Aviation Safety

Most pilots look forward to the challenge involved in qualifying to fly a new make or model aircraft. They anticipate the ritual involved in the checkout and are understandably proud when they receive a signoff from a flight instructor. That ritual may involve one flight and three touch-and-goes, or multiple flights and several instrument approaches, among other operations. Regardless, managing the risks of introducing yourself to a new aircraft is at the core of this…

Despite all the gloom and doom about piston-powered general aviations future youve probably heard lately around the FBOs coffee pot, the industry actually isnt doing too badly. Three data points that became available late in 2017 bear this out.

When it does, that new generation of personal aircraft likely will include technologies designed to prevent accidents. Things like envelope protection, where the machine doesnt allow its pilot to put it into an unsafe situation. Technologies like GPS and ADS-B are a given, along with a networked operating environment where it and all other nearby aircraft talk to each other to manage collision avoidance, sequencing and efficient routing. Operator certification wont be nearly as complex, time-consuming or expensive as it is today.

The pilot later stated the approach to land was steeper and faster than normal as he was aware of cranes near Runway 18s approach end. The airplane landed long and instead of going around, the pilot continued with the landing. The airplane went off the runway and into Tampa Bay. Observed weather included wind from 170 degrees at eight knots.

Early in our primary training, we encountered the concept of maneuvering speed (VA), or design maneuvering speed as its sometimes called. Were basically told its the speed at below which we should fly in turbulence and when entering advanced maneuvers, hence its name. If were lucky and have a good ground-school instructor, well also learn that VA changes with weight: As the airplanes weight decreases, so will maneuvering speed. Although VA isnt marked on our airspeed indicators, there should be a placard listing it at the airplanes gross weight, with the admonition to not make full control deflections above it.

I had flown to Florida to visit friends in their beachfront condo. They were not pilots and had no concept of things like trading fuel for cabin load or the dangers of overloading an airplane. That evening, after a few drinks, the idea arose of a day trip to Key West to take in the sights. Against my better judgment, I agreed.

Cessna Model 172S Skyhawk SPArcing Avionics MasterPilot reported burning smell and failure of avionics #2 buss during run-up. Troubleshooting revealed the right side of the avionics master switch (#2 buss) had been arcing internally. Replaced switch; ops check okay.

One of the great joys of flying is a routine flight. Im not referring to a flight that went as expected, which undeniably is the greatest joy, Im talking about flying a routine route. If you hop in your plane on a Saturday afternoon to fly to your favorite $100 hamburger location and get a respite from your weekday worries, or a cargo pilot plying a daily route, you probably know the pleasure I am talking about. Pilots who fly routine flights can feel at one with their aircraft, heightening their sensitivity to any little deviation, like unusual engine noises or subtle performance changes with different loads.

The FAAs BasicMed alternative to a traditional medical certificate is an attractive option for many pilots, especially those of us who are now senior citizens. However, we should recognize that medical issues are not the only factors affecting our ability to fly as we get older. Even in the absence of pathology, age alters our cognitive processes: how we recognize and interpret situations, decide on courses of actions, manage our workload, remember crucial information and skillfully execute our plans. We may joke about our senior moments, but many of us wonder if our ability to continue flying skillfully and safely is being undermined.

Spend much time around aircraft owners or a maintenance facility and youre likely to hear the term ferry permit. Whats being talked about is what the FAA calls a special flight permit. Its the paperwork the agency uses to approve the flight of an aircraft that may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable for safe flight. Perhaps the most common reason for a special flight permit is lack of an annual inspection within the preceding 12 months.