What do you do if you've made a major mistake in your aviation career?

1 Acknowledge your mistake

The first step to recovering from a major mistake is to admit it. Denying, hiding, or blaming others for your mistake will only make it worse and damage your credibility and trust. Instead, be honest and transparent with yourself and others. Report your mistake to the appropriate authorities, such as your supervisor, the FAA, or the NTSB, depending on the nature and severity of the incident. Follow the required procedures and protocols for documenting and disclosing your mistake. This will show that you are accountable and responsible for your actions.

2 Analyze your mistake

The second step to recovering from a major mistake is to understand why it happened and how to prevent it from happening again. Review the facts and circumstances of the incident and identify the root causes and contributing factors. Was it a lack of knowledge, skill, or experience? Was it a lapse of judgment, attention, or communication? Was it a result of fatigue, stress, or pressure? Was it influenced by external factors, such as weather, equipment, or regulations? By analyzing your mistake, you can learn from it and improve your performance and safety.

3 Apologize for your mistake

The third step to recovering from a major mistake is to express your regret and remorse to those who were affected by it. Whether it is your colleagues, customers, passengers, or the public, you need to acknowledge the impact and consequences of your mistake and offer your sincere apologies. This will help you rebuild your relationships and trust with others and show that you care about their well-being and satisfaction. It will also help you release some of the guilt and shame that you might feel after making a mistake.

5 Ask for support

The fifth step to recovering from a major mistake is to seek help and guidance from others who can assist you in your recovery process. You might need some professional support, such as a lawyer, a counselor, a mentor, or a coach, who can provide you with legal advice, emotional support, career guidance, or performance feedback. You might also need some personal support, such as your family, friends, or peers, who can offer you moral support, encouragement, or empathy. By asking for support, you can cope with the stress and challenges of recovering from a mistake and benefit from the experience and wisdom of others.

6 Advance your career

The sixth and final step to recovering from a major mistake is to use it as an opportunity to grow and develop your career. Instead of dwelling on the past or giving up on your goals, you can use your mistake as a motivation to improve your skills, knowledge, and attitude. You can also use it as a chance to explore new opportunities, challenges, and directions in your career. By advancing your career, you can demonstrate your resilience, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in aviation and overcome your mistake with success and satisfaction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?