This is the fourth and final episode of our mini-series on Daniel Kahneman's Thinking Fast and Slow. In it, we focus on his insights into human behavior and how we can apply them to aviation. We'll discuss anchoring and "the possibility effect" — how we undervalue likely outcomes while overvaluing unlikely ones.

This is the third part of our series exploring the work of psychologist Daniel Kahneman, and how it relates to aviation. In this episode, we’re looking at cognitive ease and our tendency to mistake correlation for causation.

This is the second part of our series exploring the work of psychologist Daniel Kahneman, and how it relates to aviation. In Episode 1, we laid the groundwork by introducing our two modes of thought: System 1 — the fast, instinctive system — and System 2 — the slow, logical one. Today, we’re looking at heuristics; the mental shortcuts our minds use to make quick decisions.

There has been perhaps no greater influence on my views of human behavior than Daniel Kahneman’s 2011 book, Thinking Fast And Slow. In the book, Kahneman — a psychologist — makes the case that human behavior is driven by the interplay of two differing modes of thought: System 1 — the fast, instinctive system — and System 2 — the slow, logical one.

If you’ve listened to this podcast, you’ve almost certainly heard me reference this book. I believe that understanding Kahneman will help us better diagnose the problems we face as pilots. 

And so, for the next four episodes, released each Thursday over the next four weeks, I’m going straight to the source — exploring Kahneman’s book and directly relating his ideas to aviation. 

Larry Chappell knows more about classic Airbus helicopters than perhaps anyone alive today. 

Having started with the company in 1983 — before MBB merged with Areospatiale to create Eurocopter — Larry has a remarkable amount of insight about helicopters, and how they work. 

In this episode, Larry will give us an overview of his extraordinary career, from flying in the the deserts of Iran to the Amazon rainforest. 

We’ll take a look at the early history and development of the BK117, and why that specific airframe has stood the test of time. 

Then, later in the episode, Larry will recount a harrowing experience of his that occurred while flying in Peru…a story that — when I first heard it — shaped my outlook on safety…and may have saved my life. 

As aviation propels into the second quarter of this century, we’re learning more than ever that the best aircraft designs consider the humanity of aviators — their strengths, their shortcomings…their very nature. 

Raphael Paquin and Fabien Bernard are experts in human factors engineering. They work together at Airbus in France, where they find new ways to bring flying closer to the human experience. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Raphael and Fabien about their work. We’ll look at all things human factors, from the emerging use of augmented reality in maintenance, to the century-old method Japanese metro workers use to increase safety by 84%. And much more. 

Seth Buttner has investigated over 400 accidents in a career spanning 30 years. Formerly with Cessna, Seth works today as the senior investigator for Airbus Helicopters.

In this conversation, Seth will trace his career back to the start. How did a boy piecing together a model airplane in his father’s office go on to work accident cases in Chile, Russia, and beyond? Also, we'll talk about the surreal nature of accident sites, what it takes to be a successful investigator, and much more. 

In this solo episode, I'm looking back in history to the first fatal heavier-than-air accident, and the insights we can draw from Orville Wright and the death of Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge. Along the way, I’ll look at a few other historical accidents, and how they might apply to those of us flying today. 

Perhaps you’ve been here before — flying, not long after takeoff, when you encounter low ceilings. Before departure, your weather app indicated everything was clear...You may have just become a a victim of Green Dot Syndrome, according to our guest today. 

Matt Johnson flies for Metro Aviation, at an air ambulance program based in Southwestern Ohio. An accomplished pilot and pilot examiner, Matt is one of the industry’s most forward-thinkers when it comes to our working relationship with weather. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Matt about Green Dot Syndrome, and the steps we can take to prevent it. Also, Matt will tell us about his work as an examiner, and how the recently adopted airman’s certification standards are changing testing in the US. 

Lindsay Cunningham is a former accident investigator for Airbus. Today, she works as Managing Director for Helisim in the United States, where she facilitates the cutting-edge of simulation training. In this conversation, I’ll speak with Lindsey about the psychology of accident investigation; how to avoid false starts and misleading conclusions.

Rusty Sloane is a lecturer at Baylor University’s aviation program, where he prepares student pilots for careers in the airlines. A former coast guard helicopter pilot, Rusty spent several years flying with me here at Airbus. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Rusty about finding one's place as a pilot, a student, a leader, and everything in-between. We’ll look at the truth behind the pilot shortage, the importance of camaraderie, and much more.

Chris Baur (US Helicopter Safety Team) returns to the show to speak about the power of volunteer work in aviation — how we can take the lessons we’ve learned at any level of experience, use them to enrich the lives of others, and, in doing so, enrich our own lives as well. 

Perhaps nothing today exemplifies the strides our industry is making more than the Airbus RACER , an experimental compound helicopter that made its first flight in April of this year. With reported ability to reach unprecedented speeds while maintaining groundbreaking efficiency, RACER is changing aviation as we know it.

As the chief test pilot for Airbus, Herve Jammyrac is front and center in the development of the RACER. In this conversation, I’ll speak with Herve about his work as a test pilot, his experience on the RACER program, and the exciting things just around the corner of our industry. 

Jeff Trang is a lifelong test pilot. His flying played a part in certificating some of the most widely-flown airframes today. For several years, Jeff was my boss here at Airbus; today, he’s the head of the National Test Pilot School, a civilian test pilot training institute in the Mojave desert. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Jeff about his life, his work, and what it means to serve as a link between those who develop aircraft, and the pilots who fly them day-to-day.

Krista Haugen is the director of patient safety for Global Medical Response. While working as a flight nurse in 2005, Krista survived a helicopter crash; an experience that emboldened her to speak up. Today, Krista is a fierce advocate for all things human; from accident prevention, to stress management and trauma recovery, her compassionate insight is key in moving the air medical industry forward.

1. Act safely, even when no one is watching. 
 2. Accept that it could happen to you 
 3. Always follow the rules
 4. Abide by personal minimums 
 5. Always steady, never impulsive 
 6. Own the outcome and speak up 
 7. Never cut corners 
 8. Never say "Hey, watch this!"
 9. Regularly use simulated training environments  
 10. Believe that zero fatal accidents is achievable 
 
 Nick Mayhew is a pilot and instructor of nearly five decades. From serving as an officer in the UK’s Royal Navy, to managing training programs at Bristow Academy, Nick understands the habits that shape a successful aviator. 

In this conversation, Nick will guide us through his cleverly named “Enjoy Retirement” checklist — a set of ten rules that, if followed, secure a pilot’s best chance of a long career. 

Eleonora Avi is an aviation psychologist based in Italy. The same year Eleanora earned her degree in psychology, her mother was rescued by a Helicopter Air Ambulance — an event that inspired Eleonora to give back to the industry by helping pilots understand the inner-workings of their minds. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Eleanora about her unique and fascinating field; how can we recognize what drives our bodies to act, and use it to be more conscious aviators? 

Frank Kanauka is a helicopter pilot and former army aviator.  In this conversation, Frank and I will discuss his early training in the Warrant Officer program during the Vietnam War, and the events leading up to his survival of a mid-air collision in Cambodia. 

Personal and private flights account for the largest percentage of helicopter accidents — despite making up just 3% of hours flown. So how can we fix this?

Our guests today are Scott Tyrell — a former FAA accident investigator — and Arvid Albanese — a business owner and private pilot. As co-sponsors of the personal/private segment of the US Helicopter Safety Team, Scott and Arvid promote safety ideas for those pilots who might not have easy access to the learning resources other sectors of the industry do.

In this conversation, Scott, Arvid and I will take a look behind the personal/private accident rate — why is it higher than other areas of the industry, and what philosophies can personal/private pilots apply to their flying to maximize safety? 

Update:

In this episode, Bruce briefly discusses his friend and IndyCar driver, Dario Franchitti. In the discussion, Bruce explains the reason Dario, who was a licensed helicopter pilot, chose to sell his helicopter after his friend Colin McCray was killed in a helicopter crash. Bruce incorrectly stated that the crash occurred because McCray was “flying in horrible weather trying to maintain VFR in hard IMC conditions.” A listener in the UK contacted us, providing the correct reason McCray crashed. The AAIB report indicates that McCray was flying low level, at high rates of speed, while executing steep turns. Complete details may be found at: Eurocopter AS350B2 Squirrel AAIB Accident Report

Chris Hill is the senior director of safety for Vertical Aviation International — formerly, HAI. In his role, Chris seeks out new ways to promote and adhere to safety culture. 

In this conversation, Chris and I will examine the importance of open dialogue in safety; why we should feel motivated to share the lessons we’ve learned from our shortcomings, and withhold judgement from others doing the same. 

Chris Baur of Hughes Aerospace returns to the show to tell us about The Hughes App, a new all-in-one flight aid, complete with maps, charts, camera feeds, weather data, risk assessment functions, and many more flight supplements. 

Alida Soemawinata is a helicopter pilot from Australia. In her current position, Alida flies medical services in Borneo, delivering doctors, supplies, and other aid to remote villages across the island. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Alida about her career and outlook on aviation. She’ll talk about her operations in Borneo, including her experience flying the the Bo 105. We’ll look at the rich history of that airframe, and why it’s endured so many years. Then, we’ll speak about the role versatility plays in a pilot’s success; how chasing new experiences can only make us more confident aviators. 

Marcus Bauer is a pioneer of accident reconstruction — using a painstaking process, Marcus builds virtual recreations of accidents, down to the most crucial details. His work has helped international authorities, manufacturers, and operators, identify the root cause of accidents, so they might prevent similar ones in the future

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Marcus about his unique line of work. We’ll delve into his process, from gathering eyewitnesses testimony, to analyzing video, and building the final accident reconstruction. 

With the increased popularity of drones and UAVs, our airspace is only getting busier. Knowing this, how can pilots keep the highest level of awareness in a more crowded environment? 

Our guest today is Mike O’Donoghue. Mike is an aviation consultant based in the UK. With decades of experience as a pilot and examiner, Mike studies how emerging technologies can support the human element of aviation. 

In this conversation, I’ll speak with Mike about his research into electronic conspicuity — using new technologies to transmit and detect location in flight. How do EC systems give us a better picture of our surroundings in the air? What are the current limitations of these systems? And how can we best use them without neglecting our own instincts as aviators? 

In this special episode of Push to Talk, I’m speaking with three remarkable women from across the helicopter industry as part of Women in Aviation Worldwide week. 

1) Stephanie Bell is the director of key accounts at Collins Aerospace. Raised by a father who built and flew experimental helicopters, Stephanie developed a love for engineering that she carries with her today. I’ll speak with Stephanie about the latest innovations at Collins, and the spirit of invention that has guided her life and career. 

2) Kim Hutchings trains members of high risk-industries how to better manage their stress. I’ll speak with Kim about ways pilots can practice mindfulness in their day-to-day operations. 

3) Mona Polson is an engineer at Bell. She found herself immersed in aviation at an early age, soloing a Stearman for the first time at 16. After her father survived a midair collision in that same plane, Mona was inspired to pursue a career in safety. I’ll speak with Mona about cultivating a diverse skillset, and how doing so has enriched her place in the industry.