7 things PR pros can learn from airplane pilots

PR pros can learn a thing or two from a pilot.

We spent time over the past week flying to and from vacation in what we’ve now dubbed the “Quaran-Plane”—our Cirrus SR22 private aircraft—which gives us the good fortune to be able to get away in a safe, socially distanced manner.

As my pilot husband prepared for our trip, monitored the weather on our route, did his pre-flight checks and navigated the flight itself, I recognized many applicable lessons about the importance of crisis preparedness and management.

Here are seven things pilots know that PR pros should take into consideration:

1. Do the prep – EVERY time.

Pilots have big responsibilities, as do communications leaders in a crisis. And although you may feel like you have things well in hand, the act of preparation is essential.

It all starts with having a comprehensive and up-to-date crisis plan. Pilots must keep their license “current” through regular proficiency exercises; the same goes for crisis training.  Test your plan frequently through tabletop drills and thorough reviews. Have you run through your pre-flight (pre-crisis) checklist lately?

2. Plan for bad weather ahead.