Captainitis, the phenomenon that occurs when subordinates do not speak up to “the person in charge”, can rear its ugly head in many ways. In February 1980, a United Airlines career second officer [based on his lower than desired level … Continue reading
Chain of Events: 1977 Tenerife Accident
I’ve been doing research on the aviation accident that happened in Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain in 1977.This is an absolutely fascinating study in looking at how each element contributed to the fiery crash. A chain of events is … Continue reading
When is a question not a question?
The human factors in aviation accidents is fascinating.Looking at this from a communications perspective, one of the events that sticks out in my mind, probably because it happens frequently to all of us, is the air traffic controller made a … Continue reading
Filed under: Aviation Posts, communication, human factors, intention, interpretation, leadership, listening Permalink
Oh no!? Or Oh yes!
According to AIN Alerts in October of 2009 “Transportation fatalities in the U.S. decreased by 4 percent last year, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the NTSB. Aviation deaths dropped substantially, from 784 to 545 year-over-year. Nearly 90 percent, … Continue reading
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Bailout Dilemma
How often do you make a decision based on an assumption? You “paint with a broad stroke” instead of taking the time to investigate with an open mind? If you were the recipient of an unfair decision, how would you … Continue reading
Regression, Learning and Stress
Continuing my thread of Captainitis and the ego …. When you are stressed, how do you react?Do you fall into behaviors that you did years ago?In other words, do you regress?It may be something as simple as immediately rationalizing the situation … Continue reading
Turning Brutally ….
Witness: Air New Zealand A320 ‘Turned Brutally Towards The Ground’ “It was flying straight, then it turned brutally towards the ground” What an unusual choice of words … “turned brutally towards the ground”. You can visualize this aircraft turning and … Continue reading
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Union vs Management Perception
I saw this in Aviation Industry Friday 10/31: The strike at Boeing is over, but now a cut in production is needed After weeks of production lines lying idle due to strike action by Boeing machinists, at an estimated cost … Continue reading
Filed under: communication, intention, interpretation Permalink
Planes in PJ’s?
“Frontier Airlines pulled blankets and pillows off its planes late last month …” When I first read this opening sentence, my immediate thoughts were of these planes, probably enjoying the cool evening Denver air, and glad it was not in … Continue reading
Filed under: Aviation Posts, communication, intention, interpretation Permalink