Training for Fairytales

Some things in aviation never happen, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. And, it certainly doesn’t mean you’ll never encounter them.

maclawler

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Aviation professionals must train for all possible scenarios, even those that seem unlikely, as demonstrated by an air traffic controller successfully issuing a rare "VFR-on-Top" clearance thanks to prior simulation practice.
Unforeseen, high-stress situations, such as an in-flight emergency, can challenge even highly skilled and confident individuals, teaching valuable lessons that real-world experience provides, regardless of prior competence.
Complacency due to routine can hinder performance when unexpected procedures arise; continuous learning and the willingness to ask for clarification are crucial for pilots and controllers alike to maintain safety and proficiency.

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Being aviation professionals, we need to train for what is possible, even if it seems unlikely. It’s the things you least expect that inevitably will happen. If you’re not ready for them, you’ll definitely struggle.

The Unicorn Clearance

It was a quiet morning—the pondering kind. There weren’t many planes, maybe four, in my low-altitude sector of FL270 and below. I’m controlling the airspace southeast of KSEA and it’s a “Cleared direct destination” kind of day.