A while back in 2013, I made a decision that felt bigger than me—I wanted to become a pilot.
At the time, it seemed almost impossible. I used to think that being a pilot required some kind of special talent—something I wasn’t sure I had. But one bright Friday morning, I decided to take the first step. I got in my car and drove to Augusta Municipal Airport.
I was nervous, unsure of what to expect, but I knew I had to do something. I had done some research online, so I knew the basic process. Still, I had never truly imagined myself flying an airplane.
When I arrived, I walked into the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) and asked the lady at the front desk, “How does someone become a pilot?” She smiled and said a flight instructor was available if I had time to talk. I said yes.
That conversation changed everything.
The instructor came out, greeted me warmly, and made me feel at ease. Within minutes, I was up in the air on what’s called a discovery flight. That flight didn’t just give me a glimpse into flying—it gave me belief. That day, I decided: I’m going to become a pilot.
The Process of Becoming a Pilot
There are three main phases to becoming a private pilot:
1. Ground School – Learning the Theory
This phase involves studying aviation rules, weather patterns, aircraft systems, and navigation. It’s like learning a new language—the language of aviation.
2. Flight Training – Applying What You Know
This is where the real challenge begins. You need a minimum of 50 hours of flight time. That might sound simple, but it isn’t.
To put it in perspective: it takes about 50 minutes to fly from Wichita to Dallas. So getting 50 hours is like flying that route more than 60 times. But the bigger challenge isn’t just clocking the hours—it’s dealing with weather, scheduling conflicts, aircraft availability, instructor time, and everything else life throws at you.
3. The Final Tests
After your training, you take two tests: a written exam and a practical flight test. The examiner joins you in the cockpit to make sure you’re truly ready. It’s intense, but rewarding.
The Biggest Lesson: Checklists Save Lives
Out of everything I learned during flight school, one habit stood out and has impacted my life far beyond flying—the importance of a checklist.
In aviation, checklists aren’t optional. They’re mandatory. Every flight involves multiple checklists—before takeoff, during flight, before landing, and even after you shut down the plane. The reason is simple: missing even one step could be catastrophic. Imagine being thousands of feet in the air and realizing you didn’t check the fuel, or that there’s water in the tank, or the oil is low.
This lesson made its way into how I run my business.
In healthcare, just like in aviation, the smallest oversight can lead to major consequences. We’ve integrated checklists into every part of our operations—from patient care protocols to administrative processes. The result? Fewer errors, more accountability, and consistently better outcomes.
Other Lessons I Learned
- Have a clear goal.
Dreams only become reality when they’re backed by intention. - Take the first bold step.
Sometimes progress begins with simply showing up. - Follow through.
Motivation may fade, but discipline keeps you going. - Be consistent.
Great results are built through small daily actions. - Do the hardest work.
Discomfort is where growth lives. - Rely on systems—like checklists.
They create reliability, focus, and peace of mind. - And most importantly—stay alive.
In aviation and in life, safety always comes first.
Checklists might seem small, but they represent something big: structure, intention, and care. Whether you’re flying a plane or leading a team, success comes down to showing up, following through, and not skipping steps.
What about you? What’s your biggest takeaway from this story?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Dr. Anthony Ndungu, RN, Ph.D.
Pilot
CEO – Meadowlark Care Homes | Home Health & Hospice of Kansas | Medicashift
Leadership | Healthcare | Compassion
