Risk Management Magazine

With the end of summer fast approaching, my wife and I decided we were in need of one last vacation before the warm weather gave way to cooler autumn temperatures. The 350-mile trip would take us from Atlanta, Georgia, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. To ensure we got the most out of our stay, I planned out everything — from beach activities we hoped to do to restaurants we wanted to try. One thing I failed to plan for, however, nearly brought our trip to an early end.

There are good reasons why emergency procedures (EPs) are developed, committed to memory and rehearsed before conducting training or combat operations. The moment an emergency occurs is not the time to become creative or develop a better way to handle the situation. As a Type A personality, I have made the mistake of modifying a procedure while in the middle of an emergency and it could have cost me dearly.

As a pilot, I know that helicopters have vibrations. Heck, every vehicle has vibrations — some good, some bad.