Risk Management Magazine

Institutional lore records a myriad of instances where an aviator did something foolish and dinged, bent or damaged an aircraft; received minor, if any, punishment; and went on to become a valuable part of the organization.

It was a clear, cool day in Afghanistan when the aircraft departed the runway under perfect visual flight rules conditions. While climbing to cruise altitude in a left-hand orbit, air traffic control contacted the pilot and vectored him to a 180 heading to deconflict with other traffic.

It was a typical day for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company scout platoon. Everyone came in early that day to pack and get ready for a field exercise.