Most Dangerous Time for a pilot
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ROFCIBC
Well-Known Member
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Were in your aviation career are you the 'most' dangerous.
I am WELL aware that guys with 10,000s of thousands of hours who are true professionals end up hurt or worse off dead, but when is the time when you are statistically the most dangerous.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'll put it this way.
The MOST qualified you will EVER be is right after a checkride! A new pilot, a new rating, a new aircraft, or an upgrade to Captain/Aircraft Commander.
The MOST dangerous you will be is the time between the above time and when you learn that each and every day you fly, each and every time you takeoff and land you are a "student". That is, you are "learning". Once that happens you will become a lot safer pilot.
In between the two you are "bulletproof", you know it all. That is when you are the most dangerous.
How long it takes to get from the first to the second varies with one thing....EGO!
Trust me, I've been there, done that, got the tee shirt. And thanks to the Good Lord looking over me, I'm here today to say that! I used to end each flight with a simple question…”What did I LEARN about flying today?” If I ever answered “NOTHING!” I always felt I had “survived”, but not because of my skill as a pilot. It is a humbling experience to be able to admit this. But if you do, you will become a better and SAFER pilot!
So much for my soapbox sermon today.
Were in your aviation career are you the 'most' dangerous.
I am WELL aware that guys with 10,000s of thousands of hours who are true professionals end up hurt or worse off dead, but when is the time when you are statistically the most dangerous.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'll put it this way.
The MOST qualified you will EVER be is right after a checkride! A new pilot, a new rating, a new aircraft, or an upgrade to Captain/Aircraft Commander.
The MOST dangerous you will be is the time between the above time and when you learn that each and every day you fly, each and every time you takeoff and land you are a "student". That is, you are "learning". Once that happens you will become a lot safer pilot.
In between the two you are "bulletproof", you know it all. That is when you are the most dangerous.
How long it takes to get from the first to the second varies with one thing....EGO!
Trust me, I've been there, done that, got the tee shirt. And thanks to the Good Lord looking over me, I'm here today to say that! I used to end each flight with a simple question…”What did I LEARN about flying today?” If I ever answered “NOTHING!” I always felt I had “survived”, but not because of my skill as a pilot. It is a humbling experience to be able to admit this. But if you do, you will become a better and SAFER pilot!
So much for my soapbox sermon today.
Mr_Creepy
Well-Known Member
The actuaries place the most dangerous commercial pilots in the 500 to 2000 hr range. This range is the most likely to have a fatal accident (a really small percentage but still the highest of all.)
My NASCAR buddy is right - check rides make you review your emergency procedures and certainly help you stay on top of things.
I take a check ride with the FAA every 6 months as a check airman and it certainly keeps me on top of my game.
PLEASE LISTEN INSURANCE UNDERWRITERS - 6 month checkrides are far superior to recurrent sim training from FSI or Simcom for proficiency!
My NASCAR buddy is right - check rides make you review your emergency procedures and certainly help you stay on top of things.
I take a check ride with the FAA every 6 months as a check airman and it certainly keeps me on top of my game.
PLEASE LISTEN INSURANCE UNDERWRITERS - 6 month checkrides are far superior to recurrent sim training from FSI or Simcom for proficiency!
Mr_Creepy
Well-Known Member
I better state my position clearly.
I am in favor of training centers like Simcom and FSI - they are extremely helpful to the "dedicated amateurs" out there, the pilot/owners who do not fly for a living.
However, they are under pressure to "pass" people who probably shouldn't. I was a Simcom instructor and I had to fail a few people. It was an ugly situation, since these people payed rather large amounts of money to be at our school.
What I ended up doing after a few false starts, was to convince the pilot that he/she needed additional training to pass. Unfortunately this would cost more money. It was a real dilemma. On one hand, they sometimes suspected me of running up the bill. On the other hand, I did not want to "sign off" someone who was not proficient and have that on my conscience.
If you find yourself at one of these facilities and things aren't going well - PLEASE be honest with your instructor and work our a plan.
"The life you save may be your own."
I am in favor of training centers like Simcom and FSI - they are extremely helpful to the "dedicated amateurs" out there, the pilot/owners who do not fly for a living.
However, they are under pressure to "pass" people who probably shouldn't. I was a Simcom instructor and I had to fail a few people. It was an ugly situation, since these people payed rather large amounts of money to be at our school.
What I ended up doing after a few false starts, was to convince the pilot that he/she needed additional training to pass. Unfortunately this would cost more money. It was a real dilemma. On one hand, they sometimes suspected me of running up the bill. On the other hand, I did not want to "sign off" someone who was not proficient and have that on my conscience.
If you find yourself at one of these facilities and things aren't going well - PLEASE be honest with your instructor and work our a plan.
"The life you save may be your own."
ROFCIBC
Well-Known Member
I would reiterate my thoughts though.
The time between those checkrides, the time between those training periods is when pilots must be constantly learning. Whey they must constantly be aware of what they are doing and strive to use that time, that experience to improve their skills.
Piloting from day one until you finish your career is a constant time of learning. Examining your performance on a daily basis and striving to do it better. It is an individual responsibility as a pilot. To do otherwise breeds complacency, which is a fancy word for an accident looking for a place to happen.
On my last flight, I knew it was the "end of the line" so to speak. Yet I took the time to brief my F/O that it was still a flight that had to be completed safely. One that still offered an opportunity to learn to improve our pilot skills. I expected him to do his job as well and as professionally regardless of the fact this was my last flight. I told him I would try to do the best job I could and if I missed something I expected him to tell me.
During my career in the Air Force I spent the vast majority of the time as an instructor/evaluator. As such I felt it was my responsibility to follow the established procedures to the best of my ability. Aviation is no place for the "do as I say, not as I do"! Especially when you are the one in charge.
Did I ever make mistakes? Sure we all do, part of being human. But to make mistakes and not learn from them, to make mistakes and not strive to not make more is irresponsible! Period. In the business of aviation accepting irresponsible behavior is a quick way to end up that smoking hole in the ground. And when I say “accepting” I am not limiting it to the pilot who is doing the flying. The other crew members accepting performance by someone else that is irresponsible are going to end up in that same smoking hole. That issue is one of the toughest things to learn. But one that is vital for survival. See? All about “learning”!
So much for soapbox 101, volume 2.
The time between those checkrides, the time between those training periods is when pilots must be constantly learning. Whey they must constantly be aware of what they are doing and strive to use that time, that experience to improve their skills.
Piloting from day one until you finish your career is a constant time of learning. Examining your performance on a daily basis and striving to do it better. It is an individual responsibility as a pilot. To do otherwise breeds complacency, which is a fancy word for an accident looking for a place to happen.
On my last flight, I knew it was the "end of the line" so to speak. Yet I took the time to brief my F/O that it was still a flight that had to be completed safely. One that still offered an opportunity to learn to improve our pilot skills. I expected him to do his job as well and as professionally regardless of the fact this was my last flight. I told him I would try to do the best job I could and if I missed something I expected him to tell me.
During my career in the Air Force I spent the vast majority of the time as an instructor/evaluator. As such I felt it was my responsibility to follow the established procedures to the best of my ability. Aviation is no place for the "do as I say, not as I do"! Especially when you are the one in charge.
Did I ever make mistakes? Sure we all do, part of being human. But to make mistakes and not learn from them, to make mistakes and not strive to not make more is irresponsible! Period. In the business of aviation accepting irresponsible behavior is a quick way to end up that smoking hole in the ground. And when I say “accepting” I am not limiting it to the pilot who is doing the flying. The other crew members accepting performance by someone else that is irresponsible are going to end up in that same smoking hole. That issue is one of the toughest things to learn. But one that is vital for survival. See? All about “learning”!
So much for soapbox 101, volume 2.
tonyw
Well-Known Member
Check out this book. Highly recommended.
I've read it like three times.
The Killing Zone
You know what, I might have to put it up on JC-Bay. First person to offer me $15 for it...nah, just kidding.
I've read it like three times.
The Killing Zone
You know what, I might have to put it up on JC-Bay. First person to offer me $15 for it...nah, just kidding.