A Lot To Talk About #293 - Richard de Crespigny | The pilot who saved 469 passengers from a mid air disaster: The event that nearly destroyed Qantas.
Dec 5, 2025
Richard de Crespigny, a former Royal Australian Air Force officer and retired Qantas captain, reflects on his heroic command of QF32 after a catastrophic engine failure. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and resilience, sharing lessons from his adventurous childhood and the value of allowing children to take risks. Richard discusses the significance of clear communication and psychological safety during emergencies and advocates for embracing failure as a learning opportunity. His insights on leadership and personal responsibility highlight how resilience shapes both individuals and organizations.
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Be Clear About Responsibility And Accountability
- Know whom you are responsible to and who you're accountable to before acting.
- Use those boundaries to decide the authority you should assume in decisions.
Keep A Backup Plan To Preserve Independence
- Keep a backup plan so you never feel trapped by one employer or role.
- Use that security to act according to your values and walk away if needed.
Chronic Unease Is Deliberate Readiness
- Pilots maintain 'chronic unease' by constantly rehearsing worst-case scenarios.
- That mental rehearsal keeps teams ready and reduces surprise under stress.
