What is the force driving the proliferation of air navigation? In this post I’ve attempted to draw a timeline using my experiences in the profession and ICAO’s path to this point in air navigation.

After a flight lasting 12 hours 59 minutes, using no fuel and propelled by solar energy alone, Solar Impulse HB-SIA landed safely in Brussels. The solar powered aircraft departed Switzerland and was piloted by André Borschberg.

Swiss adventurer Yves Rossy soared above the Grand Canyon in his custom-built jet suit, his first such flight in the U.S. In previous flights, he has successfully rocketed over the English Channel and Swiss Alps.

Respect from peers in the air traffic control profession and users of the service has to be earned above and beyond the mystique that comes with the profession. Honesty, knowledge of your role, acceptance of responsibility, acceptance of limitation, embracing conventional wisdom, and the good old desire to do the right thing are among the list of respect earners.