Safest Word In Flying

Fred Simonds

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 01:21 PM ET

Verified

Heli-Expo 2010 Robert Goyer

Key Takeaways:

The article vehemently advocates that "No" is the safest word in aviation, stressing the critical importance of a pilot's ability to refuse unsafe flights or requests.
Numerous anecdotes illustrate diverse scenarios—including pre-flight omissions, unaddressed maintenance, outdated equipment, organizational pressure, and questionable flight conditions—where saying "No" prevented potential accidents and fatalities.
Pilots are urged to assert their Pilot-in-Command authority, exercise sound risk management, and never compromise safety by acceding to demands that violate their judgment, values, or regulatory compliance.

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With a new private ticket in his wallet, the now-instrument student finished his preflight. No supervision needed, right? Out strode his CFII, who walked around the airplane, checking critical items. He glanced up and spotted a missing inspection cover under the wing. Pointing out this omission, the student asked, “We can still go, right?” The instructor glared at the student. “Wrong! Are you a test pilot? No. Neither am I. This airplane is grounded.”

Always Wary

In a repeat resembling Groundhog Day, on another lesson, the instructor checked the fuel caps and found none. Duct tape covered both filler ports. Again: “Can we go?” “No!”