Kyle Freiburger’s Post

Courage vs. Recklessness: The Journey of a Pilot In the world of aviation, the journey from a newly minted pilot to an experienced aviator is marked by a fascinating contrast: the raw courage of beginners versus the seasoned wisdom of those who have undergone extensive flight training and team leadership. New pilots often approach their first flights with a blend of excitement and fearlessness. This courage is essential; it fuels the passion that drives them to chase their dreams. However, without the foundation of thorough training and experience, this courage can sometimes veer into recklessness—leading to hasty decision-making in critical situations. On the other hand, experienced pilots possess not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of neuro-emotional balance. They have learned to analyze situations with clarity, remain calm under pressure, and make informed decisions that prioritize safety. Their training has instilled in them the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions—qualities that are crucial for successful flight operations. The transition from courage to experience is not just about accumulating flight hours; it’s about embracing a mindset of continuous learning and reflection. Great flight training teaches pilots to harness their initial enthusiasm while grounding it in disciplined analysis and emotional intelligence. As we celebrate the next generation of aviators, let’s also recognize the invaluable role that mentorship and comprehensive training play in shaping responsible pilots. The aviation industry thrives when courage is paired with wisdom, ensuring that our skies remain safe and our flights are successful. Do you agree we all strive to balance courage with experience??? #Aviation #FlightTraining #TeamLeadership #Mentorship #communication #EmotionalIntelligence

Aviate, Navigate, Communicate is a phrase we learn early in our flight training that helps us to slow down in an emergency, to prioritize under pressure, and take the appropriate action. This same concept works outside of the cockpit as well and I’ve used it to help me lead my team (and my family) in a crisis or when I’m feeling overwhelmed by change, challenge, or adversity. 🛩 Aviate. We need to focus on those things we can control and maintain focus on our critical priorities. When times get tough and we’re feeling overwhelmed, we need to think about what’s most important. What are those things that you have to keep doing to keep from hitting the ground?   🗺 Navigate. We need to have awareness of the goals we are trying to achieve, maintaining our momentum, knowing where there are threats or risks to the team and mission.   🎙 Communicate. We must communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly (perhaps more than ever in a crisis) . . . communicating with our team to ensure they know the way forward, communicating with others if we need help.   If you want to lead with courage, then aviate, navigate, and communicate. Focus on what you can control. Focus on what’s most important first. #Leadership #Aviation #FlyingInTheFaceOfFear #LeadWithCourage

After delivering a keynote at the Elevate(her) Aviation annual lunch I was asked by Lily Ayres MRAeS what I would say to the next generation of pilots. My answer is not restricted to pilots: ✈️ remember flying is not a job, it’s a vocation. You never stop thinking about it from the moment you start. ✈️ also remember that it’s fun. You are allowed to enjoy yourself ✈️ don’t take yourself too seriously - see point 2 above ✈️ never let your job become more important than the reason you are doing it in the first place I learned this lesson the hard way, and nearly died as a result (not in a plane though you’ll be pleased to know!). You can learn more about these snippets and more in my book “Grounded” but if you are looking to deliver some inspiration or lessons in leadership learned at 37000 feet, I can help you out there too, because much to my husbands amusement, I now “speak” for a living. What would you add to this list? How can I help you to develop strong, resilient teams, that lead with conviction? (How is it Wednesday already?!) Let me know in the comments and I will be delighted to discuss

"Navigating the Skies and Leadership: Lessons from the Cockpit" In aviation, every flight is a dynamic environment requiring both technical skill and leadership. As pilots, we manage not only the aircraft but also coordinate with the cabin crew, ground control, and even passengers. The key to success in this complex environment is effective communication and decisive leadership. Safety First – Always The most important aspect of aviation is safety. It’s ingrained in us from day one, and every decision we make in the cockpit revolves around maintaining the highest safety standards. But safety is not just about following procedures—it’s about fostering a culture where every team member feels responsible for the outcome. This translates well into leadership, where empowering your team to take ownership can drive success in any industry. Decision Making Under Pressure In the air, we often face time-sensitive decisions. Whether it’s handling unexpected weather or a technical issue, staying calm and making calculated decisions is crucial. As leaders, we can apply the same approach in our workplaces—focusing on facts, maintaining clarity under pressure, and adapting to change swiftly. Continuous Learning and Adaptability Aviation is an ever-evolving industry. From new aircraft technologies to updated safety protocols, pilots must constantly learn and adapt. This mindset is equally important in business—staying curious, embracing change, and continuously improving can help individuals and organizations soar to new heights. Teamwork and Trust A successful flight depends on the collaboration between the flight crew, air traffic controllers, and ground staff. Trust and teamwork are paramount. In leadership, the ability to delegate, trust your team, and foster collaboration is key to navigating challenges and achieving collective goals. Whether you’re a pilot or a professional in any field, leadership principles from the cockpit can help you navigate your own career journey. Let’s continue learning from every flight—on the ground and in the air. #Leadership #Aviation #ContinuousLearning #SafetyFirst #Teamwork

This video should be compulsory in any management training course. A brilliant example in a crisis situation of: 1. Leadership 2. Delegation of duties 3. Teamwork 4. Clear, concise and transparent communication 5. Focalizing on priorities The five points above applied by the 3 pilots in the flight cabin saved nearly 400 lives.

Back when I was a first officer at the airlines, I often found myself pondering the type of captain I wanted to become. Follow #firstclassleaders for more leadership inspiration 🔥 ⏬Keep reading ⏬ This reflective question wasn't just about flying skills—it was deeply rooted in the kind of leadership I wanted to embody. When I finally earned my stripes as a captain, I carried this mantra with me into the cockpit every day: "Be the captain you would fly with." This isn't just about skill—it's about character. Leadership in aviation, as in any field, transcends technical expertise. It's about fostering trust, ensuring safety, and being someone your crew can rely on. Each flight is an opportunity to embody the traits of the leader you admire. Join me and commit to being a leader who listen, guide, and support our teams through every challenge. Join the Pilot Leadership Network! 🏆 (pilots only) We meet monthly to engage with industry experts and connect with fellow aviators. Our discussions focus on safety and leadership, providing a platform for meaningful conversations and collaboration. Come be part of our community! Comment "leadership" below 👇 and I'll send you the details on how to join! #aviationtraining, #aviationsafety, #leadershipskills, #aviation, #humility, #pilot, #pilots, #airlinepilot, #captain, #aviationsafety

Just about every company I have worked at I have found that people rising through the ranks rarely received the training necessary to become a manager or leader, all too often finding out to their detriment (and the companies) that the promotion wasn’t all it was thought to be. A company training and skills matrix shouldn’t just cover inductions/licences/first aid/hands on skills training for people on the ‘shop floor’…. it should include management/leadership/communitcation type skills training as required for supervisor/management roles… the expectation of assumed knowledge or learning by osmosis is not an effective way to grow personnel.

To often new leaders are chosen merely by seniority or subject matter expertise. Subject expertise and leadership are two separate skill sets. While a degree of subject matter expertise is needed, leadership skills are essential to inspire innovation, motivate teams, and ignite elite performance. The training for the next generation of leaders in a company should start in the onboarding process and periodic professional development regularly scheduled as what’s working today won’t work tomorrow. What is your company doing to develop their leaders?

Just came across this insightful article on the importance of leadership in the aviation industry. 🛫✨ As we navigate through dynamic challenges, strong leadership is crucial. What are your thoughts on the role of leadership in aviation? #LeadershipMatters #AviationInsights"

🛫 Consider sharing this to inspire your fellow aviators!    🛫 As pilots, we know that a well-run flight deck is more than just technical skills-it's about fostering psychological safety for the entire crew. A captain who ensures open communication creates an environment where every voice is valued.    Here's why it matters:    1️⃣ It strengthens decision-making. When crew members feel safe to speak up, you get the  full picture, leading to smarter, more informed decisions.    2️⃣ It reduces errors. Encouraging open communication helps catch potential issues early,  preventing costly mistakes before they happen.    3️⃣ It builds trust. A flight deck that encourages dialogue fosters a stronger, more unified team,  which leads to smoother, safer operations.    At #FirstClassLeaders, we show pilots how to create a culture where communication flows freely, and safety is always the top priority.    👇 Tell me: how do you encourage open communication on your flight deck? Drop your thoughts below!    _______________________________________________    Have you heard about our Pilot Leadership Network?    👉 Bi-weekly Zoom Events  👉 Networking  👉 Mentorship Program  👉 Learn from industry experts  👉 Supportive Community  👉 Leadership Development    Comment "leadership" to join for free!    _______________________________________________      #aviationtraining, #aviationsafety, #leadershipskills, #aviation, #pilot, #pilots, #airlinepilot, #captain, #aviationsafety, #leadership #firstclassleaders