by Rob Balzano, CEO of Citation Jet Pilots and the CJP Safety & Education Foundation
In my roles here at CJP, I often use the phrase “Fly Safe & Check-6!” because it perfectly encapsulates our mission and culture of safety and mutual support amongst our CJP community.
Why “Fly Safe?”
“Fly Safe” aligns directly with the core mission of the CJP Safety & Education Foundation, which is to promote flight safety for pilots of turbofan-powered aircraft, with a focus on Textron Aviation single-pilot operations. This phrase encourages vigilance, adherence to best practices, and continuous learning to prevent accidents and incidents. It also resonates with our Safe to Land® initiative, a focused effort to reduce runway excursions-the most common type of accident for general aviationpilots – by improving stabilized approach criteria and decision-making during critical phases of flight.
Why “Check-6?”
“Check-6” is a phrase rooted deeply in fighter pilot heritage and culture. It refers to the six o’clock position on an analog clock face, directly behind the aircraft-the most vulnerable position for an attack. The phrase originated in the fighter pilot community where pilots would constantly scan behind their wingman to ensure no enemy aircraft or missile was approaching unseen. This vigilance was critical to survival in air combat, as the rear (six o’clock) position is the easiest spot for an adversary to strike undetected.
The term “Check Your Six” or “Check-6” became synonymous with “watch your back,” emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and mutual protection. It has since transcended military aviation to become a metaphor for having each other’s backs in any high-risk environment.
How This Relates to CJP
At CJP, “Check-6” symbolizes our commitment to being wingmen for one another. We foster a community where pilots look out for each other, share safety insights, and promote best practices to enhance safe flight operations. This culture of mutual care and vigilance is essential in continuing the legacy of safe flying and reducing risks in our community. We are all part of a team, watching each other’s six, ensuring no pilot faces danger alone.
Historical Context
The phrase “Check-6” dates back to early air combat, including notable encounters during the Mexican Revolution where American mercenary pilots engaged in aerial combat. The clock-face method of giving directions-12 o’clock ahead, 3 o’clock right, 6 o’clock behind-became a universal language among pilots for quick, precise communication. The six o’clock position was always the critical spot to monitor because it represented the blind spot where an enemy could strike without warning.
Figure 1 – US Air Force Photo by TSgt Ben Bloker
In Summary
“Fly Safe & Check-6!” is more than just a catchy phrase; it embodies the essence of what CJP and our association’s Safety & Education Foundation stand for:
- Fly Safe: Commitment to operational safety, continuous education, and initiatives like Safe to Land® that reduce accidents.
- Check-6: A pledge to watch out for each other, share knowledge, and maintain situational awareness, inspired by the fighter pilot tradition of mutual protection.
Together, these words reinforce our shared responsibility as CJP members to uphold the highest standards of safety and camaraderie in every flight.
Signing Off… “Fly Safe & Check-6!”