Our Pilots Share Their Travel & Wellbeing Tips this World Pilot’s Day

Becoming a pilot is a lifelong dream for many people around the world. Yet, it is not all glitz and glamor. Long trips away from home, unpredictable schedules, jet lag, and more, are some of the realities behind the jetsetter life. This year, to mark World Pilots’ Day on April 26, we asked our pilot community to share their tips and tricks for promoting wellness and wellbeing while on the go.

What are your top tips for dealing with jet lag?
Philbert Lee, First Officer: One strategy that has worked well for my crew, conditions permitting, is to keep our working hours to the daylight hours of our departure location. This helps ensure we are flying when the body is feeling most “awake” while allowing our bodies to progressively adjust its internal clock for trips involving multiple segments with large time zone changes.
Taizen Pied, Assistant Chief Pilot: Eat the meal that would normally align for what is coming next. Want to stay up; eat breakfast type foods. Bed; dinner style food. No matter what time the clock says.

What self-care items are always in your carry on?
Philbert Lee: With the changes in temperature and humidity in different countries, I always pack skincare essentials. It keeps my skin from drying out and helps me look sharp whenever and wherever because you’d never know who you might bump into at the hotel lounge or restaurant!
Taizen Pied: A lacrosse ball to work out those small aches and pains after sitting all night.

How do you keep in contact with loved ones when you travel so much?
Philbert Lee: Video calls make it easy to stay in touch, but I also like to bring back thoughtful souvenirs for my loved ones. It’s my way of sharing my travels with them.
Taizen Pied: My family and I have come up with an agreement. They don’t call me until I text/call them when I wake up. That way they don’t wake me up at 2.00 or 3.00 am when the van is at 7.00 am.

What advice do you have for new pilots on how to adjust to the unpredictable flight schedule in business aviation?
Chris Walmsley, Director Flight Operations: Unpredictability is really part of the job in corporate aviation, and the advice for adjusting to the unpredictability is to embrace it. Even with the irregular hours, you will likely find yourself having more down time than most people working a typical 9-to-5. If you’re working on a roster, make the most of your time home, and when you’re on duty, embrace the spontaneity and flexibility that comes with flying whenever the customer wants to go. For smaller two-person crews, don’t be afraid to make plans to do things. Sometimes, they will get interrupted, but many times things will pan out – at home as well as on the road. Adapting your mindset to roll with the changes will help you not just cope, but truly enjoy the lifestyle.
Taizen Pied: Just go with it. Take advantage of your down time with friends and family.

What physical activities do you do when you’re away from home?
Chris Walmsley: I used to work out in hotel gyms, but I’ve grown to love Pilates as my wife is a Pilates instructor. I find it highly beneficial in relieving some of the stiff joints and muscles – something that we seasoned pilots would certainly appreciate after long-haul flights.
Taizen Pied: I always try to find a gym to get a workout in.

What do you look for in an FBO?
Philbert Lee: While we don’t spend much time in FBO lounges, having an efficient ground handling support team is essential for me. A quiet, and private space to rest and recharge is always appreciated but it makes a difference knowing your aircraft is in good hands.
Chris Walmsley: Good internet access is a must-have. Fresh coffee and tea are also high on the list, along with healthy snacks and a quiet rest area for crew to sit or take a short nap. One thing that would be helpful is having some local information available for crew catering or nearby food opt

What’s your favorite destination?
Philbert Lee: Shanghai is a favorite of mine. The transformation the city has undergone is remarkable and I’d love to revisit and explore more of it.
Taizen Pied: I am from Hawaii so I still say Hawaii, but the Canary Islands were a lot of fun.

If you could live anywhere, where would you live?
Philbert Lee: Home. I would still choose where my family and friends are. But who knows in the future!

Do you have any tips for the best weather / travel destination for a specific activity?
Christopher Walmsley: For golf, Arizona in spring is fantastic. The weather is ideal, and the deserts are blooming with wildflowers. For diving, I love diving at the Red Sea – its rich marine life is stunning.
Taizen Pied: If you are around the equator and it is the rainy season always plan to do your activities in the morning.

What is your favorite activity, one you always have to do when you reach your destination?
Philbert Lee: I love exploring with my crew. We would try to experience some of the local dishes or hidden gems of the destination. I think they naturally make your trips more meaningful, beyond cockpits and hotels.
Christopher Walmsley: If time allows, I will always make a trip to the beach. Each destination has its own unique seaside allure, and I never get tired of the views.
Taizen Pied: For a long time, I have traveled with an inflatable stand up paddle board. It has been with me in some great locations. We spent a week in the Galapagos and paddling around the sealions was an amazing experience.

Thank you to our pilot contributors for their advice! And thank you to our Jet Aviation pilot community, and the pilots around the world who trust us as their partner of choice, for their dedication and professionalism today, and every day.