Close calls

Civil Aviation Safety Authority

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is a government body that regulates Australian aviation safety. We license pilots, register aircraft and oversee safety.

  1. Tanks for nothing

    4 DAYS AGO

    Tanks for nothing

    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/2025/12/tanks-for-nothing/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    7 min
  2. Fast-thinking fledgling

    02/11/2025

    Fast-thinking fledgling

    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.

    5 min
  3. Blundering through the authority gap

    08/10/2025

    Blundering through the authority gap

    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.

    7 min
  4. Reality under pressure

    26/08/2025

    Reality under pressure

    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.

    5 min
  5. Silent scream

    24/06/2025

    Silent scream

    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.

    5 min
  6. A brutal hazing

    20/12/2024

    A brutal hazing

    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.

    6 min
  7. Positive climb

    20/12/2024

    Positive climb

    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.

    7 min
  8. Double blind

    05/11/2024

    Double blind

    The source of anxiety was in, or rather on, the pilot's face. But impatience was an even more effective blindfold. Read this close call at: https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2025/02/double-blind/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    6 min
See All (57)

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is a government body that regulates Australian aviation safety. We license pilots, register aircraft and oversee safety.

Information

  • Creator
    Civil Aviation Safety Authority
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Civil Aviation Safety Authority
  • Show Website
    Close calls