Risk Management Magazine

We planned to head out early on a Friday morning as soon as rush hour was over. The night before, I inspected my bike to ensure everything was good to go. The oil looked good, both tires were properly inflated, and I had my extra glasses, rain suit, a change of clothes, enough tools to almost tear the bike completely down, tire plugs, air compressor, hammock and blanket.

The controls that were implemented following this mishap proved to be successful and corrected the safety indiscipline within the organization. Since then, the unit has recorded an estimated 400 flight hours with no new mishaps. This also shows that even though mishaps are regrettable, they can be an eye-opening moment that gives you an opportunity to improve operations in a safe manner.

As a young, thrill-seeking, soon-to-be Army aviator getting ready to start flight school, I did the stereotypical thing and bought a motorcycle. I’d ridden dirt bikes only a handful of times growing up and thought a street bike wouldn’t be much different. Eager to get on the road and start riding with friends that already had motorcycles, I signed up for the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse (BRC).