Have you ever found yourself joining fellow passengers in applauding, commending, and praising a pilot for safely landing an aircraft amidst challenging weather conditions?
Whether your answer is yes or no, it is the shared responsibility of passengers and pilots to ensure a safe and secure flight experience. However, the question that arises is whether it’s appropriate to commend pilots for safely transporting passengers from one destination to another, regardless of the weather conditions or any technical or mechanical issues.
Before you offer a straightforward “yes” or “no” response, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on this matter.
Passengers applaud and commend pilots
In recent times, the question of whether passengers should applaud and commend pilots for safely navigating aircraft, especially through challenging weather conditions, has sparked debate.
While some argue that it’s the pilots’ responsibility to ensure a safe flight, others maintain that these professionals deserve recognition for their dedication and skills.
Pilots, like any other professional, are humans with feelings and emotions. Their role is not limited to steering an aircraft; they also safeguard the lives of those on board.
While many air travellers may never lay eyes on their pilots, they know of their presence through the comforting sound of their voices when they introduce themselves, offer reassurances about the flight’s smoothness, provide estimated arrival times, describe the skies they are traversing, or forewarn passengers of impending turbulence or challenging weather conditions.
Before each flight, pilots undergo thorough preparations, including weather analysis, route selection, fuel calculations, and risk assessments. They ensure that all systems are functioning correctly before take off and constantly monitor the aircraft’s performance during the flight.
While encountering adverse weather conditions, turbulence, equipment malfunctions, or other challenges, pilots must make swift decisions to ensure flight safety.
Bad weather, from thunderstorms to fog and strong winds, can test their skills and decision-making abilities to the limit.
Weather briefings, forecasts, and real-time updates are essential for pilots to make informed decisions. If the weather is unfavourable, they may delay take off or even divert to an alternate airport.
The Dana Air Incident
This brings us to a recent incident in which two Dana Air pilots, Captain Abiodun Lawal and First Officer Toluwase Oluwani, safely executed a go-around due to bad weather during a flight from Lagos to Abuja.
The pilots received applause and commendations from the passengers for their professionalism and reassurance throughout the go-around.
While some question the need for such praise, it is important to remember that these professionals make critical decisions that affect their lives and those of their passengers.
The practice of lauding pilots for their actions in difficult situations is not unprecedented. It underscores the role these individuals play in ensuring flight safety and enhances passengers’ confidence in their capabilities.
The celebrated “Miracle on the Hudson” and other incidents highlight the exceptional skills of pilots in handling emergencies.
US Airways Flight 1549, in January 2009, encountered a bird strike after take off, leading to a complete loss of engine power. Captain Sully Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles chose to glide the plane to an emergency landing in the Hudson River near Manhattan. All 155 people on board were safely rescued, earning it the name “the Miracle on the Hudson.” The pilots and flight attendants received recognition for their heroic actions. The incident was depicted in the movie “Sully,” starring Tom Hanks.
Pilots demonstrate, expertise, and commitment to ensuring safe flights daily. Commending them is a testament to the vital role they play in aviation safety.
So, is it wrong to applaud them for their professionalism and commitment? In the eyes of many passengers, the answer is a resounding “No.” But you be the judge!
