C.R. terror

Mobility Forum, Jan/Feb 2002

"Roger Reach 663. You overflew three suitable divert bases in Farawayland, and arrived here without diplomatic clearance. Continue taxiing to the departure end of runway 15, shut down in the remote parking area surrounded by our security forces, and await personnel from your consulate."

"You did what, on your own, Major?" The distinguished-looking gentleman from the consulate was so upset that the veins were popping out on his forehead.

C.R. stepped back out of range of the disturbed diplomat. Dipping into his memory bank from Quality Awareness training, the Quasar of Quasi Quality expounded, "our system empowers aircraft commanders to make their own decisions. Empowerment reassigns decision-making to the people closest to the information needed to make an informed decision."

"Right you are Major, but empowerment is founded on common sense, and doesn't include decisions made in a vacuum. Had you checked with your command and control system prior to your decision to divert here to Emerald City, they would have given you additional information such as dip clearance requirements and the fact that crewmembers arriving without visas, on aircraft without dip clearances, are restricted to the confines of this airport for the duration of their stay. And, by the way, because of the current religious holiday, the airport hotel is full."

"Well, Sammy m'boy, looks like a night in the Lockheed Hilton. Did you bring your sleeping bag?" "No sir. Just a bowling shirt in case we got stuck in Cleveland. I guess I wasn't prepared for the crew rest experience of my career!"