Aviation Safety, The Pursuit of Excellence

In the nascent days of commercial aviation, the Chief Surveyor of the British Aviation Insurance Company coined what would become a well-known phrase: ”Aviation is not inherently dangerous but...it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity, or neglect.” Credited to Capt. Alfred Lamplugh in the mid-twentieth century, his words are as timeless as they are succinct.

The recent spate of aviation accidents has marked a sad chapter in the history of air safety. As a keenly interested observer of such events, I can report that the available data indicates that virtually all of the recent tragedies involved some level of deviation from established procedures, protocols, and limitations that govern safety of flight.  

The statistical support for the argument that modern air transportation is the safest way to travel is self-evident which is why all of us can justifiably board an airplane with less trepidation than crossing a street at rush hour. But the assurance of safety afforded by the air transport industry is subject to certain methods and practices, a short list of which would include:

1. Respect the body of aviation regulations. They represent the accumulated and distilled wisdom of pilots over many decades and abiding by these rules keeps everyone safe and warm.

2. Always maintain a meritocracy in the ranks of pilots, mechanics, and ground crews. Doing so assures that the right people are in safety-sensitive jobs.

3. Execute on Safety Management System (SMS) protocols like your life depends on it. Methodically identifying potential hazards using an SMS is a proven method for risk management and mitigation.

Adhering to such protocols has helped Dreamline Aviation achieve a flawless safety record over 40+ years conducting flight operations worldwide. That safety record is our most carefully guarded asset. Achieving it and protecting it requires both discipline and resolve because we know that safety is no accident.

Happy landings,

Mark L. Schmaltz, President of Dreamline Aviation