We've all had them: those flights that challenge the plan from the moment the wheels leave the ground. That's when distraction and frustration open the door for error. Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/12/dont-stop-now/.

We've all had them: those flights that challenge the plan from the moment the wheels leave the ground. That's when distraction and frustration open the door for error. Read this close call at <a href="https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/?p=212700&amp;preview=true">https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/12/dont-stop-now/</a>.

Don't stop now

The fundamentals of flight planning do not change, as this classic close call from 2008 demonstrates. A first flight in a new type was a fuel management challenge a young pilot nearly failed. Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/12/tanks-for-nothing/.

The fundamentals of flight planning do not change, as this classic close call from 2008 demonstrates. A first flight in a new type was a fuel management challenge a young pilot nearly failed. Read this close call at <a href="https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/?p=212695&amp;preview=true">https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/12/tanks-for-nothing/</a>.

Tanks for nothing

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/.

The textbook reactions of a low-hours pilot facing a deteriorating situation show how ab initio training works &ndash; if you listen and take its messages seriously.&nbsp;
Read this close call at <a href="https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/?p=212275&amp;preview=true">https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/11/fast-thinking-fledging/</a>.

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/.

Fast-thinking fledgling

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/

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/

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/

Blundering through the authority gap

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/.

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

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/.

Reality under pressure

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/.

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

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/.

Silent scream

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/.

Audio adds a new dimension to this anonymous &nbsp;first officer's close call, first published in 2021.
Read this close call at <a href="Audio%20adds%20a%20new%20dimension%20to%20this%20anonymous%20%20first%20officer's%20close%20call,%20first%20published%20in%202021.%20%20Read%20this%20close%20call%20at%20https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/05/positive-climb/">https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/05/positive-climb/</a>.

CASA Close Call - Positive Climb by Civil Aviatio…

Positive climb

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/.

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

CASA Close Call - A Brutal Hazing by Civil Aviati…

A brutal hazing

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/.

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: <a href="https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/02/double-blind/">https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/02/double-blind/</a>.

The source of anxiety was in, or rather on, the p…

Double blind

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-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 <a href="https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/01/flight-planning-fail/">https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/01/flight-planning-fail/</a>.

Flight Planning Fail by Civil Aviation Safety Aut…

Flight planning fail

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is a government body that regulates Australian aviation safety. We license pilots, register aircraft and oversee safety.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is a government body that regulates Australian aviation safety. We license pilots, register aircraft and oversee safety.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is a governme…

Close calls

Audio close calls share real pilot stories of incidents and near misses, helping you understand what went wrong and the practical lessons you can use to fly more safely.

Audio close calls share real pilot stories of incidents and near misses, helping you understand what went wrong and the practical lessons you can use to fly more safely.

Close calls

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