Editorial

In 1955, the first issue of Approach was created to give a voice to the naval aviation community with a focus on safety and mishap prevention. For nearly 60 years, the publication has had a rich history of lessons learned and “there I was” tales from pilots who contributed by sharing their experiences.

In my short time at the Naval Safety Center, I’ve come to understand that this magazine’s true value is in its contributors, their stories, and articles submitted with the intention that other people will learn from their mistakes and not repeat them.

I was nervous about becoming the first female editor of Approach. I’m not an aviator, but I am a former military journalist. Ensuring the magazine remains a success and of interest to the aviation community definitely lays the pressure on thick. However, it’s a challenge I’ve happily taken on.

Speaking of challenges and pressure, this issue takes a look at stress. More specifically, this issue focuses on ways to handle stress and the negative effects of not compartmentalizing it. With the month of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, many organizations will look at ways to help people beat the challenges of life and the stress that comes with it.

Authors in this issue describe how they overcame stressful situations. From an instructor helping his student pilot maneuver his way out of his first deer strike, to a pilot who faces a nearmiss with another aircraft, the stress is real, yet it’s handled in ways that enabled them to share their stores instead of being the story.

The one thing our contributors have in common is they were able to turn a bad situation into a good one by using stress to their advantage. One of the original premises of Mental Health Awareness Month was to focus on ways people could deal with and compartmentalize stress so that it works for them. The goal shouldn’t be to never face stress, but to know how to deal with it when tough times arise.

After reading this edition, I hope you’ll consider the stressors in your life and think of positive ways you can overcome them before they overwhelm you.

As with every issue, we welcome your stories and submissions for the next issue via SAFE-Approach@navy.mil.

Editor, Approach and Mech Magazine Naval Safety Center