Author: Dave English

It can happen to you

By Dave English

In 2013 FAA Safety Briefing magazine published a seemingly unremarkable story about a mindless runway incursion in a light piston twin. Human error. Could have been bad, but like most incidents, no big deal. What’s interesting is the author. He was a master pilot. The byline is Gene Cernan, fighter pilot, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, astronaut, Moonwalker, and general aviation pilot. And I just heard the real story on how he got to write his confessional article. Listening to the Flight Safety Detectives podcast #56 the hosts, former NTSB investigators John Goglia and Greg Feith talk with former JetBlue safety … Continue reading It can happen to you

Screwdriver meet screw

By Dave English

This Gary Larson Far Side cartoon is good for a giggle. But some of us don’t see a school for the mechanically declined. We see a masterclass. The best coaches, leading the best players, winning the biggest trophies, taught this way. Back to basics meets beginner’s mind. Vince Lombardi is considered by many the greatest coach in football history. Won the first two Super Bowls, never had a losing season in the NFL, had a 90% winning percentage in the postseason. In the book When Pride Still Mattered: A Life Of Vince Lombardi we’re taken to the start of his … Continue reading Screwdriver meet screw

Not the hardest part

By Dave English

Found a new flying podcast, what a great way to start 2021! Will be listening on the way to BOS Logan today. It’s called When Women Fly, and here’s a direct link to the Patty Wagstaff episode. “Flying is not the hardest part of it at all, it’s the mental aspects – so you learn a lot about yourself in any sport, anything that you do when you push yourself is where you really learn about who you are and what your weaknesses are, what your strengths are, and how to improve those things.” Patty Wagstaff