My last post discussed how we stretch ourselves to the limit and then can push ourselves further when driving as we try to reach a destination quickly, often in the interest of better time management. At that same time the news came out about the possibility that two Mesa Air pilots both fell asleep in the cockpit and overshot their targeted landing by 15 miles.

Even when your actual job is flying or driving, you still can end up physically beyond your limits as you try to get more packed into each day, both in terms of miles traveled and tasks to get done before and after. The results can range from embarrassment to life-threatening situations.

In the case of the pilots, an investigation is pending. However just the thought that they could have fallen asleep at the controls is sobering. I know how many times I have become drowsy and pulled off the road to close my eyes for 10 to 20 minutes before continuing on. Sometimes the best time management is to take more time.