Risk Management Magazine

Within minutes, the water reached our calves. Still, never once did any of us consider what could happen next. If we had, we would have put on our life jackets, but no one even mentioned it. Just as the shore came into sight, a large wave struck the boat, causing it to capsize.

Aviators know winter weather conditions can deteriorate quickly and create a wide range of issues they must deal with, such as poor visibility, turbulence and icing. Fortunately, they have two tools to help manage these challenges — flight planning and frequent weather briefings.

Don’t shop around for weather. We’ve all heard it. I took it to heart, but recently I learned the importance of backing up my legal weather brief with outside sources.