Welcome back to Tools of Fighter Pilots, the show where lessons from the cockpit meet the realities of business, leadership, sport, and life. I’m TC, your host, and in this solo episode, I’m breaking down the five principles fighter pilots live by, and why they’re just as essential outside the jet.
Before I ever strapped into an F-16, my instructors drilled one truth into me: You don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to your level of preparation. In combat, there’s no pause button. What you’ve prepared on the ground is all you can draw on in the air.
Over the years, I’ve learned that there are five non-negotiables every fighter pilot carries into the cockpit:
✈️ Be on Time – Punctuality is not about the clock; it’s about trust and reliability.
✈️ Be Prepared – No plan survives first contact, but preparation creates options.
✈️ Structure and Checklists – Systems free the mind to focus on what matters most.
✈️ Assertive Communication – Clear, direct language keeps teams aligned under pressure.
✈️ Control the Controllables – Focus energy where it makes an impact, not where it’s wasted.
These aren’t just aviation rules. They’re baseline operating codes for leading high-performance teams, competing in sport, and navigating life. In this episode, I share real stories from missions that nearly went sideways, the habits that kept us alive, and the practical ways you can apply these same tools to your own world.
Because in the air and in life, you only get one pass. Make it count.
🎧 Listen now and download the free reflection worksheet to apply the Five Non-Negotiables in your business, sport, and life.
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToolsofFighterPilots
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👇 Connect with TC:
💼 www.linkedin.com/in/tommasocartacci