Stupid Pilot Tricks

While we write this annual feature to be amusing, the intent is also to get you to consider your own actions, lest you be featured on these pages.

rdurden

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 11:27 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The "Stupid Pilot Tricks" awards highlight numerous non-fatal aviation incidents largely stemming from basic pilot errors, lack of attention, and poor decision-making.
Common mistakes included neglecting critical pre-flight checks (e.g., leaving tow bars or gust locks attached), attempting flights with inoperative equipment, or ignoring known mechanical issues.
Incidents showcased a lack of focus during critical flight phases, overconfidence, panic responses, and inadequate communication, leading to ground collisions, stalls, and loss of control.

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This wasn’t a dark and stormy night—it was clear and a million under a full moon. We hid beside a ’54 Nash in the parking lot behind the convention center where the Official Office of Plane Safety (OOPS) was holding its annual secret dinner and bacchanal to announce to its members the winners of the Stupid Pilot Tricks awards from the year 2020.

One of the OOPS honchos felt strongly that aviation safety would be best served by disclosing the results publicly. We were following her instructions for the handoff of the records she’d planned for the less-than-sober confusion as the dinner staggered to its conclusion.