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Remarks: Conservatism

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author transitioned from an undisciplined Part 91 pilot to one who prioritizes conservatism, largely influenced by the rigid procedures learned during his time flying Part 121 for an airline.
  • This conservative approach involves always choosing the safer option, such as canceling or filing IFR on marginal VFR days, or forgoing a flight if essential system redundancy is compromised, even if the aircraft is technically airworthy.
  • He advocates that making conservative decisions, despite potential inconvenience, is paramount for aviation safety, encapsulating this philosophy with, "You don't die by making conservative decisions."
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Back in the January issue, my Remarks outlined how I try to look at my flying choices through the lens of an accident report if the choices don’t work out. There is a corollary to that and it’s worth exploring; consider this an extension of my January Remarks.

I got my private certificate when I was an indestructible 21-year old and behaved accordingly. Approaching a vast 100 hours of experience, I’d do things that, well, many of us have probably also done but none of us should. You know the list: scud running, stretching currency, not being as scrupulous with weight and balance as the FAA expects, etc.

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