Follow That Plane! Leadership Lessons Above the Atlantic
06 Dec 2025
In leadership, as in flying, the time to consider contingencies is before they happen.
At any moment, above the North Atlantic, there can be 1,500+ aircraft carving their way through the upper atmosphere. Out here there’s no conventional radar coverage — instead, aircraft follow pre-assigned tracks at exact speeds and altitudes to maintain separation.
Pilots joke - if you’re ever lost over the Atlantic… just follow the contrails of the aircraft in front.
A Lufthansa 747-8 crew captured this photo of our principal mentor — Graham Salmons — as he crossed the ocean enroute to New York, and emailed it to him in flight.
Here’s the view from the other side of that joke.
The proximity to other high-speed traffic comes with responsibility. Crews always brief contingencies: a depressurisation, rapid descent, or diversion must be executed without compromising the safety of those around us.
The thinking time is never at the moment of crisis — it’s before anything happens.
Strong leaders use the “quiet cruise moments” to build clarity, situational awareness, and preparedness — so when the unexpected arrives, action is calm, disciplined, and safe.
Ready to strengthen your leadership practice?
Contact us — the first conversation is free.
Get new insights by email
Short, practical reflections from the flight deck — no spam, just value.