As the pilot in command, it’s so important to know when you should say No! Pilots are sometimes put in positions they are not comfortable with, but saying ‘No’ could be just what is needed for the safety of everyone on board!
Introduction
Spiderman was once told, “With great power comes great responsibility.” While pilots don’t swing from building to building fighting crime, we are responsible for serving our communities, families, and passengers. On paper, aviation looks inherently risky. Transporting people thousands of feet in the air within a small tube structure is no walk in the park, but ever since the Wright Brothers’ first flight over a hundred years ago, we’ve continued to learn better systems, mindsets, and tolerances pilots should demonstrate while flying. An online article says there are more than enough pilots in the industry now to support demand; however, due to the Airlines Safety Act of 2010, most pilots cannot meet experience eligibility requirements to fly as captains and first officers for airlines – US Pilot Production Remains Strong According to New FAA Data1.
The airline’s reaction to this is pushing for lower safety standards to clear the “pilot shortage,” which indirectly could put a pilot in an occupation they are unprepared for. I’d lie if I said I was never uncomfortable with a previous employer, passenger, or even a certified flight instructor during training. Flying is a business. People want to make a profit and rely on you to get them where they need to go, but there comes a point when enough is enough, and you need to say NO!
In 2021 the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a summary of a skydiving flight that killed eleven people. After their investigation, they concluded that the plane never received a repair to a twisted wing due to a previous crash in 2016. Not repairing the wing caused one wing to fly with a higher angle of attack making it more prone to an aerodynamic stall, which is why the accident occurred. An online article by NASA explains that an aerodynamic stall is when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack, and the airfoil is no longer able to produce lift. – Inclination Effects on Lift2. Not only did the company operate an unairworthy aircraft, but the NTSB report also found the companies pilots poorly trained as they were unfamiliar with airmanship theory relating to skydiving operations – Inadequate Flight Training, Poorly Maintained Airplane, and Insufficient Oversight, Contributed to Parachute Jump Flight Accident3.
Unfortunately, these aviation operators are out there and looking to hire you. Have your wits to say no.
If it’s not safe, don’t do it!
5 Safety Tips to Follow
To prevent yourself from becoming part of an investigation report, I recommend five tips to keep you in the green:
1) Follow the rules
One of the five hazardous attitudes deemed by the FAA that pilots tend to demonstrate is “anti-authority”. This webpage written by the FAA on Hazardous Attitudes4 talks about the rest a pilot is likely to demonstrate. While rules often get in the way of our plans and missions and are often incredibly inconvenient, they are there to keep us safe. Violating rules could result in certificate action and consequences which is the main factor for obedience; however, it’s essential to recognize that regulations are purposeful. The purpose of this restriction and limitation is to prevent pilots from an unsafe scenario, which is why the rule was created. Always follow the rules. Usually, they provide great insight into safe flying practices.
2) Just because it is legal, doesn’t mean it is safe
If you follow my first step, you will soon realize that not all rules are enough to keep us safe. For example, according to CFR 61.56, every pilot must complete a flight review within every 24 calendar months to be current – eCFR:: 14 CFR 61.56 — Flight review. (FAR 61.56)5. While two years is the bare minimum required to operate an aircraft legally, most pilots agree that this is not enough to be proficient. There is a difference between legal and proficiency which varies from pilot to pilot. Make sure you are comfortable with your flying. There are tons of frequent fliers and instructors that can help you get to safe minimums.
3) Set personal minimums
Whether you are just starting as a student pilot, or have been flying for years, a list of personal minimums can keep you flying safely. Some examples of personal minimums can revolve around minimum weather requirements, rest, or even recency of training. As a pilot gains more experience, these minimums will change, but creating these strenuous guidelines will ensure we are comfortable. It is good practice to evaluate your minimums often to adjust them to your level, but use it as a rule of thumb during flight planning.
4) NEVER surrender to pressure
Nonaviators usually need more understanding and education about why a flight can’t be completed. It’s without a doubt that at some point in your flying career, you will be pressured into doing something that makes you uncomfortable and pushes you beyond your minimums. Calculate the risk carefully and use wise judgment to make a decision. If you feel like it’s too much, stop. Say something rather than succumb to the pressure; better to be safe than sorry. If you surrender to pressure once, you will be asked to do it again.
5) If it’s unsafe, walk away
My last and most important rule is to always work in a safe environment. Some aviation operations should value other people more but instead take shortcuts like providing customers with inadequate training and unairworthy aircraft. Our commitment to safety is a massive part of why the world chooses to transport by airplane. Whether you are flying a plane with hundreds of people for hire or just your friends to grab some lunch, we must always approach each flight safety-minded. All pilots know that at some point, it might just be your unlucky day when you have a real in flight emergency requiring immediate action, followed by a written report. If you have this day in a safe environment with adequate training and a strong culture, you have a higher chance of making it out better than if you didn’t.
Summary
Flying is enjoyable, but be careful when you’re the pilot responsible. Put yourself in a position to succeed because people rely on you. Who has the final authority and responsibility? Not all pilots are the same, but for the most part, the aviation community makes constant progress to keep our skies safe and make our industry safer. For the individuals and corporations that value safety, thank you. I appreciate your passion, effort, and commitment to make my job the best in the world.
Reference List:
- Online Article written by Airline Pilots Association, April 19, 2023, [email protected] Accessed online at https://www.alpa.org/news-and-events/news-room/2023-04-19-us-pilot-production-remains-strong according-to-FAA-data on June 23, 2023.
- Online Article written by NASA, Tom Benson. Accessed online at https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k 12/VirtualAero/BottleRocket/airplane/incline.html on June 23, 2023.
- Inadequate Flight Training, Poorly Maintained Airplane, Insufficient Oversight, Contributed to Parachute Jump Flight Accident, NTSB. Published: April 13, 2021. Accessed online at https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/20210413b.aspx on June 23, 2023.
- FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) “ Wing Course” educational content. Accessed online at https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_content.aspx?cID=723&sID=1448&previe w=true on June 23, 2023.
- Code of United States Federal Regulations ( CFR ) Title 14 91.56 “Flight Review.”
