Guarding against complacency

This can be deadly in aviation, and we must be on guard for it. When pilots become too comfortable or overconfident, they risk overlooking critical procedures and potential hazards. This sense of complacency often results from repeated successful flights, routine operations, or an overreliance on technology.

An example of this happened to me some years ago. Around 2:15 a.m. on August 11, 2006, I was a passenger on a Piper Cherokee Six that made an off-airport landing because of fuel exhaustion. The pilot, in a rush, mistakenly selected an almost empty fuel tank prior to takeoff. He also disregarded the checklist, as he had made this flight many times already that evening and early morning. Complacency had set in.

Upon landing, we struck a limestone outcropping at about 75 mph. I was seated next to the pilot, and unfortunately, this airplane did not have shoulder harnesses installed. I along with the pilot and five other passengers all suffered serious injuries that night. Amazingly there were no fatalities.

Training and adherence to standard operating procedures are essential in combatting complacency. Regular drills, ongoing education, and the use of checklists ensure that pilots remain sharp and prepared. Moreover, a culture of safety, where questioning and continuous improvement are encouraged, helps mitigate the risks associated with complacency. You can reach AOPA’s Pilot Information Center at 800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) or [email protected] for more information.

Patrick Timmerman is a senior aviation technical specialist with the AOPA Pilot Information Center.