In an airplane, surely cheap thrills are better than costly thrills—but, frankly, a safer atmosphere in the cockpit may be boring thrills. Boredom in an airplane is good.
Leaving the Controls Locked on Takeoff
Key Takeaways:
- The article recounts a harrowing 1978 ferry flight where a young copilot was pressured by an experienced captain into a takeoff with the control lock engaged and landing gear pins still in, highlighting the dangers of neglected pre-flight checks.
- This incident exemplifies the problematic "captain as God" era of aviation, where junior pilots felt unable to challenge senior authority, contributing to serious safety risks before the widespread adoption of crew resource management.
- The author's key takeaway is the vital importance of individual judgment and assertiveness, emphasizing that pilots must not surrender their discernment to authority, even when faced with greater experience, to avoid "sheep thrills" and ensure safety.
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