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sues waivers to the airlines to film approaches into complex airports so that pilots can review the operation before hauling 200-paying passengers along. A YouTuber who posts videos about aviation safety falls somewhere on the list. Preserving in-flight mile- stones has value as well. We have all snapped a pic of a striking view enroute.
Aviation is not about avoiding risks. We would never fly if it were. It is about recognizing and mitigat- ing them. Filming is a risk. It is a distraction. It narrows your field of view. In the case of Glenn and Dan, it is hard to say how critical the un- locked tailwheel was. The external video depicts an unaggressive turn to the left at a relatively slow speed. The likely cause was depressurization of the right brake system, resulting in brake asymmetry. This induced a left-turning tendency that a locked tailwheel would have resisted. It is possible that the whole bloody mess would have been avoided had it not been seemingly forgotten. Whatever the case, it provides an opportunity to focus on managing distractions and maintaining an awareness of risks. Mitigation can be highly effective in establishing boundaries for use while under fire. Non-standard risks deserve particular attention. Whether it is filming a flight or falling snow, it is important to acknowledge the risk and articulate an appropriate response to maximize the odds of a positive outcome. Avoiding a crum- pled wreck is a good start. We have yet to find a better way to dodge ac- cidents than adherence to established operating principles. Sometimes, it is the little things that save us.
Stan Dunn is an airline captain and check airman. He has 7,000 hours in turbine powered aircraft, with type ratings in the BE-1900, EMB-120, EMB-145, ERJ-170, and ERJ-190. Stan has been a profes- sional pilot for 14 years, and has been flying for two decades. You can contact Stan at tdunns@hot- mail.com.
September 2024 / TWIN & TURBINE • 27