We have all heard the saying it is better to be safe than sorry. Indeed, this makes sense and parents love to recite this to their kids, as it makes them feel important and full of wisdom. Lucky for us we had such parents, coaches and teachers who always recited this saying to us. Do you know why? Because such thinking prepares us for the unfortunate and potential eventualities, which could cause us great harm if we do not heed such warnings. One of the things I most remember when I was in the Civil Air Patrol was something an FAA Examiner once told me. He said never fly over mountain ranges at night in a single engine aircraft unless you are positive you can glide to one side or the other if the engine quits. Having helped in search and rescues for downed aircraft as a young man, I remember a few crash sites and accidents, which I wish I had not seen. But it wakes you up to the realities of life and makes you respect safety. Back up is important and as Arthur C. Clarke explained with fictitious race of aliens The Ramans always had triple redundancies. Incase their space ships failed while going across the Universe. Have you noticed that Windows and MS Word also have three ways to get to anything? Do you know why? No wonder kids pick up computer use so easy, they just start clicking stuff and with three ways to get there, they will eventually figure it out. I have always lived my life like that, calculating each move in advance. Indeed you should have three ways out of any calamity. You need your back up of course and then a failsafe, because accidents and real problems in life are always a comedy of errors. If you study NTSB reports and pilot error you will agree. I learned about flying from that. Think on this in 2006. |
