Ego and piloting go hand-in-glove. The problem arises when pilots get elevated to positions of power a bit too rapidly for their own good. And have too much power. What is the saying? "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely".
Rather than compassion and understanding (they are big boys and girls), I think checkers and trainers need regular meetings and forums with others from OUTSIDE their own airlines. Too often a 'culture' develops within organizations where they think that they have a mandate on how aviation should be conducted. Much of the criticism levelled at former inmates of the Ansett system may be justified, but when you consider how young pilots were brainwashed to believe that 'the Ansett way' was the best in the world, it is little wonder that some of the graduates of that system got out of control when turned loose on the wider industry.
Recently, I watched that brilliant video entitled 'Children of the magenta' done by a US Airlines Captain. As well as highlighting the dangers of over-reliance on automation and a plea for a return to basic airmanship, it concedes that the blame for a particular 'culture' rests with the organization that creates these mindsets in the first place. That kind of thing should be mandatory viewing for anyone flying modern aircraft.
Last edited by Mach E Avelli; 23rd Apr 2013 at 21:46.