Fast-thinking fledgling

The textbook reactions of a low-hours pilot facing a deteriorating situation show how ab initio training works – if you listen and take its messages seriously.  Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/11/fast-thinking-fledging/.

Blundering through the authority gap

Almost too late, a young pilot learns the importance of assertiveness as part of flight control. Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/10/blundering-through-the-authority-gap/

Reality under pressure

An insidious and subtle failure almost bring's a young commercial pilot's career to a premature end. Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/08/reality-under-pressure/.

Silent scream

Using your ears is a much less stressful way to maintain separation than relying on your eyes alone. Read this close call at: https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/062/silent-scream/.

Positive climb

Audio adds a new dimension to this anonymous  first officer's close call, first published in 2021. Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/05/positive-climb/.

A brutal hazing

Flight Safety Australia reader Nic Barnes discovers conditions are different in northern Australia. Read this close call at: https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/03/a-brutal-hazing/.

Double blind

The source of anxiety was in, or rather on, the pilot's face. But impatience was an even more effective blindfold. Read this close call at: https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/02/double-blind/.

Flight planning fail

Nothing emphasises the importance of flight planning like that knotted feeling in your gut when you have failed to do it. This pilot got that feeling when a cascade of minor circumstances overwhelmed a superficial plan. Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/01/flight-pl…

Earth, wind and water

The elements humble a newly qualified pilot. Read this close call at: https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2024/03/earth wind and water/

Tropical chill

This is a story of ice. Not ice you put in a drink. Not ice that forms on an aircraft, but ice that can frighten and kill a pilot. Read this close call at: https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2024/10/tropical-chill/.