10 Facts You Should Know About Pilots That Airlines Don't Reveal

Did you know that World Pilots' Day is celebrated every April 26? According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), this day recognises the many contributions of pilots who safely connect millions of passengers around the world every year. 

Pilots are the true heroes of the sky. While most of us might be worried about the presence of windows on window seats in aircraft or choosing the most affordable ticket price, these men and women are navigating machines that defy gravity, hence they deserve way more credit than we usually give them.

World Pilots' Day is not just any holiday, it is about recognising the sheer skill, nerve, and mental game it takes to command an aircraft. But what’s the real story behind it?

Viral Tea, Kenya's leader in aviation journalism, dives into some wild, underrated facts about World Pilots' Day that’ll have you appreciating pilots way more.

The Origins Aren’t Random — They’re Deeply Historic

World Pilots' Day commemorates the first flight of Fesa Evrensev, Turkey’s first pilot, who flew in 1912.

Evrensev wasn’t just flying planes when most people had never even seen one — he later became a major figure in civil aviation and education. He helped create the blueprint for modern pilots.

Image of an aircraft taking off. /FREEPIK

In 2014, thanks to the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) and the Turkish Airlines Pilots’ Association (TALPA), April 26 was officially dubbed World Pilots' Day. Since then, it has been about recognising all pilots.

Pilots Train Like Elite Athletes (But Get Less Attention)

We are familiar with how we are amazed by sports athletes, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lewis Hamilton, Faith Kipyegon, etc. Pilots deserve that same energy because becoming a pilot is learning to drive in the sky.

Anyone wanting to be a pilot spends years of gruelling training, insane physical and mental tests, and keeping their bodies in peak condition. Commercial pilots, military pilots, private pilots — they all have to crush multiple layers of certification and re-certification.

Even after you "make it," pilots are constantly training. There are simulator sessions, flight checks, and health screenings — the grind never stops. It is akin to taking your driving test every six months just to keep your license.

The Pilot Shortage Is Real — And It's Changing the Game

There is a pilot shortage happening right now, and it’s not a small thing. A combination of retirements, rising demand for air travel (thanks to TikTok travel content), and not enough new pilots coming up is creating a huge gap.

Airlines are scrambling, offering plum sign-on bonuses, paying for pilot school, and even changing rules to make the career more accessible.

Long story short: if you ever dreamed of being a pilot, the world needs you now more than ever. World Pilots' Day isn’t just a celebration — it is, low-key, a call for reinforcements.

Pilots Speak a Secret Language — Literally

Ever wondered why pilots sound like they’re speaking code over the radio? Aviation uses something called the Aviation Alphabet (officially, it’s the ICAO phonetic alphabet), where "A" becomes "Alpha," "B" becomes "Bravo," and so on.

The purpose of this is to make sure communication is crystal clear, especially when flying through static, storms, or language barriers.

Pilots worldwide all use it as it is the universal language of the skies. It must be interesting knowing that a pilot in London and a pilot in Nairobi are speaking the same concept, even if their native languages are totally different.

Pilots Are Massive Techies (And That’s a Good Thing)

The stereotype of pilots being "cool, calm, collected" is accurate, but they are also hardcore technology gurus under the uniform.

Flying a modern jet is less about muscle and more about mastering layers of high-tech systems. From Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation to weather radar to automated flight systems, pilots are constantly interfacing with insanely complicated tech. It is like Tony Stark in the Iron Man suit, but in real life.

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart cockpits, and next-generation aviation technology, the job is only getting more digital. Pilots today aren’t just pilots — they’re aviation engineers, data analysts, and human-computer hybrids.

World Pilots' Day Isn’t Just About Airline Pilots

When we think "pilot," our brain usually flashes to the captain giving that polite announcement before takeoff. But World Pilots' Day gives love to all kinds of pilots.

Cargo pilots are hauling essential goods across the world. Helicopter pilots are flying emergency rescue missions. Fighter pilots pushing G-forces in the military. Even drone pilots operating unmanned aircraft systems.

If it flies and you’re in control (physically or remotely), you’re part of the squad. This day recognises that piloting is so much bigger than just commercial airlines.

Pilot Superstitions Are Still Alive and Well

Even in an industry ruled by science and precision, pilots still carry a few old-school superstitions.

For instance, some pilots refuse to fly without their lucky socks. Others have rituals they perform before stepping into the cockpit, like tapping the outside of the plane for good luck.

There is even a widely-known "unofficial rule" about not saying the word "crash" casually around the aircraft. Call it silly if you want, but when you’re flying a giant metal tube at 35,000 feet, a little extra good luck charm doesn't hurt.

Women in the Cockpit Are Finally Getting Their Flowers

Aviation has been a male-dominated field forever, but World Pilots' Day is a chance to hail the amazing women who are changing the face of flying.

Think of Captain Irene Koki Mutungi. The Kenya Airways pilot was the first female on the African continent to become certified as a Captain of the Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" aircraft, setting the stage for women to emerge in the world of aviation.

Women such as Captain Ruth Karauri, who in February 2022 went viral thanks to her brilliant landing skills in London with a video capturing her landing a KQ 100 plane in the middle of Storm Eunice, are showing the next generation that the cockpit is for everyone. Still, only about five percent of airline pilots worldwide are women, so there’s a lot of room to grow.

Photo collage of some famous Kenyan women pilots, including Captains Irene Koki Mutungi (centre) and Ruth Karauri (right). /FILE

Pilots Have One of the Most Trusted Jobs on the Planet

In a world where trust in professions is constantly swinging on pendulums, pilots consistently rank at the top when it comes to public trust.

Surveys show that people trust pilots even more than doctors, teachers, and government officials. It makes sense because you’re trusting them with your life at 800 kilometres per hour in a giant flying machine.

It is a heavy responsibility, and pilots are trained to handle it like absolute professionals. World Pilots' Day is therefore a reminder that behind every smooth flight and safe landing is a person who took that responsibility seriously.

The Future of Piloting Is Wild

Get ready, because piloting is about to look way different over the next few decades.

Electric planes? Already in development. Flying taxis? Companies like Fahari Aviation are working on it. Autonomous planes with no pilots at all? Technically possible, but don’t expect it to be mainstream anytime soon — people still want a human in charge.

Future pilots are going to be more like system managers and less like traditional "drivers." So World Pilots' Day is also about looking forward — honouring the skills we need now and the skills we’re going to need when the sky becomes a literal traffic jam of drones and air taxis.

Wrapping Up

World Pilots' Day isn't just any date on the calendar — it is a legit recognition of the people who make global travel, international business, humanitarian missions, and personal adventures possible. Without pilots, we don’t just lose vacations or convenient flights — we lose global connection.

In a world that feels increasingly divided, the ability to move across borders, oceans, and continents isn’t just nice — it’s crucial. Pilots make that happen every single day, and they do it with a level of precision, patience, and passion that deserves way more credit than it usually gets.

So next time you board a plane, look at that pilot walking by with their suitcase and sunglasses. Know that you’re looking at someone who spent years grinding for that moment, someone who keeps you safe even when you’re passed out against the window with a neck pillow.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of taking to the skies yourself, don’t procrastinate. The world needs more pilots, more dreamers, and more people crazy enough to chase the clouds.

Happy World Pilots' Day.