MY 2 CENTS
No matter the safety systems built into the fabric of the aviation industry, it is assumed the pilots and mechanics will always do their best to operate an aircraft safely. Over the past few years, several aircraft accidents have been attributed to an intentional act of a crew member, which led to the demise of the aircraft and passengers. Even at pilot training facilities, student pilots have ended their lives on solo flights. Often a note is left describing the daily challenges of depression, anxiety, or some other form of mental-health degradation leading them to their suicide. This must change!
Ironically, my life was turned around for the better by my father. He bought me a ride in a helicopter at an air show when I was 13 years old. This was followed by my first lesson in a Cessna for my 14th birthday. After that flight, my father asked if I liked it. I loved it! He then said, “I would recommend you hang out where the airplanes live.” This led to me turning into a hangar rat, and the rest is history.
Over the years, having the ability to talk about my life challenges helped me. No one judged me or my family. I was able to overcome those challenges and live a meaningful life. Yet, some people never get over their past.
We need to do a better job of listening, helping, and supporting those who need us, even when we don’t know that they need us. Our industry is small. We usually share a passion that provides a path to engage in conversation with each other. Try to listen to those in need. Watch for signs that could reveal a colleague needs help or support. Your empathy can go a very long way.
As radio broadcaster Paul Harvey used to say, here’s “the rest of the story”
...my dad stopped drinking about five years before his death. At my wedding, he was my best man.
Randy Rowles has been an FAA pilot examiner for 20 years for all helicopter certificates and ratings. He holds an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate, NAFI Master Flight Instructor designation, and was the 2013 recipient of the HAI Flight Instructor of the Year Award. Rowles is currently the owner of the Helicopter Institute. He can be reached at randyrowlesdpe@
gmail.com
rotorpro.com
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