Safe take-offs and landings

Transcript

Text on screen:

Transport Canada logo

Narrator:

Recreational flying can be great fun, but accidents do happen and we don’t want one happening to you.

Did you know that General Aviation accounts for two thirds of all the accidents in Canada and 72% of these accidents occurred during take-offs or landings...

That’s right, a whopping 72%.

So, what caused these accidents?

50% were skill-based errors and 25% were a result of poor decision-making.

That means that 75% of all General Aviation accidents could have been prevented.

Each year in Canada, an average of 20 people are killed in General Aviation accidents.

That’s roughly 1 every 18 days.

This accident rate can be reduced by pilots practicing more and making better decisions.

Here’s where it all happens.

There is no room for error here and you have to get it right.

You’re the one flying the plane.

You’re the one in control.

You’re the one making the decisions.

And.

You’re the one controlling each take-off and landing.

So, one of the things you can do is prepare mentally by visualizing your take-off and landing ahead of time.

Picture yourself configuring the aircraft.

Think about your take-off and landing speeds.

Visualize your “go / no go” and your touchdown points.

And know your approach and escape routes.

There are other considerations like drift, weather, wind and weight that effect all phases of flight.

But, the most critical phase of flight is the landing because the majority of accidents happen then.

Before you start your flight, your take-off and landing plans should be etched in your mind because mental visualization will help improve your skills.

After a flight, pilots should reflect on their performance.

What did I do well?

Where can I improve?

Preparation is key to a safe flight.

Take the time to visualize and rehearse your take-offs and landings. This can reduce accidents AND could save your life.

Text on screen:

Canada wordmark