Risk Management Magazine

With the growing need for information at our fingertips, aviators lean heavily on electronic devices in the cockpit. All publications related to flying duties can now be replaced by a kneeboard-sized iPad Mini, which is incredibly convenient. While these devices allow for more efficient mission planning and flying, they do create some interesting questions and gray areas.

Showing up to the mission in a fatigued state is unacceptable. This happens all too often in aviation. One of my recent flight manuals stated: “A pilot must show up to work free of stress.” Although we may not be stress-free, we may show up well rested and mentally ready to go the distance. A bright-eyed pilot is the best defense against adverse and sudden changes in the cockpit.

Foreign object damage on a military aircraft is a serious issue. Before every mission, the entire flight crew, which is five personnel on a CH-47, checks for foreign object debris (FOD) and ensures the aircraft is ready for the mission. Depending on the crew, preflight can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. It is supposed to be a thorough process. During deployments, however, you get into a battle rhythm and things can go unnoticed due to the monotony of day-after-day operations. In any military aviation setting, that can be devastating.