Leaderboard

I am sure a lot of folks on here have had similar experiences ..... not because of them but bad moves by customers who absolutely had to get something done...I have had more than my share...pucker factor 10....and most would not try and push pilots again after getting the **** scared out of them!

I hear what you are saying. I’m sure most pilots have experienced the pucker factor on several occasions. I know I have for a variety of reasons. With that being said, I don’t recall finding myself in aN extended zero visibility situation in a VFR aircraft. I generally used decision making to avoid zero visibility, turned back or landed first. It often requires being assertive with clients. Low level IFR in a VFR aircraft is a deadly situation. I agree with you, that there is a very good possibility that pressure got him into the situation. It’s not clear whether where the pressure came from. Could be client, could operator, could even be self imposed (Which is quite common). I also understand that Our industry, is unlike most fixed wing. Quite frankly, the pressure to pick up clients in the bush At the end of the day, in subzero environments, with shortened daylight Hours is a reality that can’t be denied (and rarely occurs in other segments of aviation)....although that doesn’t appear to be the case here. its also possible that overconfidence and normalization Of deviance got him into this situation. Something that is also quite common. Maybe he’s been in this situation before without suffering any consequences and received positive feedback. There is just not enough details to know. Regardless, the Aeronautics Act and the law clearly puts the legal responsibility on the Pilot-in-COMMAND to operate safely, ensure weather meets minimums and avoid IMC in a VFR aircraft (not clients). So , legally,, it was “because of him”. An attitude that passes the buck to others, does not install confidence that the pilot is in COMMAND, and is one that is more likely to lead to tragic consequences.