Risk Management Magazine

As maintenance professionals, we often take risks without thinking of the consequences. Proper tool care and use is part of being a professional. Unfortunately, we don’t always take care of our tools and too often use them improperly.

It was a fairly routine flight. The weather reports showed conditions deteriorating slightly, but it was still within our briefed minimums and the unit command approved the flight.

Throughout my career as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operator, I was fortunate to never experience a near-miss or mishap. While this may be considered one of my greatest accomplishments, I cannot take full credit. I attribute much of my success to the many lessons learned from noncommissioned officers (NCOs) at the smoke pit.