The Learning Never Stops!

Aviation is complicated business, and it can be deadly if not undertaken with the right mindset. Our goal here at Code 7700 is to prepare you to avoid the day you will need to Squawk 7700, but if that day ever comes, to prepare you to deal with it competently.

Our Latest Update

To say I struggle with automation would be an understatement. On the one hand, I fully embrace it all when it is introduced. On the other hand, I don't trust myself to keep on top of it all. Yes, I think the electrons are mostly honest and the procedures mostly well thought out. But I think we are all well advised to understand exactly what it is we are trusting, work hard to verify these systems are doing what they should be doing, and adjust when needed. And when we find ourselves in over our heads, we should be ready to flee the situation by putting the airplane on a trajectory to get out of danger.
Trust, Verify, Adjust, Escape!

Raised Image
Raised Image

Our Previous Update:

We pilots tend to be competitive by nature and that can lead to a shortsighted view of the world when it comes to reaching for our goals. I caution my children to resist the urge to compare themselves to their friends because that will either lead them to becoming satisfied with the progress too quickly or to becoming forever frustrated because different people have different strengths. Having been surrounded by people who turn everything into a competitive race, I have learned to embrace another thought: there is no race, only the runner.
There is no Race

Another Previous Update

I've often thought the first officer's task during an approach to minimums was even harder than that faced by the captain. The Pilot Flying (PF) simply keeps the needles centered while getting ready to go around on a missed approach, until the Pilot Monitoring (PM) either says "Runway in sight!" or "Minimums, go around!" The PM will be very busy, dividing time between the instruments (head down) and looking for the runway (head up). There are lots of ways to mess this up. This is rarely taught, only assumed. Let's not assume anything.
Runway in Sight!

Raised Image

My latest book:

The Brothers Bellum

Three brothers and the last air campaign of the Vietnam War.

Exclusive access through Patreon!

Patreon members get early access to new postings as well as exclusive contact to our writing team.

responsive mockup
Just click on the Patreon symbol