I had just finished reading the latest edition and was mentally commenting on how professional a journal you put to publication. I have been particularly impressed with how hard you try to get the message of keeping sharp on ones skills-especially during the changing seasons when one may have laid off flying and have become “rusty” in both his skills and knowledge. Shortly thereafter, I began browsing the Internet for news updates and, to my amazement, began seeing headlines of GA accidents amounting to 13 souls lost over the June 28-29 weekend: Five were lost in Santa Rosa, N.M., aboard a Cessna 206), four north of Birmingham, Ala., in a Beech Travel Air, and four more near Las Vegas, Nev., in a Cherokee Six. I couldnt help but wonder “why?” Why so many in so short a time? Were these pilots not on top of their game? Did some need a refresher session with a seasoned CFI? The “witching” days of summer are upon us with high temps and high humidity, which spells “density altitude.” Other than thunderstorms, its the worst weather summer has to offer pilots. I cant help but to think it behooves every pilot to give thought to his/her skill level with summer upon us. When was the last time you flew? Do you really understand aircraft performance data, weight and balance, density altitude? Do you know remember to take all the variables and calculate aircraft performance, runway distances and engine performance during climbout? If youre not sure…then ask yourself…which is cheaper? An hour or two with a seasoned CFI, or a funeral? Rudy R. Faircloth Thanks very much, Rudy, for the kind words. That was a very bad weekend, and your list doesnt include the mid-air collision of two EMS helicopters approaching to land at a hospital in Flagstaff, Ariz.; six died in that accident. Of course, its way too early to know what caused these accidents. Im sure well all learn additional information about them as the NSTB conducts its investigations. More On Flight Instruction Your May 2008 article, “The Problem With Flight Instruction,” was simultaneously 288
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Witching Days
I had just finished reading the latest edition and was mentally commenting on how professional a journal you put to publication. I have been particularly impressed with how hard you try to get the message of keeping sharp on ones skills-especially during the changing seasons when one may have laid off flying and have become "rusty" in both his skills and knowledge. Shortly thereafter, I began browsing the Internet for news updates and, to my amazement, began seeing headlines of GA accidents amounting to 13 souls lost over the June 28-29 weekend: Five were lost in Santa Rosa, N.M., aboard a Cessna 206), four north of Birmingham, Ala., in a Beech Travel Air, and four more near Las Vegas, Nev., in a Cherokee Six. I couldnt help but wonder "why?" Why so many in so short a time? Were these pilots not on top of their game? Did some need a refresher session with a seasoned CFI?
Key Takeaways:
- Pilots are strongly encouraged to maintain and refresh their skills and knowledge, especially concerning factors like density altitude during summer, to prevent accidents, and should consider professional instruction if unsure of their readiness.
- There's a significant need for flight instructors (CFIs) to be trained in effective teaching methodologies and adaptability to student learning styles, rather than solely focusing on their technical flying expertise.
- The critical "turnback" maneuver (returning to the airport after engine failure on takeoff) lacks definitive data and requires extensive, personalized practice; pilots should only attempt it if proficient, otherwise landing straight ahead is safer.
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