When judgment trumps skill

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Luke Lokowich
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Safety
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Former Gemini & Apollo program Astronaut Frank Borman once said, "A superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations which require the use of his superior skill."

While it is no doubt that this man, who was the first to orbit the moon, had impressive flying skills, I see his ability to form an opinion objectively and wisely to be even more impressive.

Simply put, his judgment was impeccable.

We see it in our flying jobs weekly: a student preferring to favor a skill-based decision over one based on judgment. Unfortunately, in the case of the student pilot, skill is sometimes in short supply and, as a result, poorly executed.

Turning a bad approach into a good landing requires skill; executing a go-around to try again demonstrates good judgment.

As instructor pilots assigned to the 47th Flying Training Wing and responsible for executing our three core missions every day, part of our job involves teaching the principles of good judgment as well as good skill.

It is a fine lesson to demonstrate in aviation, but what happens in the 'real world?'

I have met great drivers, phenomenal motorcyclists, accomplished hunters, seasoned travelers and many other people in Del Rio in the past year. I am happy to have met many new friends, and even happier when I hear of their wise decision to accept a ride home, slowing down when driving at night, sharing driving duties with another person or enjoying Lake Amistad at a little slower pace than you would see on the X games.

As a safety professional, I share a piece of the responsibility when someone gets hurt, and so do you. We do so because we have an opportunity to influence judgment in everything we do with everyone we interact with in our daily activities. Your recommendation to a friend, no matter how small, can make all the difference.

A weekend shopping trip to San Antonio does not require an inordinate amount of skill; neither does an afternoon of skydiving. A camping or backpacking trip can be safely executed by nearly anyone, regardless of age or skill level. All of these activities, however, demand a certain amount of judgment and that is, more often than not, the determining factor leading to a safe return to work on Monday morning.

If all of your weekend activities are easy, what am I asking for?

I am asking for a few minutes, no more than five really, in which you pause to think about what it is you are about to do. I am asking you to think about where the pitfalls are, if they can be avoided and, if not, how to navigate them to safe success.

Avoidance may be enlisting the help of a friend, waiting at home until daylight or simply slowing down. It is an easy exercise that when complete, can transform your chances for success. At that point you can safely carry out your weekend plans and focus on improving your skill.

We are professional Airmen with a professional obligation to our mission. The time may come when you have to exercise your impressive skill. Until then, please rely on your sound judgment.