Risk Management Magazine

As we proceeded back to the airport, we requested the instrument landing system (ILS) approach, and ATC assigned vectors. This particular airport during this time of day was busy with many types of traffic — commercial, general aviation, helicopters and military aircraft — all trying to make it back in before the weather hit the airfield.

Like many teenagers, I wanted a fast car that would impress my friends. When I finally turned 16 and got my driver’s license, my parents would often say, “Don’t drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.” I’m sure a few of you heard those same words. But did you know that phrase could also apply to aviation, like when a pilot gets behind the controls of an aircraft they’re unfamiliar with operating?

Few times in my life has an event disturbed me so deeply that, when I think about it even 10 years later, my heartrate still rises and a sickening lurch is conjured in the pit of my stomach. Given my current profession, this incident was embarrassing enough that I wish it could be forgotten, but it is still all too relevant and will forever be used as one of my most prominent teaching points.