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The directness of the title immediately got my attention as I have been perplexed by a number of inexplicable accidents that have been very close to us at SA Flyer. I have known Steve professionally for some years as a key figure in gliding circles. What I didn’t know is that he is an SA Airforce-trained pilot and has a doctorate in aviation psychology. But his key strength is that basic requisite for good writing –clear thinking. The book avoids pretentious academic posturing. It is simple and direct and easy to get into. This makes it essential reading for anyone who flies. As we have seen from the spate of accidents, every pilot, no matter how experienced, must be aware of his or her own limitations. And this is what this book does best. It explains human limitations and human error, covers decision making and stress and concludes by asking how our limitations as pilots contribute to accidents. Unusually for a specialist work on aviation, this book is professionally written and printed, with appropriate attention to language and grammar. If I have one reservation it is that a disproportionate number of the accident examples quoted are from gliding. But then gliding is generally reckoned to be the best teacher of real flying. And the author has a vast pool of gliding examples to choose from, as he has been the national safety officer for the Soaring Society for many years. This is a man who really does know what he’s talking about. For anyone who desires to be a better pilot by knowing their own limitations, this is an essential work. Buy it and read it over the Christmas break. It is available from all specialist aviation shops for just 150.00 or else get hold of Steve Murray direct at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call him on 011 463-2571. |
