November 4, 2010, On a calm Thursday morning, Captain Richard de Crespigny was piloting Qantas Flight QF32, an Airbus A380 carrying 469 passengers from Singapore to Sydney. It was supposed to be a routine flight until, just four minutes after takeoff, an engine exploded mid-air.
The aircraft shuddered violently. Debris punctured the wing, and more than 100 warning alarms lit up in the cockpit. Panic could have overwhelmed anyone in that moment—but not Richard.
Instead, he focused his mind, using a disciplined approach to time management and decision-making that would go on to save every single life on board.
Over the next four hours, Captain Richard de Crespigny, his crew, and his passengers faced an unprecedented aviation crisis. Yet, thanks to his extraordinary ability to prioritize, remain calm, and execute under pressure, they survived what many call a miracle.
Lessons From Richard de Crespigny: Time Management for Life and Success
Psychologists studying Richard’s response have identified three key techniques that helped him stay in control. These strategies can help you manage your time, even if you’re not piloting a plane.
1. Create Mental Models: “What Would I Do If…?”
Richard had spent years mentally rehearsing emergencies. He didn’t just learn technical skills—he visualized scenarios repeatedly. During the QF32 crisis, when the alarms blared, he already had a mental roadmap:
- What’s the priority?
- What are my resources?
- How can I lead the team?
This habit allowed him to stay ahead of the chaos. When the engine exploded, Richard didn’t freeze. Instead, he immediately identified the most critical tasks and allocated roles to his team.
His practice of visualizing potential disasters gave him the calm and clarity to lead effectively when it mattered most.
Picture your own life challenges as if you’re in the captain’s seat. Whether it’s an upcoming presentation, a tough conversation, or a busy week, ask yourself:
- “If something went wrong, how would I handle it?”
- “What’s my first step?”
Visualize outcomes and rehearse solutions. It’s a game-changer for staying calm and prepared. Preparation isn’t just about skills—it’s about mindset.
2. Avoid Cognitive Tunnel Thinking by Focusing on Priorities
When faced with 100+ warning alarms, Richard didn’t get stuck trying to silence them all. Instead, he focused only on the warnings that directly impacted the safety of the flight.
For example, when fuel imbalance warnings and engine readings flashed simultaneously, he prioritized stabilizing the plane over addressing less critical alerts.
This ability to cut through distractions saved lives. His mantra was simple: “What’s the most important thing right now?” Everything else could wait.
In your daily life, alarms may not come in the form of flashing lights, but distractions—emails, social media, unnecessary meetings are no less intrusive. The next time you feel overwhelmed, ask:
- “What’s my most important task today?”
- “What can I ignore or delay?”
Richard’s ability to block out the non-essential and zero in on the mission-critical saved the day. You can use the same focus to save your time and energy.
3. Stop Wasting Time on Unnecessary Things
One of Richard’s greatest strengths was his ability to stay efficient. He didn’t waste a single second worrying about what could go wrong. Instead, he worked step-by-step on the things he could control.
For instance, after stabilizing the aircraft, Richard focused on coordinating with his crew and communicating with air traffic control. He didn’t dwell on the damage—it was already done.
He also delegated tasks he didn’t need to handle himself, trusting his team to execute their roles while he concentrated on landing the plane safely.
How much time do you spend on things you can’t change? Whether it’s over thinking mistakes, worrying about others’ opinions, or doing tasks that don’t align with your goals, take a page from Richard’s playbook:
- Control what you can.
- Stop dwelling on the rest.
Efficiency isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things at the right time. Take charge, and you’ll land your goals safely too.
