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:

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Terry “Mags” Slawinski, an experienced fighter pilot and instructor, was known for his legendary, meticulous preflight briefings and post-sortie debriefs, emphasizing focused attention to ground elements of flight, even for casual trips.
This commitment to detailed preparation and a "fresh eye" for every flight was mirrored by other seasoned aviators, including test pilot William Kershner and instructor Roger Sharp, who consistently applied methodical planning and thorough inspections despite extensive experience.
The article advocates for all pilots to adopt this systematic attention to detail and a "beginner's mind" during preflight and planning, underscoring its critical importance for safety and precision in every aspect of aviation.

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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.