Page 29 - TTFebruary2018

From the Flight Deck
by Kevin R. Dingman
Control Freaks
How to finesse the landing,
sink the putt and regulate entropy in the universe
The phrase was first used in the 1970s, an era when the principle of “doing your own thing” and letting others do the same, was
born. It’s a somewhat derogatory assessment of the way in which a “driven” person interacts with their universe and the less-driven, more laid- back personalities inhabiting the same. It’s often difficult for them to leave the super-efficient controlling modus operandi at the office, plant, hospital or in the plane. So, they drag it to the restaurant, social gatherings and to their homes.
These controlling men and women have an answer for everything and their precise and sterile approach to problem-solving is often seen as sanctimonious and hypocritical. I know about these sanctimonious people because I am one of them. We think we are being helpful by fixing things. The first stage of recovery from this affliction is acknowledgement of the condition.
Hello, and thank you for inviting me to this debate. My name is Kevin, and I’m a control freak.
People who are controlling often think they should correct others when they’re wrong. It’s important to understand that underneath the motivation to correct others is the belief that they are usually right. This is logical and easy to understand because they are right; don’t argue! Controllers correct someone due to their irrational arguments; they correct grammar, sentence structure, spelling and pronunciation; they correct details of what happened in the past and they correct bad manners. They are highly principled with opinions on everything from how people should hold their fork and manage their posture to proper social interaction, politics, body art, grocery selections, career choices and clothing styles.
Some even correct the flying techniques of others; imagine that. But on the other hand, controlling is how we pilots keep track of and manage things: the weather, our fuel, aircraft systems, the payload. It’s also how we decide if the mission can be completed safely, efficiently and with an appropriate level of gratification and fun.
“We think we are being helpful
by fixing things.”
February 2018 TWIN & TURBINE • 27