A Flight Path Through Military and Commercial Skies - Mark Peters - Built to Finish - Episode # 008

Built to Finish

Mark Peters, a seasoned pilot with over 30 years of experience in both military and commercial aviation, reflects on his career journey, beginning with his training and instructor roles in the U.S. Air Force, and spanning his extensive tenure at FedEx, where he flew a variety of aircraft before retiring in 2022. He shares insights into the life of a FedEx pilot, discussing the unique challenges of night flying and the efficiency of the hub-and-spoke system.

Mark also recalls memorable moments from his military service, such as leading a four-ship flyby at a hometown rodeo, and recounts the demanding aspects of military pilot training, including water and winter survival courses. He highlights a particularly poignant mission in which he delivered humanitarian aid to Novosibirsk, Russia, following the dissolution of the USSR. The interview concludes with a touching account of Mark’s final flight and retirement ceremony, along with valuable advice for aspiring pilots, stressing the importance of preparation, perseverance, and the roles of luck and timing in a successful aviation career.

Takeaways:

• Acknowledge and Appreciate Service: Always take the time to thank individuals for their service, whether in the military or any other capacity. It shows respect and gratitude, which goes a long way in building rapport.
• Be Thoroughly Prepared: Like in aviation, being ready and prepared when opportunities arise is crucial. Ensure that you have the necessary skills and readiness to seize opportunities as they come.
• Build Relationships: Take the time to build genuine relationships with colleagues and others in your professional sphere. Knowing more about the individuals you work with can foster a supportive and collaborative environment.
• Stay Calm Under Pressure: In any high-stakes situation, taking a moment to breathe and assess before acting can prevent escalating the issue. Maintaining composure allows for better decision-making.
• Adapt and Be Flexible: Flexibility in your career or job duties can lead to unique and fulfilling opportunities, just as transitioning from the military to a commercial airline pilot did for Mark Peters.
• Respect Training and Preparation: Continuous training and preparation are essential. Whether it's for a career or a specific task, consistent practice and learning help ensure success when it matters most.
• Communicate Clearly: Efficient and clear communication, as seen in aviation, is vital. Whether it's a project at work or coordinating with a team, clear instructions and feedback can make all the difference.

Quote of the Show:

• “So much of our success in life depends on luck and timing.”

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ghmiiaRwVtQ9kqqqvmVQY
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-to-finish/id1781753842
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/665cacbf-79ed-4745-8856-1d8465943c65
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/built-to-finish-5907037
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/090Iov9IpPM