Training and Safety Tip: ‘Compliance’ is not a four-letter word
You can probably think of some movies or television shows involving flying that feature a rebellious “make up their own rules” hero.
“Hey,” the hero may say, “I know that the rules say we should follow procedures when we have a flight control malfunction, but I think I’ll ignore the book and fly upside down!”
It sounds stodgy and unexciting to follow the rules, but it is essential to remember that movie heroes are not real—they are often not even pilots. After removing their makeup, they leave the movie set at the end of the day’s filming. Meanwhile, you are responsible for the safety of your authentic aircraft and the lives of your passengers.
Here are some reasons why the word compliance should be in your flying vocabulary:
- The rules are time-tested. You can be sure that most of the rules you may think are ill-conceived are likely the result of an accident or mishap that the rule in question was created to fix.
- Rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) keep everyone on the same page. No need to pass secret notes or think up procedures on the fly.
- Following the rules simplifies your life as a pilot and relieves you of the mental load of trying to reinvent the wheel during every flight.
- Fellow pilots and passengers respect pilots who are concerned with getting things right and following procedures and the federal aviation regulations. Trust me, nobody respects an out-of-control flyer.
- And, if you plan to become a professional pilot, know that compliance with the rules is popular among aviation employers. Ignoring procedures and making up your own may cut your career short, even if the flight does not end in catastrophe.
Airlines, air taxis, and large flight schools have full-time compliance officers who spend their days and weeks ensuring their company follows and fulfills their official requirements.
As a student or instructor, it is crucial to learn or teach that compliance with rules, SOPs, and procedures is the best way to go.
Flight instructors have a special responsibility to set the tone regarding rule compliance from their first contact with their students. Your instructor should demonstrate thorough pre-flights, checklist usage, and a mature outlook on the rules to help you be a successful pilot in all your flying endeavors.
