|
Description
Before you turn the page and skip over what looks like yet another article on single-pilot resource management, give me a moment to convince you to stay. We'll look at some of the tricks that make your cockpit life easier. But I'd like to take a bit of a step back and look at the bigger picture: methodical procedures and good habits.
There's a reason the airlines and professional flight departments have Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that the pilots must follow for every task. Actually, there are a few reasons. Sure, a good SOP defines who does what and when, to help the crew work together effectively. Sure, it helps define how the company wants its aircraft flown.
The most important aspect, though, is that good habits and practice will help you perform the same way when faced with the "real thing."
The Quick Draw
I occasionally train and shoot pistols with serious law-enforcement dudes. Some have an odd, little, round, puckered scar or two to prove their experience. These guys are good. Most carry their weapon in a belt holster that has a snapping retention strap, so that when the officer bends over to apprehend the bad guy whose butt he has just whooped, his weapon doesn't fall out and break bad guy's nose. Good plan. These instructors teach everyone to snap their weapons into the holsters at the range. Out on the job, the holster is always snapped; practice that way.
There was this one cop who said the snap slowed him down and he wanted to improve his score and timing. Eventually the instructors gave up on him. One day he was in plain clothes in line at the bank and in walked a bank robber, just like in the movies. The cop carefully turned away... |
More articles from IFR
Fireproof gloves.(REMARKS), October 01, 2007
Cessna and Cirrus show their light side.(BRIEFING)(Cessna Aircraft Co...., October 01, 2007
Electronic charts approved for Part 91.(BRIEFING)(Brief article), October 01, 2007
NOTAMs.(BRIEFING)(Notice to Airmen)(Brief article), October 01, 2007
Real-time radar.(READBACK)(Letter to the editor), October 01, 2007
Looking for additional articles?
Click here
to search our database of over 3 million articles.
|
%20%20&position=1)