Risky Business

We constantly assess the risks of our everyday activities. When climbing out of the shower, we decide whether to step on wet tile or a dry bath mat. When approaching an intersection in a car, we may choose to accelerate when the light turns yellow. About to take off again after a quick fuel stop, we might conduct a cursory preflight inspection, instead of something more detailed.

In all of life’s activities—major and minor—we’re constantly performing risk-based calculations. Most of them—especially those not involving an aircraft—we perform every day.

When it comes to aviation, other decisions can involve using a set of skills and knowledge we may not have exercised frequently.

Just...