Not just anyone can become a pilot. Indeed, it is the childhood dream of many to be able to navigate the skies, but relatively few actually make the ranks in the end. So just what is it that gives a select few that special ability? Can these skills be learned?

In the sections below, we will take a look at the characteristics needed to become a pilot. In some cases, these skills can be learned. Although some people are lucky enough to be born with them. To assess your own skills, check out a new online IQ test called Cerebrum IQ. There are Cerebrum IQ reviews from current users that can attest to the brilliance of this program.

In This Article:

Swift decision-making ability

Although seasoned pilots basically know what to do when they get into a plane, they need to prove that they can handle critical situations in order to even get their licenses. And there can be weather-related or other types of emergency situations that call for quick thinking.

Therefore, the ability to make quick and correct decisions on the spot is vital. Some people have very strong reasoning skills but tend to become flustered when they are under pressure. To be a successful pilot, you need to be able to “think on your feet” and come up with the right response at the right time. Much of this can be learned through training and practice, of course, although some people are born with a greater aptitude than others.

Composure

A related capability is that of composure. If you are 36,000 feet in the air and suddenly hit some really bad weather, you need to be able to trust your knowledge of flying and calmly navigate the plane through the problem.

In other words, you need to have the combined ability to reason correctly and remain calm in potentially dangerous situations. And you need to project this calmness onto your passengers and crew.

Situational awareness

For many people, once they get six feet off the ground, anything higher might feel like exactly the same thing. Pilots need to have a very keen sense of their surroundings. This includes having a sense of precisely what weather conditions will affect a given flight in what way.

There are many subtle circumstances involved in flying. Clear air turbulence, for example, is something that weather patterns might not predict but pilots need to be prepared for nonetheless. There are also changes in currants, for example when a plane nears the ground, and pilots need to be able to adjust planes to make landings as smooth as possible. This requires not only physical dexterity but refinement in thinking.

Communication skills

No pilot truly acts alone, so it is essential that they have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with everyone around them. This includes copilots, flight attendants, air traffic control, and passengers.

Pilots need to have a keen ability to communicate essential information when necessary, but not cause people to panic, even in an emergency. This can be a challenge in cases in which there is an actual emergency and people need to act swiftly to save lives. This is where not only strong communication skills, but training exercises with fellow staff members becomes extremely important.

How can we assess these skills?

This is where Cerebrum IQ steps in. The test is making waves across the globe, helping people determine what skills they need to sharpen to reach their intellectual and professional goals.

The test breaks down cognitive functioning into five areas:

Logic
Concentration
Reaction
Memory
Speed

When you take the test, you will not only be presented with a score, but also a breakdown of where your stronger and weaker areas are. You can then complete interesting exercises and games to help sharpen the areas in which you need improvement. One of the best parts of the test is that you can take it as many times as you want and watch your score improve.

Flying may or may not be for you

The truth is, being an effective pilot is about a lot more than simply having a high IQ. Intelligence is important, for sure, but it is also about a person’s character. Most importantly, you should love the idea of being in the sky. Some people can truly say this, and many others find it simply a passing fascination that they might enjoy as a passenger but not necessarily all the time. Whatever your position might be, making an assessment of your abilities is an essential first step in getting started. So get online today and see what you can figure out.