Firstly I'm no pilot, but....
...I went through many "pretend" give-ups where I would go out with none and end up running to the fag machine at about 2130 gasping for one. Finally got bored of pretending and decided to do the real thing. That was just over a year ago and I have not lapsed once. The hardest part is getting used to yourself as a non-smoker as you have to re-adjust yourslef in those situations that you associate with smoking e.g the pub, after dinner etc..
Apart from the obvious increase in spare cash in your pocket,and all the issues regarding your health, think of it as a challenge to yourself. Have a battle with yourself. It's tough but worth it in the end.
Good luck.