One definition of the well trained safety conscious pilot is one who has -
1. been receptive to instruction
2. understood inherently his limitations
3. accepted without question that there is no substitute for experience
4. as part of his self-education program made the firm resolve to study
closely each and every accident report relevant to his kind of flying
he can get his hands on
5. at least one good book he can come back to regularly to refresh his
knowledge and understanding of all key points. (Alan Bramson's
'Be a Better Pilot' is an excellent primer)
6. if not already a patient considerate type, acquired the strength of
character
to never be rushed
to never be coerced by people or circumstance into undertaking
a flight unless absolutely confident of a happy outcome . ...
as opposed to crashing and burning and dying