My Responsibility

Many things are occurring in "our world" (aviation) to remind us where our own, personal responsibilities lie.

I am not responsible for an unstable pilot who ends scores of lives, along with his own, in an unprecedented event. I am not responsible for a rolling mechanical delay, inconveniencing customers and colleagues in many departments. I am not responsible for corporate decisions which result in changes that many find unsavory. I am not responsible for conflict arising from the diametric opposition of two workgroups tasked with the same job. I am not responsible for an inflight medical emergency which results in the loss of a life onboard anymore than one that results in the birth of a new life onboard. No. Though others, often many, will point an accusing finger in my direction, I am not responsible for circumstance.

My responsibility, my reputation, my ultimate credibility lie in my response to these circumstances. Over that, I have total control.

Now, breathe...