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:
- General aviation pilots must prioritize maintaining sharp skills and knowledge, particularly regarding summer conditions like density altitude, and consider refresher training to prevent accidents, as recent fatalities suggest.
- Effective flight instruction needs to go beyond subject matter expertise; Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) should also possess formal training in teaching methodologies and the ability to adapt to individual student learning styles to enhance the learning experience.
- The "turnback" maneuver, an emergency return to the airport after engine failure, is a high-risk, high-reward skill requiring extensive practice and pilot proficiency; otherwise, landing straight ahead remains the safer option.
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