Do pilots have a more glamorous image than the reality?

Bathman wrote:

Well ive tried the line “I’m a pilot any chance of a …,”

And its never worked. Not once

And there’s where it all falls flat. NEVER tell a woman you are attempting to impress that you fly. Allow someone else to raise the topic of flying. Don’t engage in the topic until someone actually brings you INTO the conversation. Then nonchalantly state – with an expression of boredom – that yes, you do fly….

It’s always good to have a ‘wingman’ in the true sense of the word setting it up for you because nothing is truer than the old adage:

How can you tell when a pilot enters the room? Don’t worry, he’ll let you know….

And women find that boring. The fact that you play down your abilities leads them to believe there is obviously much more to you than meets the eyes….. works for me every time

Oh, hang on, just had a thought. Could it be that on a double date with you and Quasimodo, he’d be considered ‘the looker’? If so, being a pilot won’t help

You really got that one? Where??

Ha ! thought you want to know ;) Not in Germany, that much I can reveal…..

I generally associate the pursuit of glamour as a weakness in character, assuming we’re talking about male pilots. Happily I think light aviation has long since left that realm, at least in anything lighter than the larger biz jets. It is a fun activity with enough technical content to be also interesting on that level.

If one intent of flying as a hobby is to attract mates, you’re better off anyway with the ones who appreciate having fun, versus pursuing glamour among their girlfriends

Famous quotes:

“Oh, but they’re all falling down all the times, isn’t it very dangerous”
“And you really can just fly everywhere you want ?”
“I’ll never fly with you. I once flew with someone and the fuel went low”
“Ahh, that must be true freedom ! I wish I had learned it”
“Here’s my room number, can you show me how to fly with stick and rudder?”
“Can you and I fly to the Alps for skiing ?”

Seriously. Heard them all. Personally.

The glamour of a stuck fuel drain valve cannot be overestimated.

I think that is the most common question I’ve ever been asked as well.

The question I am always asked is “what permission do you have to go flying” and “where are you allowed to fly”.
Most people seem to think that you need permission to fly obtained in writing in triplicate days in advance, and are amazed when you tell them you can just get in and start up.

I’m afraid that’s how light GA is viewed…

DOnt be afraid I can think of many other past times and professions that are viewed as cynically by members of the public and even those who should know better – it never stopped anyone