The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower

by Michelle "MACE" Curran

I mean “wingman” as in the Air Force’s definition: a pilot who flies alongside the leader of a formation to provide mutual support and backup for a mission.5 And yes, your wingman can be a woman, and you can have more than one. In the air, a wingman flies across from the lead jet in formation, watching their “six”—as in “six o’clock,” or directly behind them—a tough place to see when you’re laden down with gear. When you’re leading a flight, you don’t have time to be twisting around and checking behind you for threats. This leaves you vulnerable to a bad guy sneaking up on your blind spot. Your wingman has your six, and therefore your back. Remember, fighter pilots never fly a mission on their own, and their wingmen offer backup and firepower. Your wingman recognizes when you need support and helps you prioritize obstacles that you need to overcome. They know what your strengths are and how they can fill in to help you achieve the mission.