photo by Veronica Jatczak
Flying as a Call
Mr Tomasz is simply a military pilot of F-16 jets – combat aircraft – from the age of 21. For him, aviation has always been more than just a dream. As a child, he looked up into the sky with fascination, and choosing a pilot's military career was a natural decision for him. "Passion is simply a very broad concept. hard to say. This is something you feel," she recalls.
However, the way to become a military pilot was not easy. The choice of aviation advanced school was the first step on a long, challenging road. Later came further stages: medical examinations, intellectual tests, selections, officer's school in Dęblin, as well as military studies abroad. Each of these grades was a test not only of knowledge, but above all of intellectual resilience. Many sacrifices had to be reconciled – sometimes far from family, strict discipline, the necessity to learn erstwhile peers had a vacation. Many of the candidates fell out before they even sat behind the airplane's controls. The school's graduation alone did not warrant success – continuous selection was included in this path
In addition to the immense number of formal examinations, they appear even more hard – life. Planes are complicated machines, they change, just like the law changes
– Mr. Thomas says.
photo by Veronica Jatczak
Training – school of character
Military pilot training does not end with explanation and a fewer hours of flight. It is simply a process that lasts for years, in which each phase brings fresh challenges. Tomasz Jatczak made his first solo flights at the age of 21. He started with gliders, then switched to piston aircraft, until yet to military jets, first MiG-21, then MiG-29. present F-16 is 1 of the most modern combat machines.
In his words, feel respect for all the way he has gone. He does not talk of her with regret or pride, but with humility. He recalls that all flight – especially the first flight – is not only a method task, but besides an emotional experience. “Man doesn’t think he fulfills a dream. He's focused on doing his job. Emotions come later," he says calmly.
Life under force – how do pilots cope with stress?
Every flight, especially a combat flight, involves quite a few tension. The tasks are different – from training missions, through exploratory missions, to real combat activities. Planes specified as F-16 are highly complex machines, requiring perfect cognition of all procedures.
photo by Veronica Jatczak
There is no area for emotion in the air – it is about cold calculation and adherence to established standards. Pilots know the margin of mistake is minimal. That is why the force in military aviation is so large – not only from superiors, but besides from colleagues from the squadron who anticipate full professionalism. Stress cannot be eliminated, but can be controlled and reduced. By what? Through procedures that aid pilots operate in an organized and standardised way. Everything is planned – different options are being prepared for unforeseen situations.
"Pilots plan the best script and prepare for the worst. There is not much space in the cockpit to fight stress," says Mr Tomasz.
Psychics in Service – support that matters
In the military, more and more emphasis is placed on the intellectual condition of soldiers. In the case of pilots, this is peculiarly crucial – their tasks require decisions in fractions of seconds, in conditions of severe overload and under large pressure.
That's why pilots regularly participate in psychology classes. There are not only aspects of stress, but besides alleged human factors in aviation – that is, anything that can affect the pilot's decisions in hard situations. Openness, ability to talk, recognizing your own emotions – these are competences as crucial as knowing the construction of an airplane.
photo by Veronica Jatczak
Long-term stress carries risks – not only physical, but besides emotional. Problems with sleep, irritability, sense of burning – these are real challenges. That is why it is so crucial to find a balance between service and private life.
Family – quiet foundation
The work rests not only on the pilot's shoulders. household plays an equally crucial role. She's the 1 who gives you support, peace and security. surviving with a individual who performs a dangerous profession regular requires trust and understanding.
General Jatczak's wife admits that she knew from the beginning what this road involved. "It's a substance of habit. Sometimes there is fear, but pride dominates. Tomek knows what he's doing. We trust him.”
A akin approach is presented by their son, who followed in his father's footsteps. For him, aviation is not only a fascination, but besides a tradition. So the household becomes not only support, but besides a part of this aviation planet – present in the background, but highly important.
For Mr. Thomas, flying is not just a profession, but a permanent component of life. He knows the work active – both for himself and for others. Routine, stress, fast decisions – this is all in his work. Yet he speaks of her calmly, without saying anything. He simply likes what he does, and appreciates the fact that his business is of real importance.
Photo: Weronika Jatczak/Gazeta Congress
