A fifth-grader’s essay on What I Want to Be When I Grow Up, written December 13, 1975.

I Want to Be a Pilot

“I want to be a pilot when I grow up because it’s a fun job and easy to do.

That’s why there are some many pilots flying today. Pilots don’t need much school; they just have to know numbers so they can read the instruments.

I guess they should be able to read road maps so they can find their way if they get lost. Pilots have to be brave so they won’t be scared if it is foggy and they can’t see, or if a wing or motor falls off they can stay calm so they’ll know what to do.
Pilots have to have good eyes so they can see through clouds and they shouldn’t be afraid of lightning and thunder because they are close to where all that happens.

The salary pilots make is another thing I like. They make more than they can spend. This is because most people think flying is dangerous except that pilots know how easy it really is.

I hope I don’t get airsick because I get carsick and if I get airsick I couldn’t be a pilot and then I’d have to go to work.”

Adapted from The Aviator’s Bathroom Reader
By Drew Chittea