Dumb, Dangerous or Different?

Commercial aviation is an endeavour knee deep in processes, procedures and policy. The intent is that little is left to chance through a methodical approach to decision making and problem solving. In the vast amount of cases, these techniques have evolved over a century of flight and those lessons learned – often very hard learned lessons.

Even so, as with all organised structures, there exists final filters and ‘rules of thumb’ that cast one final net over the situation to confirm that some blaring error has been overlooked. They are more technique than procedure but can prove to be very effective. Furthermore, as a I have highlighted in one of my books, many of the skills that are employed on the flight deck are applicable to other facets of life.

One of these final checks questions, “Is it safe? Is it legal? Is it smart?” Personally, my other favourite that I ask before undertaking any action is whether the act is, “Dumb, Dangerous or Different?’

The intent is quite self explanatory.

– Is it dumb? Is the idea reasonable or is it so far out of the box that the level of risk is unacceptable?

– Is it dangerous? Will taking this action place people or property in danger, either in the immediate term, or further into the future?

– Is it different? Does this vary from the normal process and how we have executed the plan in the past? Being different doesn’t automatically dismiss the plan in the way that “dumb” or “dangerous” might, but additional measures may need to be considered.

In making a decision, or formatting a plan, be it in aviation or the everyday, it is worth asking those three questions as a final filter. Is it dumb, dangerous, or different?