When you first learn to fly

one of the very first things you’re taught (if you’re lucky)

is a simple, but profound checklist.

Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.

The checklist is critical for two reasons:

First, it teaches you what to do. And second, it teaches you when (the correct order) to do it.

Over time you learn the real value of the — aviate, navigate, communicate — checklist. Over time you watch the checklist save your own butt. Over time you fall in love with the simplicity and effectiveness of the checklist.

And if these experiences aren’t convincing enough to new pilots, well . . .

Grace under pressure.

EMS crews are known for it.

EMS crews live it. EMS crews thrive on it.

That's the reason what I'm about to tell you next, may surprise you . . .

I can strike fear in any seasoned paramedic with two simple words.

Two words.

It's true, and it's easy to do.

Want to know the words?

Flight interview.

That's it. That's all it takes to get even seasoned paramedics, pilots and nurses hearts racing. Wannabe flight crews fear the flight interview.

Why?

Some fear is the natural byproduct of performance stress. The performance stress we all feel when trying to do our best. This type of fear is healthy and usually beneficial. Everyone who interviews feels some performance based stress and fear.

But flight interviews go well beyond normal performance pressure.

There’s more to flight interviews than most people realize. A lot more.

Flight interviews are different than ‘regular’ interviews.

Why Flight Interviews are Different

What makes a flight interview different?

A flight interview is a process.

A flight interview is a multi-step screening process designed to eliminate over 90 percent of all applicants.

A flight interview is a step all nurses, pilots and paramedics go through to get hired to staff medical helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. I say “process” because that’s exactly what it is.

"There’s more involved in a flight interview than a ‘regular’ interview. Flight interviews ask more of candidates than almost any other professional interview, including other health and aviation interviews."

Have you ever worked for someone who takes complete responsibility for ALL their actions?

Someone who never passes the buck?

I have.

It’s awesome.

It’s inspiring.

It’s leadership to the core.

One of the officers I served with followed this creed. He never passed the buck. Never. He took complete responsibility for everything in his charge.

Everything.

He was also a complete hard-ass.

But it didn’t matter. Everyone still loved him and wanted to work for him… including me.

Why?

Because he knew the secret.