Originally posted by Fear_of_Flying
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I know how I want pilots to think: I want them to view rules and procedures, not as oppressive and idiotic rote exercises (as you seem to perceive them), but rather as valuable assets, safeguards against human factor errors—which have been well documented over the years. I want pilots to think: "under stress, I might not have the right instinct, but by following the learned procedures I will avoid the possibility of making the wrong decision. I want pilots to be humble enough to realize that enormous amounts of science, research and engineering have been enlisted in developing these procedures". To acknowledge this is not black and white thinking. It is rationale. It does not preclude the pilot's ability to abstract when facing a situation that is unique, where no procedure exists, where the pilot must extrapolate from a solid education in aerodynamics and systems. In short, where a black and white procedure is called for, I want that procedure adhered to. Where no such procedure exists, I want the pilot to be able to create the best strategy based upon a deep knowledge of all the factors involved. The key to all of this is knowing when to adhere and when to improvise. So, as I see it, pilots must be black, white and grey thinkers, but must also have the sound judgement to know when to think rigidly vs creatively.
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