This post may just be me procrastinating from studying or the other things I have to get done today, but it is also just a fun one I was thinking about.
I’m the type of person who is very affected by music. I tend to use it to pump myself up or reflect my emotions at the time. There are certain songs I do listen to before I go flying to get excited or just to put me in the right mindset to learn. I’m not experienced/comfortable enough to do like other pilots do and listen to some music on cross-country flights, but before works for me too. Of course, I’m also very corny (or cheesy or whatever you want to call it) so they most likely will have some air/plane/height/etc. reference in it. Here are my go to songs to get ready to fly:
The Chill But Rocking Song: Below My Feet by Mumford & Sons
Keep the earth below my feet
For all my sweat, my blood runs weak
Let me learn from where I have been
Oh keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
This song is pretty perfect waiting for the train in the morning. I’m still a bit groggy, but this song’s slow build is great. While the song talks about keeping the earth below your feet, I still think it’s a great flying song, especially concerning learning.
The Pumped Up Song: Walking on Air by Katy Perry
I’m walking on air tonight
I’m walking on air
I’m walking, I’m walking on air tonight
Alright, they aren’t the most profound lyrics. It’s a fun, catchy song that is just great to enjoy when you want something upbeat.
The Classic Cliche Song: Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins
Revvin’ up your engine
Listen to her howlin’ roar
Metal under tension
Beggin’ you to touch and go
I’m already a big fan of the 80s, therefore a big fan of Kenny Loggins. Judge me all you want, but I just love me a good 80s song. I understand that Top Gun is extremely cliche and has a lot of actual flight things wrong (that’s what Jake tells me.) But I enjoy music. My CFI had the Top Gun Anthem as his ringtone, Danger Zone is my specific ringtone for when Jake calls, he hates it. It’s good he never has to hear it. He is the Goose to my Maverick.
The Focus Song: Sail by AWOLNATION
Maybe I’m a different breed
Sail!
Sail!
Sail!
You know, I think I only associate this song with flying because of that awesome YouTube video of the Qantas Captain (as linked above.) I like to use this song to get focused on my task ahead.
The Love Song: I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz
I won’t give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I’m giving you all my love
I’m still looking up
And when you’re needing your space
To do some navigating
I’ll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find
This song is actually my absolute favorite. I think it’s beautiful. And surprisingly, has a lot of sky/flying references, not quite sure why. I really like you can do a waltz to it as well, which is why it will totally be the first dance at my (imaginary) wedding. I do like to use this song when I’m nervous about something to calm down and focus. Or when I thought about quitting.
The Country Song: Compass by Lady Antebellum
So let your heart sweetheart be your compass when you’re lost
And you should follow it wherever it may go
When it’s all said and done, you can walk instead of run
Truthfully, I just found this song. I like it though and I’m not a complete country person, growing up in Northern cities all my life. I really do love the lyrics to this song and has been some things I’ve struggled with through the training process.
The Bonus Song: Hopeless Wanderer by Mumford & Sons
But hold me fast, Hold me fast
‘Cause I’m a hopeless wanderer
And hold me fast, Hold me fast
‘Cause I’m a hopeless wanderer
I will learn, I will learn to love the skies I’m under
I may be a bit of a New York hipster for having Mumford & Sons on the list twice, but all of my high school was listening to “folky” music at Irish dance which is one of the reasons I think I like them so much. This song may be a bit of a stretch, but I just really enjoy it and LOVE the music video, you should watch it if you haven’t (linked above) just give it at least until 2 minutes in. But who doesn’t feel somewhat like a hopeless wanderer at some point flying?
What are some of your favorite songs to play while flying or getting psyched to go flying?
Look no further than the quintessential bad-boy flying song, Treetop Flyer by Stephen Stills. Apologise in advance if its a bit before your time, but give it a listen anyway 🙂
I could be a rambler from the Seven Dials
I don’t pay taxes, ’cause I never file.
I don’t do business that don’t make me smile
I love my aeroplane – ’cause she’s got style – I’m a Treetop Flyer…
I did a 50 hour floatplane course and that’s a video from there:
Whenever I listen to Two Door Cinema Club I remember flying floatplanes in Canada. It was such a great time! =) It is one of my favorite music now… haha 🙂 Thanks for your great post!
Cool song and video! Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed watching it.
Oo. Oo. Can I add to the cliche? How about One Vision. By Queen, and from Iron Eagle. Sure you’re not flying jets into the heat of battle as a 19-year-old LOL But it’s still a fun one from back in the day.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4UNoECibYk&w=560&h=315]
Oh I have good memories of One Vision. I was in the Queen musical We Will Rock You my last year of high school and that song started out the second act. Terrible musical plot, but so fun because who doesn’t love Queen?!