A newly minted pilot faces their first in-flight emergency, with the added complication of it happening in tightly controlled airspace. Spoiler: it ended well. Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2026/04/perfectly-gauged-response/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all had them: those flights that challenge the plan from the moment the wheels leave the ground. That's when distraction and frustration open the door for error. Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/12/dont-stop-now/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fundamentals of flight planning do not change, as this classic close call from 2008 demonstrates. A first flight in a new type was a fuel management challenge a young pilot nearly failed. Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2026/01/tanks-for-nothing/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The textbook reactions of a low-hours pilot facing a deteriorating situation show how ab initio training works – if you listen and take its messages seriously. 

Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/11/fast-thinking-fledging/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost too late, a young pilot learns the importance of assertiveness as part of flight control.

Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/10/blundering-through-the-authority-gap/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An insidious and subtle failure almost bring's a young commercial pilot's career to a premature end.

Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/08/reality-under-pressure/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Using your ears is a much less stressful way to maintain separation than relying on your eyes alone.

Read this close call at: https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/062/silent-scream/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flight Safety Australia reader Nic Barnes discovers conditions are different in northern Australia.

Read this close call at: https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/03/a-brutal-hazing/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audio adds a new dimension to this anonymous  first officer's close call, first published in 2021.

Read this close call at https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/05/positive-climb/.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.