Decision to stay alive – Focusing on aviation safety
Decision to stay alive – Focusing on aviation safety
The general aviation sector is not in any way shielded from accidents and incidents. This can mostly be attributed to accessibility to the industry by private aviators and also our very extensive training facilities nationally. The so-called smaller aircraft are also more vulnerable to weather conditions and are in many cases utilising local airstrips and airfields, which can be challenging to some aviators flying with limited experience and ratings. This is a generalisation but has been proven to be a deciding factor in both the fixed wing and helicopter sectors.
If we can improve aviation safety and save lives by analysing every type of accident or incident and at the same time communicate these findings to the industry as a whole, we will most certainly achieve the safety goal. The investigation, analysis and safety recommendations of any accident or incident lies heavily on the shoulders of the appointed regulator of any country.
It is therefore critical that all appointed persons in all sectors of any regulatory authority, be duly trained and qualified and given guidance in the effective processing of information gathered after each occurrence. This will ensure promotion of not only safety standards but will create a close and healthy relationship between the regulator and the industry as a whole. The sharing of skills, experience and knowledge needs to be promoted in order to ensure a mutually beneficial aviation sector for any country.
The decision-making of each pilot before, during, and after any flight determines the positive or negative consequences of each aviation action. Taking a step back in uncertainty and voicing a concern before any flight can determine the outcome of the intended flight. It is without a doubt much better to be frowned upon for hesitating to fly when uncomfortable than to be mourned by loved ones.
Decisions during a flight need to be approached with the same attitude. These can vary from not turning back after experiencing engine failure after take-off, to flying from VMC weather conditions to IMC weather conditions without the relevant rating, etc.
If a challenging situation or occurrence during a flight leaves a pilot rattled, it should not be regarded as an achievement to have survived but as a warning to avoid a similar occurrence or situation in the future.
Aviation is conducted in a three-dimensional sphere, which is unnatural for the human body. It is therefore crucial to be alert, humble, focused, and especially prepared for any flight. Training should be foremost in the pilot’s mind, along with the correct attitude, which excludes boldness, recklessness, and a larger-than-life ego.
Mistakes will be made, but let your last mistake teach you, not end your life.
Wouter Botes
Blue Wing Productions (Pty) Ltd
TV and Radio Series Prod