The desire to demonstrate 'the right stuff' can adversely affect safety by:

The selection of the response related to generating dangerous tendencies and illegal practices addresses a critical aspect of aviation safety. Demonstrating "the right stuff" often refers to the cultural expectation within aviation or among pilots to showcase courage and exceptional skill, sometimes pushing individuals to perform beyond safe operational limits. This mindset can lead to risky behaviors, such as taking unnecessary risks or bypassing established protocols, which may include engaging in illegal practices to achieve a perception of proficiency or success.

The pursuit of demonstrating this ideal may encourage pilots or crew members to prioritize reputation or bravado over adherence to safety procedures. In aviation, where adherence to protocols is paramount for maintaining safety, straying from these guidelines in an effort to impress others can have disastrous consequences. It highlights a significant conflict between personal ambition and collective safety, where the former might tempt individuals into making choices that endanger themselves and others onboard.