We all start out “clueless” in a new environment. In a social situation, this deficit is commonly described as an inability to “read the room.” We all have different levels of situational awareness (SA) depending on our needs, aptitude, and environment. But unfortunately, in the high-consequence world of aviation “clueless is dangerous” so every pilot … Continue reading ““Clueless” is Dangerous; Teach Situational Awareness!”
This week’s blog is by Hobie Tomlinson (see bio below). With 40K hours and 9 type ratings, Hobie developed much of what we now call CRM when he was a 747 captain at TWA. Here is an excerpt from our SAFE resource library (free to members )…enjoy! Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Single-Pilot Resource Management … Continue reading “Safer Flying; Single-pilot Resource Management!”
The FAA recently updated their advisory circular for professional pilots: “Flightpath Management.” Though directed at professional flight crews, this document provides essential ideas for every pilot. This guide recommends examining every flight through the lens of total energy and flight path management in both manual and automated flight modes: “planning, execution, and assurance of the … Continue reading “Managing Energy & Flight Path!”
Michael Maya Charles is a former Flying Magazine columnist and editor, who is still teaching, flying, and publishing on a variety of aviation subjects. His primary passion, however, is spreading the pursuit of excellence and mindfulness with “Artful Flying,” a book Michael wrote 20 years ago. This captivating book explores mindful aviation and reveals the … Continue reading “Extraordinary Educators (on YouTube)”
Takeoff and initial climb are very simple operations in most GA planes. But surprisingly, this area of flight is statistically quite dangerous. The considerable risk here is under-appreciated due to the lack of challenge and obvious threat. That ILS to minimums or a gnarly crosswind more naturally grab your attention! Pilots are usually in their … Continue reading “Add Safety (Awareness) *Before* Flight!”
Controller Robert Morgan, pictured above, was the calm voice that guided a non-pilot, Darren Harrison, from over the ocean to a safe landing recently in Florida. Fortunately, Robert is a CFI – and was available to help [MORE] Congratulations on another “first solo” Robert – you made every CFI proud! This success also clearly highlights … Continue reading “ATC Assist in Florida Landing!”
“What were they thinking?” (In most senses of the word, they weren’t!) If you read accident reports, you have often encountered seemingly smart pilots facing an obvious threat they “never saw.” How does this happen? There is a simple explanation and it is a process common to all of us – and totally “natural” (beware)! … Continue reading “Risk Hides in the “Familiar!””
Situational awareness (SA) requires the accurate gathering of data (despite physical and mental obstacles) then filtering and making sense of this buzzing cacophony and finally projecting this all forward in time toward an intended outcome. In the context of a busy and distracting aviation environment, this is a complex undertaking. Understanding and mastering this critical … Continue reading “Situational Awareness: 3 Keys to Safety!”
Successfully meeting the challenge of flying safely in the clouds requires all kinds of technical knowledge, skills, and proficiency. But what often gets lost in this forest of details are the overriding principles that ultimately keep us safe. Missing these larger “big picture rules” leads to failures on flight tests, or worse, accidents. And IFR … Continue reading “Essential Rules for IFR Safety!”
The current commercial pilot test standard, as administered, is often a joke. Jumping into a C-152 or DA-20 and doing the same private pilot maneuvers to the same PPL tolerances does not really “test” anything. There is no added challenge or demonstration of superior skill required at the “commercial pilot level” unless CFIs and DPEs … Continue reading “What The FAA Commercial Test Needs.”
