A couple thoughts on safety that I've stolen from John and Martha.

 

Pilot are achievers, they like to complete things they start.  Getting a pilot's license takes commitment to complete the process (triple that if you're building an airplane).  We have been successful in business to have the resources to buy an expensive aircraft.  The very same character attributes that got us here, make us potentially dangerous pilots.  Being overly committed to "getting there", even though the plane isn't 100% airworthy, or the weather is bad, can kill you in an airplane.

 

The Kings also emphasize training, but point out that training, especially primary training, focuses on skills, not decision making.  They believe that our attitude toward risk taking is the real issue.  We aren't taught about managing the risks of flying in traditional flight training.  I think Jeff, Ron and the HPAT team is working hard to balance skill and risk management.

 

None of us plan on doing something stupid in a airplane.  The pilots who have died are all smart people.  It's the unexpected that we minimize or ignore, and keep on pressing on to our destination that kills us.  It could be something as obvious as a line of thunderstorms or as something borderline like going around if you're a little high and long on an approach.

 

The Kings suggest a simple rule, "If you were flying an airliner, with 200 people in the seats behind you, WOULD YOU DO THIS?"  If you wouldn't fly through that weather, or launch with a questionable engine, or take other unnecessary risks with 200 people along with you, why would you do it with the most precious people you know, your family and friends, sitting next to you?

 

I think the Kings hit the nail on the head!

 

Mike Easley

Colorado Springs