The Journey
Growing up I have always loved journeys. For me the journey is as important as the destination. I wanted to be a pilot since the age of 10. I loved controlling anything that moves. Being a pilot is a job I have had the privilege of doing for 18 years. But it’s more than just a job, it’s a passion, a lifestyle.
I have the privilege of flying one of the most interesting and beautiful aeroplanes, the B747-400 - affectionately known as the jumbo jet. My route network consists of destinations such as Cape Town, New York, Dubai and Los Angeles. My layovers can be anything from 24-48 hours giving me time to rest and explore places.
Then in March, the world changed.
Within the space of a few weeks, as Covid-19 spread rapidly and countries closed their borders, flying became a thing of the past. The aviation industry has been badly hit. Most airlines are having to downsize and make redundancies. For me there was a number of adjustments to make all at once. I was newly married (who would have guessed that January was the best month of 2020 to get married?!) I was living in a new town. I was unable to see friends and family and of course, I was not able to fly.
My emotions went through different phases as this crisis played out. Whereas in the cockpit we are taught that inconsistent behaviour is a bad thing, in these circumstances differing moods and reactions are entirely natural. It is the way that the brain processes situations.
In my job projecting ahead is a key skill. However, thinking ahead in an operational environment is limited to the parameters of flying an aircraft. Applying that technique in these circumstances can often lead to catastrophizing.
I’m used to treating life like a journey. I know where I start and where I am going, how much fuel I need to carry, how many passengers and how long the trip will take. As a pilot, I tend to be very decisive. When a problem arises on an aircraft I am limited by time and fuel. This means I take in all the information available and work out a solution in a short space of time. The Covid-19 journey has been much harder to navigate. No one knows how long this journey will take or what the destination will be.
On one hand, lockdown has been great as my body clock is now back on UK time. Being able to sleep in my own bed every night means no jet lag. Also it’s been a blessing to spend time with my husband who also normally travels a lot. But like many pilots there is now the worry of whether I will be made redundant or not. What would I do if I cannot fly? How do I navigate through this uncertain climate?
Being a Christian definitely helps. Life is uncertain but I have a good God who is my provider and shepherd. He is someone who we can trust and who gives us hope and peace. So, during this strange time I have been soaking up his word, the Bible. I’m learning to completely surrender my desires and trust his will for my life. It’s not easy but the Holy Spirit is my helper and asking him for help and wisdom has made a huge difference.
As the famous quote from Lord of the Rings goes:
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” says Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live in such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Rebecca Ots
Rebecca Ots is a Senior First officer for British Airways. She is based in Buckinghamshire, UK where she lives with her husband Michael. She loves Paddle-Boarding, Skiing and offering hospitality.