Risk Management Magazine

As an Army pilot with 750 flight hours, I’m still fairly new to the world of aviation. Everyone knows what it’s like to be the new guy — you want to prove yourself and never want to be the person who throws in the towel when training runs late or you’re not feeling well. But sometimes it is necessary to take a step back and reevaluate what you’re doing to avoid making a mistake that could lead to a catastrophe.

We didn’t brief a change in plans and because of it, I watched as my friend walked toward certain death from the main rotor blades.

Whenever I hear about lightning-related injuries in the military or civilian community, I always share my experience. My hope is that it provides a little awareness about the dangers of a potentially deadly natural phenomenon.