As much as I hate to admit it, I have made a mistake or two in my life.
I’ve got areas of ignorance that I’d prefer to be better informed about. Occasionally, I’ve done something that could reasonably be described as stupid. I’m not proud of any of that.
And yet, each statement is true as a stand-alone fact. Collectively, they paint a picture of the most fallible of all beings: A human.
I am not infallible and I know it. Ho, hum, you say. Reading that someone who spouts off in print is prone to error isn’t exactly newsworthy stuff. I would argue, however, that knowing I’m sometimes wrong and admitting it is damn near a superpower. A very rare gift indeed.
Odd as it may at first appear, I have developed a habit over the years that I believe in with profound intensity. When challenged on a topic, or when it’s pointed out to me that I am in the wrong, I ask myself quietly, within the confines of my head, “Could I be mistaken?”
The answer to that question is sometimes disheartening. On rare occasions it results in some slight embarrassment.
A dose of humility comes with that inner conversation every time. But it always puts me in a mindset that is less defensive and allows me to learn something I didn’t know. Even if the thing I learn is just to accept the perspective of another person.
Right or wrong, the learning process is of value. That’s proven to be true for me. I think you’ll find it’s true for you, too. Because…well, you’re a human as well.
I am often confronted by people who believe to their core that I am wrong. They say it in print. They say it out loud in a crowded room. They interrupt me in mid-presentation to let me know they do it differently than I’m suggesting. Whatever “it” might be.
They universally believe their way is the right way. And the reason they believe their way, or their understanding of some details is correct, is because they have been doing “it” that way for years. Hence, they’re right.
Harrumph. One point for the challenger.
As I do my mental recalculation, I try to remind myself that outside of math, everything is subjective. Everything. Even written regulatory dictates are open to interpretation by an administrator or a judge or some individual who is in a position of authority.
Sometimes those interpretations are clear and concise. On other occasions they depart from the intent of those who wrote the regulation and a correction must be made. A clarification, even when it comes late in the game, has value.
This is why we have lawyers. Love them or hate them, I’m happy to let them hash out the details of a matter so that I might have a clear view of what is expected of me, and you, as we wander through life.
This matters because I’m not the only one who makes mistakes or misunderstands the systems we work within. You do too. The concern that should be on our minds is not the debate about whether we err or not. Rather it should be whether or not we recognize that we stray from the true path now and then. If we know, we can correct for the error. If we dig in our heels insisting we are right regardless of the evidence, that pretty much makes us a problem that others have to work around.
That ain’t good.
A couple years ago a fellow flew into my home airport seeking me out. He flew with a second airplane in trail. They entered the pattern to our non-towered field on a right base, turned final, flew with precision, and landed uneventfully.
As we were talking outside my hangar, a line service worker rolled up with a sheet of paper and a respectful attitude. He asked to speak to my visitor, then quietly and very professionally explained that our airport has an established left-hand traffic pattern. The young man explained dispassionately that 14 CFR 91.126 specifically requires pilots to adhere to the established traffic pattern when operating at non-towered airports in Class G airspace. He presented the piece of paper with 14 CFR 91.126 printed out in full.
I knew his insight to be true. Not that I always knew it to be true. There was a time when I believed a pilot could enter the pattern at an uncontrolled airport any which way they wanted to. That was before I realized there is no such thing as an uncontrolled airport. Before I realized the regulations are clear and unequivocal on the subject. I modified my behavior as a result.
Modifying behavior based on the acquisition of new information — that’s the definition of learning.
However, the visiting pilot did not take this discussion well. He railed at the young man standing before him. He got loud and aggressive, bordering on abusive. The young man stood his ground respectfully, excused himself, and went back to the FBO.
My respect for one of these individuals grew that day. My estimation of the other diminished. Can you guess which is which?
Later, as my uninvited guest prepared to leave for the day, I pulled him aside and quietly reiterated that the kid was right. The pilot shrank back, became embarrassed, made a handful of weak excuses, and finally acknowledged that he might have been in the wrong.
Now seriously, should that be so hard to do?
A little humility can go a long way. Accepting our fallibility, despite our best intentions, is not only a great step toward becoming a more enlightened human being, it’s the gracious thing to do when presented with a difference of opinion or interpretation of the regulations.
If you are willing, if you are brave enough to consider the possibility, I encourage you to begin to look at everyone you engage with as a possible teacher. Everyone knows something you don’t know, just as you know something that might benefit them. All we have to do is be willing to communicate clearly, respectfully, and with the best of intentions. As the line service worker in our story did.
Ah, what a wonderful outcome we might see if only…
Read the book “on being Certain ” by Robert burton MD
human minds trick us in to being certain about a lot of things we have very little info on, so we can make quick decisions.
This does not work so well in aviation.
I might point out one small mistake in the traffic pattern diagram that you guys always use when this subject comes up. The diagonal lines for the right hand traffic pattern do not match the direction that is shown in the legend in the upper right corner!
Other than that, a most thought provoking article as usual from Jamie.
Show me a man who’s never been shown he was wrong and I’ll show you a bachelor.
There are few things more dangerous in aviation than a mindset that excludes new information. Beginners with this mindset combine it with an entry level skill set but with a little creative effort can actually be candidates for learning new ways and thought processes. Aviation veterans with the condition in some ways scare me more as they are rarely able to accept reality until it’s too late. They come with the added benefits of frequent spreading of bad info and half truths from a position of “authority”, while simultaneously boring the entire room.
Thank you for the shout out to the lawyers. Not all FAA regs make sense. Sometimes the FAA legal decisions surprise me, but the FAA works hard to make it all make sense. “Authorized or approved” generally refers to maneuvers that require a deviation from the generally accepted rule. For instance, a straight in practice instrument approach is an approved deviation from the general rule. However, there is a duty to practice additional care when performing an unexpected activity. Circle to land is also a viable procedure. It requires practice and may vary from the standard turn direction.
When the pattern is non-standard, it is very important to understand the reason for the change, including noise abatement. You don’t want to be the reason an airport gets unnecessary attention. Staying in the good graces of the community is hard enough. BTW- this is not legal advice directed at anyone just educational information.
Can’t be a lawyer without a disclaimer.
In a healthy teaching environment students love to challenge the “master” to see if they can press the bounds of the “masters” skill set. I loved a good, respectful challenge but was fully prepared to say “ I don’t have a clue” when we reached a certain point. But my regender was, “but, I know where to look” (usually in the regs as I taught A&P and flight). It was a kudo to the student, as long as it was close to topic, but then required the student to follow up and spread the knowledge when they found it. “Wrong” is usually just argumentative. Sending the student off to learn and report back made learning fun 😎
Good insights, as usual. Thank you.
Jamie, I’ve only been wrong once in my life. It was the time I thought I was wrong, but turned out I wasn’t! (Just kidding!!!) Great column as usual!
Honestly people, we all make mistakes everyday as long as we all drive vehicles to and from. As we get in our vehicles and drive somewhere we will break the law no matter who you are, need I say more ?? So making mistakes while flying your airplanes is done as easily as driving a vehicle.. Sorry but these are the facts.. Have a safe and happy day.
One of your best columns ever! Excellent advice for all areas of life. And thank you for the good words about lawyers. Yes, most people probably hate us, or at least have not the best opinion (except on prosecutors: an aviation guy once asked me, “What’s a lawyer doing in airport administration? How come you’re not in a courtroom, putting criminals behind bars?”)
On regulations, pilots should keep up with proposed new or amended rules and regs, by the FAA, looking for its NPRMs, or state, local or airport rules and regs additions or changes, by their meeting agenda postings. Do your research, speak your mind, via written comments or at public meetings. You will not always prevail, but my experience has been that well-thought, well-supported feedback is considered.
Love the quotes from the other commenters!
“If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting, too.”
From “If”, by Rudyard Kipling
Never argue with an idiot, they’ll just drag you down to to their level and then win by experience!
Enlightening and something I will work on improving. 👍
“Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position. But certainty is an absurd one” – Voltaire
If you want to have a fascinating discussion with someone, ask them how they react and what actions are taken when they discover they are wrong about a topic/situation.
If you want to have fun with someone being pig-headed tell them, “Listen, I don’t argue with you when you’re right.”
I very much enjoy Jamie’s articles and think this one is, per usual, spot-on. I am curious on a technical side-point… and without detracting from the core meaning of Jamie’s article which I wholeheartedly support.
In 91.126, it states, “ Unless otherwise authorized or required,”
What does that “required” entail? And under what authority?
Traffic avoidance? Birds circling over the correct downwind/avoidance?
Crosswind direction (I wanted to turn base into the crosswind to ensure not overflying final)?
I was tired and it was shorter or I just “felt” like it was better today?
Etc etc.
Jamie, I have never been wrong…. once I thought I was., but I was mistaken.
Great article!
A breath of humility is a quality of some pilots I have known and admired over the years. Unfortunately, this isn’t a requirement for an individual in politics or bureaucracy. We have people running this country who are never wrong.
Great advice; humility is an essential tool for safety (and learning). But all pilots seem to possess an extra dose of confidence. Actively fostering doubt is critical: “I might be wrong here…” How many pilots also continue into lousy weather because they think they are right (mission mentality)? Always entertain the possibility of error and you will live longer🙏. As pilots, we also deal with many variables we actually have no control over, weather and a complex environment of decisions; #flySAFE
Jamie,
I can normally tell by the title of the article that you wrote it. You always give me something to think about.
Thank you
Aviation should always be about being open minded and seeing the error of your ways when appropriate. Another great article, Jamie! Thank You, KT Budde-Jones
Another great article, Jamie! Aviation should always be about being open minded and seeing the error of your ways. KT Budde-Jones
“A soft answer turns away wrath.” Proverbs 15:1
Thank you, Jamie. A great read and am sharing with others.