Flight Discipline

by Tony Kern

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Analysis of the causes of poor flight discipline, case studies of the consequences, and a plan for individual improvement


Flight Discipline is the complete tool kit for any aviator, whether military, commercial, or recreational, to develop the crack discipline needed to be a safe and effective aviator. Major Tony Kern analyses the causes of poor flight discipline, gives chilling case studies of the consequences, and lays out a plan for individual improvement. Key words are italicized and review questions included for each chapter. An unequalled guide to this mainspring of good piloting.

Genres: Aviation

413 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1998

About the author

Dr. Tony Kern is the Founding Partner and CEO of Convergent Performance, LLC, a small business, veteran-owned, think-tank located in Colorado Springs. Convergent Performance was formed in 2003, and is specifically dedicated to reducing human error and improving performance in high risk environments such as aviation, military operations, surgical teams, law enforcement, and firefighting. Tony is one of the world’s leading authorities on human performance in time constrained, error intolerant environments and has lectured on the subject around the globe for nearly two decades.

Dr. Kern has authored seven books on human performance, including the award-winning “Plane of Excellence” trilogy (Redefining Airmanship, Flight Discipline, and Darker Shades of Blue; McGraw Hill 1995, 1997, 1999). Over the past five years, Dr. Kern has broadened his approach beyond aviation. In his latest “Empowered Accountability” series (Blue Threat: Why to Err is Inhuman and Going Pro: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism; Pygmy Books 2009, 2011) he creates a 21st century guide to extreme professionalism for individuals and organizations “while remaining true to themselves and growing where they are, with the resources at hand.” A prolific writer, Tony is also a featured columnist and Contributing Editor for Skies and Vertical 911 magazines. In addition, Dr. Kern has been interviewed regarding his Human Factors and Pilot Training methodologies by the Fox Business Network, Bloomberg TV, and the Los Angeles Times.

Despite his numerous advanced degrees, Dr. Kern does not consider himself an “academic.” He has deep operational roots in the U.S. Air Force as a Command Pilot and Flight Examiner in the B-1B bomber, as well as diverse senior staff and leadership experience, including service as the Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Human Factors Steering Group. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 2000, Dr. Kern served as the National Aviation Director for the U.S. Forest Service, where he directed the largest non-military government aviation program in the world in support of federal wildland fire suppression. Tony is a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and the U.S. Federal Government Senior Executive Service Development Program.

Dr. Kern has received multiple awards for his research, program management, speaking, writing and leadership. He holds Masters Degrees in Public Administration and Military History, as well as a Doctorate in Higher Education specializing in human factors training design. Tony enjoys hunting, fishing, sports of all kinds, and writing.

Reviews

[Karalynn Shade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal book about flight discipline and how it was lacking in some circumstances, but exceeded in others. You walk through all the aspects of discipline and how you can improve it in your own flights and life.

I would recommend this book to every pilot. It’s something important we all should be working to improve every day.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars.

I know Tony Kern from my USAF flight safety days, back when we were trying to talk reluctant fighter pilots to add crew resource management to aircrew training programs. Tony espouses a practical, pilot-oriented approach to flight safety and mishap prevention, and I respect and admire his work. This is an eminently readable book, whether you're a professional aviator or an interested layman.

[Walter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Flight integrity, just help my be a better skilled pilot

[Michael De Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic discussion on aviation safety practices. Not to be missed!

[Shnobz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

[Asher · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There is only one kind of discipline - perfect discipline." - General George Patton

Dr Kern continues where he left off after Redefining Airmanship and returned to basics - the fundamental rule of airmanship: discipline. He discusses the nebulous subject of flight discipline with definitive case studies and review questions at the end of each chapter.

He atomises flight discipline into 3 factors:

Personality - No one knows you better than yourself, and it is intrinsic to recognise your character trait. That way, you have a better response to stressful situations.

Hazardous attitudes - The showstopper mentality and impatience will get the better of you if you're not vigilant. Listen to your conscience.

Peer pressure - There are positive and negative aspects to this factor. "Peers can hold an individual to the highest standards or lure them into the gutter. Peers can coax one to honesty or derail one to dishonesty. Peers can keep a friend morally sane and sober, or merrily invite a friend to lose sanity and sobriety along with the rest of the bubbas." - Captain R. J. Phillips, US Navy

There're a lot more useful information and practical examples in the book that I will be revising from time to time. This book is for you if you're seeking to greater understand human factors as it relates to professionalism in the skies.

[Amit Singh]

Good for pilots looking for command.

[Frank Concepcion]

Reread this book for the second time. The first time was in early 2002. Some books when read more than once you glean new information from them. This is one of those books. As aircraft become more automated, the discipline in the flight deck must also increase.

I did enjoy this book.