The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released a new episode of its Real Pilot Story video series.
The latest video, “Real Pilot Story: Trapped in the Hills,” presents a compelling portrait of a father’s heartbreaking loss and the profound lessons pilots can draw from the devastating events, AOPA officials said.
The narrative follows Arturo Guerra, Sr., and his son, Art, Jr., as they return from a weekend adventure to Burnet, Texas, to their home in Monterrey, Mexico.
“In this real pilot story, a father explains how a routine flight with his son turned fatal. The pilots’ familiarity with the terrain gave them an illusion of security, and they succumbed to the allure of complacency,” said AOPA Air Safety Institute Vice President of Operations Paul Deres.
“Discovering ways to challenge overconfidence and break from routine, we explore adopting a learner’s mindset among pilots,” he added. “Actively pursuing new ratings or endorsements can serve as a powerful disruptor to the cycle of complacency, preventing its formation before it takes root.”
ASI’s Real Pilot Story series allows pilots to share their encounters with a dilemma so others can benefit — while comfortable on the ground — from lessons learned the hard way in flight, AOPA officials explained.
There may be a thing or two to learn and that’s good. But from the description of the story, I don’t know who would want to read it. Reminds me of young girls I knew in the past who would listen to that sad 45rpm record and cry, then pick up the needle and start playing it again.