Old habits die hard

Flying Safety, June, 2002 by Bruce "FM" Edwards

Now you ask, "How can we fix this rare but preventable error?" Well, you can attack any of the three factors: design, training or habit pattern interference. The design is one that we are stuck with. It would cost enormous amounts to retrofit the fleet with microphone and speedbrake buttons on the left throttle, and how likely is that? I think the term "obese probability" fits. The training issue is easily tackled--just practice an equal amount of left and right sim single-engine procedures and make aviators aware of the reasoning behind the change. Do this from the earliest phase of twin-engine pilot training and continue throughout the flying career.

The interesting part is this: If you fix the training issue, you eliminate the habit pattern interference. You cannot rid yourself of the habit pattern interference without changing the design or training; the habit patterns are a direct and predictable result of the two.

Old habits don't have to die hard.