Aviation has always been a significant part of my life. Growing up in an aviation family, I was exposed to the skies from an early age. My father, an airline pilot, was determined to instill in me the importance of discipline—something that would prove invaluable in my career. One of the most impactful lessons he taught me came in the form of a simple plaque he gave me when I was young.
This plaque, which hung in my bedroom for years, depicted a large open field with a lone tree. Stuck in that tree was an airplane, a sight both curious and foreboding. The text below the image read:
“Aviation is not inherently dangerous, but to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any incapacity, carelessness or neglect.”
The message was clear: complacency in aviation is not just dangerous; it is deadly. The idea that aviation is “terribly unforgiving” has stayed with me throughout my career, a constant reminder that discipline and adherence to procedures are not just important—they are essential. This sentiment resonated so strongly with me that I committed it to memory over 40 years ago, and it has influenced my approach to aviation ever since.
The Dangers of Complacency
Complacency is a silent threat in aviation. It creeps in without warning, regardless of your age, qualifications, or experience. No one is immune to it. I remember, as a young first officer, being told by a captain that running checklists wasn’t necessary. I was shocked and dismayed, even at that early stage in my career. I knew instinctively that skipping the checklist was a recipe for disaster, and I made sure to run the checklists diligently.
The best defense against complacency is straightforward: follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This principle is not just a suggestion; it’s a lifeline. SOPs are designed to prevent the very lapses in judgment that complacency can cause. They ensure that no matter how routine a task may seem, it is performed with the same level of care and attention every single time.
A Lesson Passed Down
This lesson of discipline is one I have passed on to my son, who is now training to be a commercial pilot. We recently discussed a tragic incident that underscored the dangers of complacency. Some years ago, a crew failed to perform their pre-takeoff checklist. As a result, they missed a crucial step—ensuring that the gust locks were released. During takeoff, the locked flight controls prevented the plane from rotating, leading to a late, aborted takeoff and the aircraft going off the runway. The consequences were catastrophic, all because of a missed checklist.
Beyond the Flight Deck
This principle of unwavering discipline and adherence to procedures applies not only to flight crews but to all aspects of aviation. At Paramount Global Ferry Services, we have a strict compliance requirement for our dispatch team: follow all procedures for each and every flight, no exceptions. The crews depend on us—our expertise, our continuity, and our professionalism. We owe it to them to ensure that every step is followed, every time.
In aviation, there is no room for error. The stakes are too high, and the environment is too unforgiving. Whether in the cockpit, at the dispatch desk, or anywhere in between, discipline and adherence to procedures are what keep us all safe.
At Paramount, we take this responsibility seriously. We understand that the key to safety is not just knowledge but the consistent application of that knowledge through disciplined practice. After all, in aviation, as in life, it’s not just about knowing what to do—it’s about doing it every single time.
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