ABSTRACT
Marginal conditions apply when typical, favorable conditions begin to deteriorate in ways that reduce safety margins and increase mishap rates. We need to employ procedures and techniques that we don’t practice very often. As stress, overload, and unpredictability increase, plan continuation bias compels us to force our current game plan instead of switching to safer options. Holding a skeptical perspective reminds us to monitor for counterfactuals and to favor conservative decisions. Winter operations and summer thunderstorms can create rapidly deteriorating conditions. In the end, we are responsible for appropriately balancing priorities and threats to ensure safe outcomes. This chapter presents six case studies and pilot reports to highlight vulnerabilities and effective techniques.
