Spot the Difference

26 Dec 2025

How hard did you have to look?

In the image, the symbol that’s missing on the right is called the Flight Path Vector — or “the bird” to most pilots.

It shows the aircraft’s actual direction of travel through the air mass, accounting for wind.

In other words: it’s the real path the aircraft is taking, not just where the nose is pointing.

That’s why it can be a seriously useful cue — especially on approach in crosswind conditions, or when you’re dealing with abnormal configuration and your workload is already high.

The leadership point

Humans are notoriously bad at noticing things that aren’t present.

Understanding what’s missing is a core part of critical thinking — a pilot skill and a leadership trait.

And critical thinking takes effort: you had to focus to notice the missing bird, didn’t you?

At Flightpath Mentoring, we help pilots and leaders build practical skills like critical thinking, decision-making under pressure, and calm, effective leadership — for work and for life.

Interested in expanding your professional skills?
Head to the contact form and let’s talk: Contact Flightpath Mentoring