Concluding with this quote, this unique book by pilots Richard Collins and Patrick Bradley explores common misconceptions regarding risks and show what the actual risks are and why. It is impossible to eliminate all risk from any activity - especially one as dynamic as flying - but it can be minimalized significantly.

The authors share both good and bad decisions they've made throughout their flying careers, which pay big dividends in the risk management business and minimize the potential for mishaps.

I remember once musing through my logbook and coming to the realization that every trip I cancelled, and every diversion I made, was on an outbound trip. Sliding for home plate, I made it every time. Certainly I had to ask myself if that was an indication of a double standard.

This kind of reflective insight is the basis for a program for risk management, sound decision making, and judgment. A pilot may take a known risk in exchange for utility. But first, it is essential to understand what the true risks are in each situation; they are not always apparent. Coauthors Collins and Bradley bring together varied experiences and different perspectives in their consideration of the risks in each phase of flight, including preflight, takeoff, en route portions of both VFR and IFR flight, approach and arrival, landings, and more.

Particularly high-risk areas are evaluated as well, including night flight, aerobatics, mid-air collision possibilities, special weather considerations, and human factors. By sharing personal experiences, reviewing statistics and accident reports, and playing "what if?" - this book shows you how to achieve increased utility and a higher level of safety in your flight. Originally written in 1989 (first edition title, Pilot Upgrade), this book has been updated in 2001.

"There is no doubt that the demands on controlling an airplane can be great, but they pale in comparison to the rewards. Consider risk management just one part of the most enjoyable and rewarding challenge left around today."
-- from the cover

About the Authors
Richard L. Collins has spent his life in aviation, logging over 18,500 flight hours in almost every type of aircraft, including Concorde, and writing about it in over 900 magazine articles and 11 books for pilots plus many video productions. He has been editor-in-chief of AOPA Pilot magazine. Collins has won many aviation awards and continues to do extensive research in aviation safety. He is currently an editor-at-large-for Flying.

Patrick E. Bradley has been a frequent contributor to aviation publications including Flying and AOPA Pilot. Bradley first soloed 25 years ago and holds a commercial certificate with instrument and multiengine ratings. He is an attorney who specializes in aviation and other product liability litigation and who, despite his day job, still loves to fly airplanes.

Soft Cover
259 pages, Indexed

Publisher
Aviation Supplies & Academics (2001)