Qantas QF32: Effective Leadership Averted Disaster
I had the rare opportunity last night to attend a lecture by Captain Richard Champion de Crespigny at the ICAO Assembly Hall in Montréal.
Captain de Crespigny is the exceptional pilot who demonstrated extraordinary skills and outstanding management competence during the uncontained engine explosion on flight QF32 departing Singapore on November 4, 2010, saving all 469 souls onboard.
I had already read Captain de Crespigny's book, QF32, and had watched several documentaries on his exploit, but I took a lot more than I expected from his lecture.
First of all, Captain de Crespigny argues that he would have not been able to safely land the crippled plane and save all the passengers without the help of his team in the cockpit, but also without the help of the flight attendants who were able to keep everyone calm and prevent panic from spreading. Thanks to CRM (crew resource management), the captain was able to delegate tasks to his flight crew, thus giving his undivided attention to the problem at hand.
Secondly, he claims that in order to face a black swan event (an event impossible to predict that deviates beyond what is normally expected of a situation), one has to manage stress and avoid tunneled vision.
Thirdly, Captain de Crespigny suggests that in order to solve the impossible, one has to reverse the logic. Instead of focusing on what does not work, focus on what works.
Lastly, his training in the Royal Australian Air Force came in handy prior to landing the severely damaged Airbus A380. Instead of attempting a landing without knowing how the aircraft would react given the extraordinary high level of malfunctions, he performed what is called a “control check.” In other words, just like it is taught in the air force, when you are hit, you should recertify your aircraft by pushing it to its limits at a safe altitude. This process, not yet widespread in commercial aviation, provides invaluable information on the crippled aircraft and how it will react when comes time to land.
Application Specialist at Caterpillar Inc. and Chief Pilot/Head of Flying Operations at Fly Legendaire
7 年This event provides solid evidence of success through strong leadership. Perfect event to use on my Aviation Leadership uni course ????
Derivatives expert. Client Advisor and business development, Futures at StoneX Financial Australia, MSc. Tech., ADA1
7 年Not to detract from Captain de Crespigny's leadership during the incident but you'd like to think that the CRM training given to all on the flight deck would mean that had any of the other pilots been in the left seat the outcome would have been the same. CRM does not just apply to the person leading but also to those taking direction and supporting the leader when needed. As mentioned, a team effort! Thank you to all who have contributed their knowledge in developing the CRM discipline. It's what I love about aviation; it is the pinnacle of so many skill sets.
I just read this Philippe. Your summary of teamwork being a mandatory requirement during Black Swan events is correct. Teams are resilient - individuals are not. I hope our paths cross again. Best Wishes Rich
Account Manager at Etiquettes Corsair Inc.
8 年The key to the safe landing was to be fully focused on the situation at hand and not to panic and lose control.
Solutions Architect at Siemens Digital Industries Software
9 年"Control check" - a good advice. Great story.