Before GPS, when Rand McNally’s paper maps ruled the day, pulling over on a country road in a small town to ask for directions never felt like failure to me. I saw it as a chance to meet someone new, maybe find out where to get lunch. Likewise, when flying, I am not a man who has a problem with asking for help. I’ve learned that it is better to underestimate your abilities than to think too highly of them. In an airplane, when your reach exceeds your grasp, your insurance carrier may become involved—sometimes, the NTSB.
Leading Edge: Speak. Up.
Key Takeaways:
- Many men, particularly pilots, exhibit a dangerous reluctance to ask for help or admit mistakes, often driven by ego and a form of "machismo" that manifests as silence in critical situations.
- In aviation, this unwillingness to seek assistance—even from air traffic control or by declaring an emergency—can lead to severe, even fatal, outcomes, despite help being readily available and often without repercussion.
- The author advocates for humility and honest communication, demonstrating through personal anecdotes how asking for help is not only beneficial but often well-received, leading to positive outcomes and enhanced safety.
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