"G. Sylvester" wrote in message
m...

I got into a discussion with an non-pilot MD comparing
a professional degree versus flying...
This person I had the discussion with
is under the impression of flying is probably more like driving and
anybody
can do it...
So the big question, compared to a your profession, how does flying
VFR and IFR compare with regards to training, proficiency, continued
training, mental challenge and anything else that comes to mind?

There are two comparisons in question he flying vs. driving, and flying
vs. professional training.

Flying is harder than driving, in several respects. There are important
aspects of flying that are initially counterintuitive (not just pulling the
nose up if you're about to land short, for instance). Flying (safely)
requires more knowledge about weather conditions and the vehicle's
interaction with them. There are more emergency procedures that need to be
instantly deployable. Navigation while flying is more complicated than while
driving (except perhaps with GPS). Flying requires more multitasking. There
are more regulations to be familiar with when flying.

But there's no comparison between flying and professional training. Flying
requires only a high-school student's knowledge, skill, and judgment (that's
why we license 16-year-olds to solo, and 17-year-olds to carry passengers).
Getting a PPL requires perhaps a month's full-time study (usually spread out
over a much longer period, though); an instrument rating is perhaps another
month. Compared to the years of complex study needed for an MD or a PhD,
flight training is a relaxing diversion. That's why retired doctors and
scientists often become pilots, but retired pilots seldom become doctors or
scientists.

--Gary