Simviation Forum - Aviation making people better drivers

Aug 4^th, 2012 at 10:55am

Gregorio Offline
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Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Hi All.

Just wanted to ask around whether someone else feels the same way I do. After spending a lot of time in studying aviation and its procedures, and flying virtually in FSX trying to be attentive of all details, I think that this experience has made me a better driver. I mean, I am not a real life pilot, I only use FSX, yet the theory is basically the same. So I noticed that I when I am driving I am much more concerned about details, even on how I use the gears, and especially taking care with safety.

Does anybody feel the same way?

[]s

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Reply #1 - Aug 4^th, 2012 at 11:23am

expat Offline
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An interesting question, but I think that the answer is no. I have been working on aircraft for the last 25 years, both military and civil and I have met just about every pilot character going. My experience and observation is the opposite. Hard and fast regulation in the air translate into (for want of better words) a very relaxed way of driving for quite a few, but not of course all. And in the case of some young fast jet pilots, somewhat disturbing bullet proof driving God attitude behind the wheel. However, if it helps you fine. For me, I hold a couple of thousand hearts in my hand with the number of aircraft I sign off in a day. If the road is empty, the weather is good, well, I let my hair down a bit to relax from time to time...........

Matt

Matt

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Reply #2 - Aug 4^th, 2012 at 11:26am

alrot Offline
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All..

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me too

I agree with you ,I even went further because I build a small ""realistic VC"" sometimes when I drive ,in my brain Looks up for the rudder pedals or thrust Reverse ,I'm 47 I have my own cars since I was 17 and I never crash in my entire life (neither a small scratch) of course

Alex

Venezuela

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Reply #3 - Aug 4^th, 2012 at 11:27am

Fozzer Offline
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Using the Flight Sim Regularly makes you more observant of what is going on all around you at all times, otherwise, you put yourself, and others in deadly peril.

The same application to driving on the roads, equally applies!... Wink

...!

The thought of dying frightens me, and makes me very careful, on the ground, and up in the blue!... Wink

...

...!

As a daily Motorcyclist, the Flight Sim has also taught me to read the weather around me; my destination, and in between...the same as Pilots do!

Paul...FS 2004....and a Honda CB 500RR!... Grin

....!

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Reply #4 - Aug 4^th, 2012 at 12:50pm

wahubna Offline
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expat wrote on Aug 4^th, 2012 at 11:23am:

An interesting question, but I think that the answer is no. I have been working on aircraft for the last 25 years, both military and civil and I have met just about every pilot character going. My experience and observation is the opposite. Hard and fast regulation in the air translate into (for want of better words) a very relaxed way of driving for quite a few, but not of course all. And in the case of some young fast jet pilots, somewhat disturbing bullet proof driving God attitude behind the wheel. However, if it helps you fine. For me, I hold a couple of thousand hearts in my hand with the number of aircraft I sign off in a day. If the road is empty, the weather is good, well, I let my hair down a bit to relax from time to time...........

Matt

Matt

I have been around a lot of pilots, mostly corporate/charter pilots and I have to say they are better drivers...HOWEVER, they do drive a certain way that can make others uncomfortable. They control the car very well, but they dont seem to understand what a turn signal is, stop signs, right-of-way, etc..Again, they do control the car very well though, for those that do not know them, it can be an interesting experience Grin

My dad is horrible when it comes to driver courtesy, yet I have never seen him come close to damaging the car nor have I ever seen him react poorly when something popped up (like a deer or a texting teen) or the car had a sudden mechanical failure.

So from my experience, being a pilot seems to make you much better at handling the car, navigating in unfamiliar areas, and handling emergencies (keeping a level head). BUT they dont understand driver courtesy.

‎"At that time [1909] the chief engineer was almost always the chief test pilot as well. That had the fortunate result of eliminating poor engineering early in aviation."- Igor Sikorsky

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Reply #5 - Aug 4^th, 2012 at 1:20pm

jetprop Offline
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wahubna wrote on Aug 4^th, 2012 at 12:50pm:

expat wrote on Aug 4^th, 2012 at 11:23am:

An interesting question, but I think that the answer is no. I have been working on aircraft for the last 25 years, both military and civil and I have met just about every pilot character going. My experience and observation is the opposite. Hard and fast regulation in the air translate into (for want of better words) a very relaxed way of driving for quite a few, but not of course all. And in the case of some young fast jet pilots, somewhat disturbing bullet proof driving God attitude behind the wheel. However, if it helps you fine. For me, I hold a couple of thousand hearts in my hand with the number of aircraft I sign off in a day. If the road is empty, the weather is good, well, I let my hair down a bit to relax from time to time...........

Matt

Matt

I have been around a lot of pilots, mostly corporate/charter pilots and I have to say they are better drivers...HOWEVER, they do drive a certain way that can make others uncomfortable. They control the car very well, but they dont seem to understand what a turn signal is, stop signs, right-of-way, etc..Again, they do control the car very well though, for those that do not know them, it can be an interesting experience Grin

My dad is horrible when it comes to driver courtesy, yet I have never seen him come close to damaging the car nor have I ever seen him react poorly when something popped up (like a deer or a texting teen) or the car had a sudden mechanical failure.

So from my experience, being a pilot seems to make you much better at handling the car, navigating in unfamiliar areas, and handling emergencies (keeping a level head). BUT they dont understand driver courtesy.

That's probably because there are no signs up in the air. Wink

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Reply #6 - Aug 4^th, 2012 at 3:50pm

ftldave Offline
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Bloomington, Indiana, USA

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Better drivers? I think that's a real stretch.

I'm reading Convair B-36: A Comprehensive History of America's "Big Stick" by Meyers Jacobsen. An interesting but sad fact from that book:

Gus Green, the first test pilot assigned to fly the XB-36, died in a car accident three years after he stopped flying for a living.

"Research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing."
- Werner von Braun

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Reply #7 - Aug 5^th, 2012 at 2:55am

VBonanza Offline
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Missouri, USA

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What makes people good drivers are the attention to their surroundings and the details. You have to be aware all of the time while driving, and it's the same with flying.

Flying gives you some more responsibility which may be carried out to your driving. Probably not with all people, but I think flying might be able to make some people pay more attention to their surroundings while they are driving.

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Reply #8 - Aug 5^th, 2012 at 9:01am

DaveSims Offline
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Clear Lake, Iowa

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I know a problem I have after getting out of an airplane is speeding. Think about it, approach speed is 70-75 mph for the aircraft I typically fly. When I leave the airport, I find my self doing 80 mph (in a 55 mph zone) without even realizing it. Thank goodness I don't drive a faster vehicle.

Dave

www.flymcw.com

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Reply #9 - Aug 5^th, 2012 at 10:15am

machineman9 Offline
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Nantwich, England

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DaveSims wrote on Aug 5^th, 2012 at 9:01am:

I know a problem I have after getting out of an airplane is speeding. Think about it, approach speed is 70-75 mph for the aircraft I typically fly. When I leave the airport, I find my self doing 80 mph (in a 55 mph zone) without even realizing it. Thank goodness I don't drive a faster vehicle.

That's one of the comparisons I make between flying and driving... Over here, 70mph is the speed limit. In aviation, 70mph can sometimes be the minimum speed needed Grin

I think flying practice and simulators have just made me more "procedural" as a driver. I also find that I have a greater awareness of things around me and I'm quite responsive to the changes in bumps over the road or any dangers. I can imagine a lot of pilots feeling God-like whilst driving, but it has made me a better driver for the while.

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Reply #10 - Aug 5^th, 2012 at 11:08am

Zaphod Offline
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machineman9 wrote on Aug 5^th, 2012 at 10:15am:

DaveSims wrote on Aug 5^th, 2012 at 9:01am:

I know a problem I have after getting out of an airplane is speeding. Think about it, approach speed is 70-75 mph for the aircraft I typically fly. When I leave the airport, I find my self doing 80 mph (in a 55 mph zone) without even realizing it. Thank goodness I don't drive a faster vehicle.

I think flying practice and simulators have just made me more "procedural" as a driver. I also find that I have a greater awareness of things around me and I'm quite responsive to the changes in bumps over the road or any dangers.

I think that just about sums up the way I approach my driving after flight siming for many years. Greater awareness about posted speed restrictions and general awareness of conditions has improved in my opinion.
The word "procedural" sums it up nicely.

Zaphod Wink

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Reply #11 - Aug 5^th, 2012 at 1:38pm

Apex Offline
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I've thought about this sort of thing before. For me, it helps somewhat. But then, I'm a careful driver anyway, so it's hard to say for sure.

What does help me when driving, tho, is:

> Both hands on the wheel, usually 3 & 9.
> No cell phone talk or texting, only for emergencies.
> Assuming that everyone around me needs to be watched carefully.
> Monitoring my own driving and reviewing any driving errors carefully.
> Never drinking and driving.
> And: Zildjian drummers' gloves. Don't laugh. My hands get really dry and gripping the smooth leather steering wheel is a problem. They're great. And you get great respect when you have to signal go or stop to other drivers when necessary.

It's dangerous in heavy traffic these days. A little paranoia goes a long way. So drive carefully, y'awl.

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Reply #12 - Aug 5^th, 2012 at 1:46pm

Zaphod Offline
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Apex wrote on Aug 5^th, 2012 at 1:38pm:

> Both hands on the wheel, usually 3 & 9.

My major driving failing is that I catch myself with one hand on the wheel and the other on the top of the manual shift stick.

Zaphod. Roll Eyes

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Reply #13 - Aug 6^th, 2012 at 9:57am

Gregorio Offline
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Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Thank you all for the feedback. I already thought that the results would manifest differently to different people, but I guess that there is something to take from aviation onto the road. For me it is this special concern with safety. I always try to only make simmed-flight decisions that maximize the safety of everybody (virtually) onboard. Hence I take that to the road. Also being "procedural" and being more aware are part of the safety concern to me so they come automatically. Plus I always tell people that knowledge is something one doesn't loose, but actively recycles and reuses in other areas.

Again, thank you all for the feedback!

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