Scenario: Just a Little Too Fast

Group Size: 4-15

Scenario

During a training solo flight on the Grob G-120A, a low-wing, aerobatic aircraft, student pilot Second-Lieutenant (2Lt) Arjun Chadha fails to notice that the flaps do not fully retract after the last touch and go. Upon finding it difficult to accelerate to circuit speed, 2Lt Chadha realizes the error and notices that the airspeed exceeded the flap speed limitation by 15 knots. They quickly retract the flaps and continue with the mission, completing two more circuits with no further incidents.

Back on the ground, they recall how, on their previous two trips with a flight instructor, the instructor took control of the aircraft to avoid an over-speed similar to what just happened, and each time thoroughly debriefed them on the correct procedure.

Later that day, Kallik, another student and a good friend since high school, asks Arjun, “How was it today?” Arjun has shared with Kallik the fact that they are struggling on the course, and Kallik has been a great support.

Arjun seems to be preoccupied, convinced that this incident could seriously jeopardize the continuation of their training as a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) pilot.

“Ah, good enough,” Arjun replies.

“You look concerned, Arjun. Did something go wrong?”

“Well,” Arjun says, “I exceeded the flap speed again, but only by 15 knots and I caught it right away.”

Kallik thinks for a moment. They then say, “The instructor made a big deal about the possible damage that can occur when an over-speed happens and, if it did, a dangerous situation could occur later when some other student or an instructor is flying the aircraft.”

“Yes, I know,” Arjun says, “but I think the instructor was exaggerating the seriousness of the outcome, just to make a point.”

“Are you going to report this, Arjun?” Kallik asks.

“I don’t know,” Arjun answers as they walk away.

Now, Kallik is wondering what they should do.

Categories

• Principles: Serve Canada before Self, Obey and Support Lawful Authority
• Values: Integrity, Loyalty, Courage, Stewardship
• Cultural themes: Service, Identity, Teamwork
• Misconduct types: Not Specific  
• GBA Plus themes: Not Specific  
• Audience: Canadian Armed Forces

Facilitator’s Guide

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the ethical principle of Serve Canada before self and Obey and Support lawful authority in this setting. 
• Discuss the ethical values of integrity, loyalty, courage, and stewardship in this scenario. 

Facilitation Questions

1. What is the problem in this scenario?  
   • Open group discussion. 
   • The primary ethical dilemma in this scenario relates to 2Lt Chadha’s duty to report the safety incident versus concern over the potential consequences it will have on their remaining time on the course. 
2. What considerations are at play with respect to Defence Ethics and the CAF ethos? 
   • Open group discussion. 
   • Discuss the ethical principle of Serve Canada before self and Obey and Support lawful authority in this scenario. 
   • Discuss the ethical values of integrity, loyalty, courage, and stewardship in this scenario. How are these values being demonstrated by the individuals in this scenario?
   • It is important to consider the safety implications in this scenario, and the importance of being honest and having integrity even when their may be personal negative impacts of doing the right thing. Arjun should respect the authority of their instructor, consider the safety of others, and regardless of the consequences report the incident. 
3. If you were Kallik in this situation, what would you do?   
   • Option 1: Have a more in-depth conversation with Arjun. As a good friend, Kallik can express their concern for Arjun’s well-being and the safety of the training program. Kallik should stress the importance of reporting safety incidents and explain the potential consequences of not reporting such incidents, both in terms of Arjun’s training and for the safety of future flights. 
   • Option 2: Speak to the instructor. Kallik can choose to speak to an instructor or someone in a supervisory role within the training program. 
   • Option 3: Do nothing. This action is not recommended. The potential consequences of such inaction could affect the safety of future flights, the training program's reputation, and the personal and professional future of Arjun and others involved.