Master and Commander

An approach to safety of dont have an accident and always effectively weight risks doesnt work because we dont take actions we think will cause accidents. Tom Turner recently presented a Wings seminar, Stop Teaching About Safety, covering this. Safetys an integral outcome, not a separate goal. Instead, he suggested approaching flying as its master and commander: The result will be safety. While being master and commander will work for all pilots, the instrument environment presents unique challenges to achieving that goal.

jmiller

Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article argues against traditional safety approaches that focus on avoiding accidents or solely weighing risks, as human factors like emotions and external pressures often compromise decision-making.
It proposes a "master and commander" philosophy for pilots: "mastery" entails deep proficiency in aircraft systems, weather phenomena, and operational procedures, understanding the 'why' behind actions.
"Command" involves decisive authority, leadership, and strong decision-making, requiring situational awareness, planning, and the ability to override automation or ATC instructions when safety dictates.
This "master and commander" approach is particularly vital for IFR flying, demanding specialized skills in managing complex avionics, interpreting intricate weather patterns, and navigating procedures with an assertive command presence.

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When my young son perches precariously on the edge of a stool, I admonish him to sit correctly before he falls. “I won’t fall,” he responds. “You won’t until you will,” I say.

Ask any pilot before the take off if the end will be a crash, and obviously the answer will be an emphatic, “No.” Yet, some do crash. People don’t make choices that they know will result in undesired outcomes.