Tammie Jo Shults, one of the U.S. Navy’s first female fighter pilots, talks about her experience handling a sudden engine failure during a flight. She discusses her journey to becoming a pilot, the importance of questioning limitations, and the significance of teamwork in overcoming challenges. The podcast also explores the difference between a to-do list and a checklist in business, emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and customer satisfaction.
Tammy Joe Schultz's determination and resilience opened up a path for other women to follow in aviation.
The effective communication, trust, and prior briefings played a significant role in Tammy Joe Schultz and her crew's ability to respond to the flight emergency.
Deep dives
Tammy Joe Schultz's journey into aviation
Tammy Joe Schultz's interest in aviation started when she would watch Jets from Holloman Air Force Base as a child. Inspired by the excitement of flying, she pursued her dream and joined the Navy after trying the Air Force and Army. She learned important lessons along the way, such as questioning when told 'no' and not letting offenses get in the way of opportunities. Tammy Joe's determination and resilience opened up a path for other women to follow.
Facing a challenging flight
Tammy Joe Schultz, along with her crew, experienced a harrowing flight when their plane lost an engine in mid-air. The sudden explosion and impact made it feel like they had been hit by another aircraft. Despite the chaos and overwhelming conditions, Tammy Joe and her first officer managed to regain control of the aircraft and make crucial decisions. The effective communication and trust within the team, as well as prior briefings, played a significant role in their ability to respond to the emergency.
Lessons in crisis management
During the flight emergency, Tammy Joe Schultz emphasizes the importance of maintaining situational awareness, making appropriate decisions, and prioritizing both flying the aircraft and taking care of passengers. She highlights the division of labor within the team, acknowledging the expertise and capabilities of the flight attendants in ensuring passenger safety. Tammy Joe's experience demonstrates the value of preparation, clear roles, and the ability to adapt and respond effectively in high-pressure situations.
Tammie Jo Shults was one of the U.S. Navy’s first female fighter pilots. She later became a Southwest pilot, and in April 2018 she was piloting a flight from New York City to Dallas that experienced a sudden engine failure. The plane was down an engine, and the explosion broke a window – causing the cabin to quickly depressurize. Tammie Jo stayed calm, immediately rerouted the plane, landed in Philadelphia, and even went back to speak with her passengers afterward. It was an honor to have Tammie Jo join me on the Huddle to talk about the experience, leadership, how she’s persevered against offenses, and how we must always “keep our wings level.”
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