I went into pilot training expecting it to be difficult but was still surprised at how difficult.

In the classroom work, some of the subject matter seemed — at the time — academic and esoteric, but once you’re in the air troubleshooting some kind of malfunction or weather situation, it becomes clear to you how important the breadth and depth of background knowledge is.

Granted, you don’t need 100% to pass the written exam, but you kind of want to be close, eh? It’s perhaps one of the few remaining areas where googling the answer isn’t an option.