During a gathering with leaders and specialists from Russia’s domestic aviation sector, Vladimir Putin spoke on Civil Aviation Workers’ Day about a real incident involving a bird striking an aircraft engine and causing an engine to stop. He described the moment as a stark reminder of how quickly a flight can be put to the test and how critical it is for crews to stay calm and focused under pressure.
Putin shared that after the bird strike, he inquired with the commander of the airplane at that moment about what course of action was taken. He conveyed that the commander responded with a determined resolve to handle the situation and ensure the safety of everyone on board. In that exchange, the chief pilot then asked the captain whether it might be wiser to turn back and return to base for a safer landing. The captain ultimately chose a different path, deciding to proceed toward an alternative landing option and to land the aircraft at the airport that could accommodate the situation at the time.
The president noted that he has witnessed similar choices many times in his life, where flight crews or command teams prioritized passenger safety even when the path ahead was filled with risk and uncertainty. Putin underscored that aviation professionals must consistently place safety considerations at the forefront of all decisions, regardless of pressure or urgency. He framed this principle as a core responsibility for the entire aviation community and for those who set the standards and procedures that guide everyday flight operations.
Drawing a parallel to road travel, Putin offered a simple maxim: if there is any doubt about the safety of overtaking, refrain from overtaking. The comparison served to emphasize prudent judgment in moments of decision, whether aloft or on the ground. It was a reminder that caution can prevent harm and protect lives, a principle that applies across all readiness and response scenarios within the industry.
In closing, Putin reiterated a broader point: leadership in aviation requires clear-eyed assessment of risks, meticulous planning, and a willingness to adjust plans when visibility or other conditions pose a threat to safe travel. He cited a separate scenario involving a helicopter mission where the pilot declined to proceed under poor visibility, even when the assignment carried significant political importance. The message to aviation professionals was unwavering—safety must govern every flight, every route, and every decision, no matter how high the stakes. [A attribution: Kremlin press service]