Risk Management Magazine

While assigned to a 12-hour quick-reaction force shift in Regional Command-South, Afghanistan, my team prepped the assigned AH-64D as part of the attack weapons team (AWT). I was assigned run-up duty for the backup aircraft, which included preflight, run-up, communications and mission equipment checks to ensure they were fully mission capable (FMC).

Everyone in the military has their own reasons for joining. I volunteered because I needed to support my growing family. I almost ended my life and Army career at age 19, however, when I — like so many Soldiers before and after me — rolled a HMMWV.

As an aviator, I am cautious around anyone who uses the word “easy.” Just because a mission appears to be simple does not mean it will turn out that way. It is our responsibility as pilots to conduct proper flight planning procedures and risk management to identify potential hazards in the mission before takeoff.