The title of this post souds good, don’t you agree ? When I started the research for it, I was sure that I would find tons of material to read, compile, and that it would give a great post. Even if religion is not a major thing in my life, I know it is one for most people.

It quickly turned out however that there are not so many online resources on that topic. I found out a couple of Christian pilots associations: Action Evangelism and the Christian Pilot Association. Looking for other religion related pilot association gave no result.

Google also delivered some results about religious discrimination in airlines, which is illegal, but not much more. My personal experience as a passenger taught me that many other passengers make a short prayer before take-off and landing, and sometimes in turbulence. This can range from a discreet gesture to repetitive recitation of some verses.

I never had the opportunity to fly with a pilot expressing his or her religion in a very visible way. I don’t know if it is the technical aspect of flying which tends to make persons with strong faith more discreet. May be the required concentration leaves too few time to express something, or may be most religious pilots keep that on the inside.

Another link between religion and aviation is that several airlines and owners get their planes blessed when they buy them. Here again, discretion is the rule, even if there are often leaks to the media. Last year, there was a small buzz about Nepal Airlines, which sacrified a goat to help solve technical problems. The offering was made to Akash Bhairab, the Hindu god of sky protection.

Statistics say that 90% of the Earth’s population declare themselves as believers, in one or the other way. So what about us, pilots ? Do you fly with some kind of religious lucky charm ? Do you make a mental prayer when flying ? Do you thank the Lord after a succesful flight ? Let’s share a moment of spirituality via your comments.