Risk Management Magazine

My co-pilot announced the right yaw was uncommanded and his master caution light was illuminated. I also announced that I had a master caution light and asked if he could maintain control of the aircraft. He answered, “Yes,” and I told him to continue with the last clearance given. I briefly monitored my instruments to ensure my co-pilot was continuing to the assigned altitude and heading.

During Operation New Dawn, I served as a Shadow unmanned aircraft system standardization operator at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. After a seemingly uneventful mission supporting my brigade combat team’s collection requirements, I was called to the hangar by a ground crewmember to look at an aircraft that had just landed.

Many aviation mishaps or near misses result from a failure to practice procedures that have been taught since the beginning of pilot training. As time passes and we gain experience, sometimes these foundational elements become easily overlooked. If so, the results can be catastrophic. As the mission evolves and the timeline condenses, it’s essential to not overlook these keystone elements to ensure the job is done safely and successfully.