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commercial airliner or a C-152, arrogance (confidence) can be the difference between life and death.
A 2004 NASA study found psychological commonality among pilots: aviators scored higher in being conscien- tious, competent, dutiful, self-disciplined, and assertive while generally keeping emotion out of the cockpit. Of all the evaluated traits, assertiveness rated the highest among all personality traits. Other high scorers were the traits of dominance, forcefulness and of being socially ascendant. Properly implemented, these are valuable qualities. In addition to drawing a line in the sand, perhaps we should assertively take a mulligan to start 2021.
Who’ll Stop The Rain
– Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1970
In a time of crisis, we are fortunate as pilots to possess the above traits, and I believe they can help us navigate these troubled times. While CDC recommendations and a vaccine may soon arrest the pandemic, this is a moment when leaders (like you) want to be able to share good news; to be able to tell stakeholders that things are under control and that there is a plan to return to normalcy. So, just as we do in the cockpit, analyze the situation, manage problems as they arise and take the appropriate action. Merry Christmas, my fellow aviators – 2021 is just around the corner.
Kevin Dingman has been flying for more than 40 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737 and DC9 with 24,000 hours in his logbook. A retired Air Force major, he flew the F-16 and later performed as an USAF Civil Air Patrol Liaison Officer. He flies volunteer missions for the Christian organiz tion Wings of Mercy, is employed by a major airline, and owns and operates a Beechcraft Duke.Contact Kevin at dinger10d@ gmail.com.
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December 2020 / TWIN & TURBINE • 25