1 in 60 Rule
Applying the 1 in 60 Rule of Aviation to Our Walk
John McHugh
9/24/20262 min read
1 in 60 Rule of Theology
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14 NASB
In aviation, there’s a rule of thumb known as the 1 in 60 rule: if a plane is off course by just 1 degree, it will be 1 nautical mile off after flying 60 miles. Now scale that up: if a flight from Los Angeles to New York City is off by 1 degree, it could miss LaGuardia Airport by nearly 41 miles—enough to land somewhere near West Point, NY, Asbury Park, NJ, or even in the Atlantic Ocean.
Let’s apply that same principle to our journey of faith in following Jesus Christ.
If the gate is narrow and the way is constricted (Matthew 7:13–14), can we afford even the slightest deviation from the truth? God has provided us with the flight plan—the Bible—and given us a perfect example in Jesus Christ. Yet, many churches today are just a degree or two off. Some even diverge 10 degrees or more from biblical truth. If the destination is God’s Kingdom, any other end point leads to destruction.
In this analogy, the pastor, priest, rabbi, or bishop may represent the pilot. But unlike commercial aviation, the cockpit of faith is not off-limits. We are not passive passengers. We can—and must—verify the route. We have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit as our guidance system. If the “pilot” veers off course, we have the ability and responsibility to course-correct. We can raise concerns, ask questions, and even change planes (churches) if needed.
Ask yourself:
Is my church leadership teaching biblical truth?
Is there accountability?
Is the focus clearly on God Almighty?
Are disciples being made?
Is the church acting as the hands and feet of Christ in the world?
No church is perfect. Every leader is human. But humanity is not an excuse for unchecked error. Leaders are not above correction. If something feels amiss, it is your responsibility to seek clarity. And if clarity or correction is not forthcoming, you have the freedom to move forward—or stay and lovingly help redirect the course.
In the end, you are responsible for your own walk and your own salvation. Scripture must remain your compass. The Word of God, both in print and in the person of Jesus, is your reference point.
Don’t be led astray because you “didn’t know better.”
Remember: 1 degree off today can leave you miles from the Kingdom tomorrow.
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