What Drives the Driver?

Transport Canada says the operation and the safety of the aircraft is the pilot's primary purpose. Has anyone asked the pilot?

No pilot thinks they are unsafe and therefore doesn't focus on what TC thinks. A pilot will worry about his employment though and what it takes to keep it. Job loss is not usually a result of mishandling the aircraft but of mishandling people - probably the customer.

The influence that a customer has on a commercial helicopter pilot is substantial. The pilot must create a situation where both his passenger and his employer are pleased to keep him on. It has been recognized that this causes subtle but very real pressure, that can push the pilot into unwise and possibly unsafe acts.

It takes an active and aware crew to manage this pressure and ensure it does not unduly influence the pilot. Knowing the helicopter and pilot's limitations, planning ahead, communicating properly and reflecting on their behaviour help crew to create a pressure free flight.

In Search of the Perfect Crew