The Power of No; Difficult Decision Making

Pilots are such phonies. Do you know how many times Ive had pilots upset or even offended that I turned down maintenance placards that I felt were unsafe? When a pilot is stuck in an outstation they dont like or its their go-home leg, they put pressure on other work groups to make unsafe maintenance issues work. But sure, blame MOC, dispatch and the ramp for unsafe operations. Pilots are just as worse if not the worst at these shady practices.
 
Flagship_dxer said:
Pilots are such phonies. Do you know how many times Ive had pilots upset or even offended that I turned down maintenance placards that I felt were unsafe? When a pilot is stuck in an outstation they dont like or its their go-home leg, they put pressure on other work groups to make unsafe maintenance issues work. But sure, blame MOC, dispatch and the ramp for unsafe operations. Pilots are just as worse if not the worst at these shady practices.
Click to expand...

Some* pilots. I have a good friend who does MX and also contract MX for the large variety of regionals that fly into his airport. He has told me stories that concur with what you said of captains pushing for unsafe and flat out illegal stuff just so they don't get stuck away from home... He has also told me about captains who have been very awesome about the whole situation. I wouldn't paint such a broad brush for an entire work group...
 
I've seen gray area decision making by both pilots and maintence personnel. It's really easy when the situation is black and white, but gets a bit tougher when there are "work arounds" so situations.

One of the best pieces of advice given to me when I was a junior co-pilot was in any given situation, after your analysis of the situation/ malfunction is complete and you decide to continue with your flight, imagine how the hazard/mishap/accident report will read if something was to happen and you bent metal. If you think it'll say you followed all the procedures etc and won't raise eyebrows then you're probably good. If you think you'd read it and be like "wtf were they thinking" then you probably need to reevaluate your decision to continue.

Using those guidelines I've made some unpopular calls (canceling high missions that drew some attention) electing to not continue flights after maintence issues and malfunctions were discovered. Each time I had to explain to x, y and z my thought process leading me to do "the most conservative thing" and got their feedback on whether or not they agreed with my decision, and learned in the process.

I've also been in situations where I've gotten heat for making decisions on that weren't deemed "conservative", even though I brought my aircraft and crew back in one piece, and also learned in the process.

Having been in both situations, it's a lot better being questioned about why you did the most conservative thing instead of being questioned about why you weren't more conservative.

Your decision making process will change as you gain knowledge and experience, but regardless the blame starts with you when you sign for the aircraft as PIC.
 
KKochan said:
http://www.flyingmag.com/taking-wing-power-no

Great article, I'm sure we all can relate. After leaving my last company for reasons like this, and then coming to another that has a lot of the same issues, sometimes I question just what in the hell I'm doing with my life. I can tell you though, I don't question the times I've said No.
Click to expand...

The Borg Collective, which I am part of, has assimilated this author.
 
KKochan said:
Yep. I had the newly minted CP at my last job tell me I'd regret it when I told them I was definitely leaving. No man, I don't. Not one bit. Future employers will understand for the most part.
Click to expand...

Not all future (potential) employers will, but at least you will be alive to be depressed about not getting hired.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top