Stupid Is As Stupid Does By Randy Rowles
It’s never been easier to record video that captures awe-inspiring moments we can share for many lifetimes to come. The desire to capture such video evidence of our life experiences can seem more exciting than the actual experience of living life itself. I too have peered through my phone’s screen to view an event that would happen only once in a lifetime, thinking if my camera doesn’t capture the moment it would be lost forever. Here’s a secret: often, the video doesn’t do the moment justice. Since you didn’t see it with your own eyes, the moment is truly lost.
The desire to capture the activities that make us proud and share them with the multitudes makes sense. But what about those moments we don’t want the rest of the world to see? What about the things we did in our youth that we would rather leave to those who actually were there to see them happen? And...what about those things we wish we had never done that are now affecting our jobs and livelihood?
There are some things we do in life, right or wrong, that are better left off camera. Video evidence of operating below regulatory minimums, landing in unapproved areas, or just doing something stupid can alter your chosen path in life. Providing evidence to the world that your decision-making is flawed, your trust is compromised, and your narcissistic desires outweigh general common sense should be avoided.
With many platforms such as Facebook, a simple click or two can change your life, and not in a good way! The ability to upload a video or photo and then seconds later make it available for the world to view is a very tempting opportunity. I must think that many of the videos pilots share that show them conducting hazardous maneuvers or procedures, landing in prohibited areas, or operating near people and animals without regard to the safety of those around them were accidentally posted. I just watch and think: “No one could be that stupid!”
The pilot is responsible for their actions in the cockpit, but not always for the video that captured the event. Passengers love to record flights and may engage the pilot to do a few maneuvers to make their helicopter experience more special. This provides a wonderful backdrop for a “watch-this” moment. Bystanders also capture many videos from just being in the right place at the right time. Many FAA inquiries regarding a pilot’s questionable flight activities are initiated by a video or picture the pilot never knew existed.
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
If you have any comments or questions, please let me know at
randyrowlesdpe@gmail.com
80 Sept/Oct 2021
As a pilot who participates in flight activities such as boat races, animal capture, and other low-level profiles, I’m quite aware that all my activities can be captured on camera by someone, and most likely will be. I make sure that all aspects of the flight to include altitude, speeds, location, and other critical elements are on record within our office and documented prior to the flight. In other words, we plan, train, and then execute the profile. As a company, those pilots who conduct low-level flight profiles are trained in low-level emergency procedures. Additionally, personal protective equipment is worn as applicable to the environment. If a video is taken, that’s awesome! We just hope it’s in focus.
Fly every flight like the FAA is watching, because they could be. If you ever say to yourself, “I hope the FAA doesn’t find out about this,” STOP! Any further continuation on your part, well — it’s just plain stupid.
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