The 'Mags' Preflight

Approach each preflight inspection with methodical attention to detail, not taking the tiniest bits for granted.

Julie Boatman

Thursday, September 29, 2022 at 03:56 PM ET

Verified

The Air Force Academy's initial pilot training programs made a good foundational impact on 'Mags.'

Key Takeaways:

The article emphasizes the critical importance of meticulous preflight preparation and attention to detail in aviation, even for highly experienced pilots.
It illustrates this principle through examples of seasoned aviators like Terry "Mags" Slawinski, William Kershner, and Roger Sharp, who consistently dedicated significant time to thorough briefings and inspections.
The author applies this "beginner's mind" approach to their own flying and states that *FLYING* magazine similarly approaches each issue with methodical attention to detail and a "fresh eye."

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Lt. Col. (Ret.) Terry “Mags” Slawinski graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1972. He went from the F-4 to the F-16, and he served as an instructor in his squadron before joining the U.S. Air Force’s legendary Fighter Weapons School, where he also taught in the F-16.

I first met Mags not long after I’d obtained my Formation and Safety Team Wing Pilot qualification, back in 2001. I quickly learned about this modest pilot’s precision and consummate skill from flying alongside him—he wore his silver wings with pride, but with a certain lightness of heart.