Recently, a story made headlines concerning a plane that left Honolulu (Oahu) and landed in Hilo (the Big Island). This beautiful collection of islands in the Pacific is the destination for many tourists. The sunsets are magnificent and lure many newlyweds to enjoy their honeymoon there.
The flight that I’m referring to made news because the pilots overshot the island by 15 minutes. In fact, first reports stated that air traffic controllers tried for over 25 minutes to get a response from the cockpit before anyone replied. The initial conclusion was that the pilots (both of them) fell asleep during the 40 minute flight. There was speculation about possible stress and fatigue that might have contributed to the dilemma.
In theory, the idea of utilizing two pilots in flight means that if one pilot becomes incapable for any reason, there is a back-up plan! No one could adequately prepare for the possibility of both pilots taking a nap at the same time. Imagine how the passengers felt when they learned of the mishap.
Life is much safer when someone’s got your back. You are less vulnerable when you’re not flying solo, unless the very person who is your wingman decides to take a nap at the same time you do. And, this is my point: Responsible relationships are characterized by actions that don’t lead to casualties, while maintaining a healthy balance of support and accountability! Wake up and make sure that someone you’re responsible for has not fallen asleep at the wheel!
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)
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By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor
