, pilots were constantly confronted with new challenges or unpredictable events that defied their accumulated wisdom. The mysterious engine failures, the unprecedented ice accumulation, or the bizarre behavior of instruments highlighted that even seasoned veterans were still learning and vulnerable.

Humility in the face of the unknown. The most experienced pilots understood that skill was necessary but not sufficient for survival. They remained wary, acknowledging that luck played a role and that even a minor oversight or an unexpected external factor could lead to disaster, regardless of their expertise.

9. Even the most skilled pilots can be humbled by unexpected challenges.

How could a man of Dudley's experience be so wrong on every count?

Skill vs. Deception. The story of Captain Dudley, a man who faked his qualifications and experience, highlighted the stark contrast between perceived skill and actual ability. His inability to perform basic instrument maneuvers or landings exposed the dangers of relying on pretense rather than genuine competence, ultimately leading to tragedy.

Unforeseen circumstances. Even highly competent pilots faced situations where their skills were pushed to the absolute limit by unexpected events. The author's experience with simultaneous engine failures on a C-54, or McGuire's landing a crippled C-87 in a blizzard, demonstrated how unforeseen mechanical or environmental factors could humble even the most seasoned airmen.

Learning from failure. While the book recounts many losses, it also emphasizes learning from near-disasters and the mistakes of others. Each incident, whether due to human error, mechanical failure, or bad luck, provided crucial lessons that contributed to the collective knowledge and improved safety for future flights.

10. The human element - camaraderie, fear, resilience - is crucial for survival.

We were all, for one humiliating moment, squashed into our miserable little bone and flesh units and the multitudinous cells of us became one cell...

Shared vulnerability. Facing constant danger stripped away pretense and exposed the shared vulnerability of pilots and crew. Moments of intense fear, like battling a thunderstorm or experiencing engine failures, created a profound sense of shared humanity and reliance on each other.

Psychological toll. The relentless pressure, the exposure to loss, and the physical hardships took a psychological toll. Pilots developed coping mechanisms, from dark humor and fatalism to relying on routine and the camaraderie of their crew, to manage the stress and continue performing their demanding jobs.

Enduring spirit. Despite the dangers and losses, the pilots maintained a remarkable spirit, driven by a passion for flying and a commitment to their profession. Their resilience, their ability to push through fear and exhaustion, and their unwavering dedication to getting the job done defined the human element that was as crucial to survival as any technical skill.

Last updated: May 5, 2025