One Degree Off Course Could Cost You More Than You Think

Let’s talk about Air New Zealand Flight 901 for a second. 

This was supposed to be a chill sightseeing flight over Antarctica, but instead, it crashed into Mount Erebus, killing all 257 people on board. 

What went wrong?

A simple navigational error. 

The flight plan coordinates were changed without the crew knowing, and this seemingly minor change meant the plane was 2 degrees off course. 

Those two tiny degrees put the plane right on a collision path with Mount Erebus instead of safely through McMurdo Sound.

Two degrees doesn’t sound like much, right?

But think about it this way. 

In aviation, even one degree can make a massive difference. 

That’s why all pilots learn the 1 in 60 rule. 

This rule says that a 1-degree error in heading means a plane will miss its destination by 1 mile for every 60 miles flown. 

So, a minor deviation can lead to a major error over time. 

In other words, that lake you were supposed to fly over? 

Yeah, that could turn out to be a freaking mountain.

I’m not a pilot Marian, how is this useful to me?

Well, let's step out of the cockpit for a second.

The 1 in 60 rule isn’t just about flying planes. 

It’s a mental model about decision-making, evaluating progress, and making corrections. 

Just like pilots make constant, tiny adjustments to stay on track, you too need to make course corrections early and often. 

Often.

Because extraordinary results come from doing ordinary things over and over again. 

Whether it’s adjusting your team’s priorities, refining strategies, or optimising workflow, every little tweak counts.

In fact, fighter jet pilots say, “When you fly at the speed of sound, there’s no time for learning.”

That’s because learning happens after action. 

This is where the After Action Review (AAR), or debrief, comes in. 

Think of the 1 in 60 rule as your guide for spotting small slip-ups. 

An AAR is your chance to fix them fast. 

Here’s a simple framework:

1. What was supposed to happen?

2. What actually happened? 

3. Why were there differences? What was the root cause of our result? 

4. What can we learn? 

5. How do we incorporate that lesson next time? As a team, what should we stop, start or continue doing? 
   

In the fast-paced world of business, learning and adapting quickly is crucial.

If you can’t adapt, you lose—just ask Darwin.

So next time you’re steering your team, make sure to regularly check in and fine-tune your moves. 

After all, it’s not just about flying; it’s about flying right.

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