Five Questions: Chris Palmer

Merging his experience in video and multimedia with flight training, Palmer hopes to be a catalyst for change in flight training. Through his podcasts, videos on YouTube, and his “visually stunning” training materials, Palmer says he’s a futuristic thinker hoping to fix aviation training.

How did you get started? Most of my early pilot years were spent flying in the lower 48. There I learned the typical way, for better or worse. I started out at a university program Part 141 and moved to 61 for the rest of my ratings, choosing to have different experiences for each license in different areas of the country. 

Why Alaska? Alaska offers challenges that are real and present. A pilot can find themselves alone, with deteriorating weather, terrain to deal with, and the need to lean on their own sound decision making and risk management. In that respect, it’s not much different than flying anywhere else. It’s simply less forgiving and requires resolve. Instruction, as a result, feels much more practical and critical. Students know this very early, as even just a few minutes flight outside of town into the practice area puts us in remote territory. It’s not that Alaska is any more dangerous. It’s just more in your face. And beautiful to boot. 

What have you learned about aviation from teaching others? There are real and often tangible barriers between the dream to fly and the reality of getting a license. I’ve found that many are excited at the prospect of learning to fly, but most struggle to fit the pieces together. I’m not sure if it’s a failure on the part of the dreamer, or the part of the teacher. I always end up taking a look at myself: Am I doing enough to answer those tough questions for people? Do I have resources or materials that are making the path clear? What else can I do? 

Advice for new students? Know first and foremost that becoming a pilot at any level takes a considerable amount of effort. There are no “participation trophies” in aviation. No matter your background or bank account, everyone comes in on a level playing field. You’ve got to study your behind off. You’ve got to grow as a person. You’ve got to avoid that desire to quit when things get rough. You’ve got to be creative about working your way around roadblocks that try to stop you from reaching the goal. Perhaps that’s some of the real talk we’ve been missing in aviation. If we know it’s not going to be all sunshine and rainbows, then we can all take it as a part of the journey rather than a surprise. 

Final thoughts? Go out there and get it! You, yes, you! What are you waiting for? It may be tough at times. But it’ll be worth it. It’ll be fun and challenging along the way. You’ll learn a lot about yourself, and a whole lot about aviation.