Working the Problem

From reading Hadfields autobiography An Astronauts Guide to Life on Earthand listening to various interviews online, its clear Hadfield is no stranger to unexpected problems. From a seagull strike in an F/A-18 Hornet fighter at 500 knots a mere 50 feet above the water, to temporarily going blind during his first spacewalk because of contamination in his helmet, he has faced some unique situations.

tkarmer

Friday, September 08, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Pilots must immediately and transparently communicate any in-flight issues, including equipment problems or personal difficulties, to air traffic control (ATC).
Air traffic controllers employ proactive risk management and creative problem-solving, utilizing all available resources and flexible interpretation of rules, to ensure safety when pilots face unexpected challenges.
Withholding critical information from ATC prevents timely assistance, can escalate minor issues into dangerous situations, and potentially leads to severe outcomes.

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I am not much for hero-worship, but there are definitely people on—and off—this planet whom I admire. One of them is astronaut Chris Hadfield, a fighter pilot, test pilot, veteran of two Space Shuttle flights, musician, and commander of the International Space Station for six months. He’s perhaps most famous for having recorded a music video where he performs David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” aboard the ISS.

From reading Hadfield’s autobiography An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earthand listening to various interviews online, it’s clear Hadfield is no stranger to unexpected problems. From a seagull strike in an F/A-18 Hornet fighter at 500 knots a mere 50 feet above the water, to temporarily going blind during his first spacewalk because of contamination in his helmet, he has faced some unique situations.