captainitis

Aviation Human Factors: The Pilot Ego

Years ago I did my Master’s [in Aeronautical Science from ERAU] on “Personalities in the Cockpit”.In that research, I surveyed career Part 91 pilots as to their communication style.These were all pilots in flight departments; I did not designate which … Continue reading

Captainitis in a Different Light

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

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