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Like a boat without an anchor
What does an anchor do for a floatplane pilot? In a nutshell, it gives the captain of that single-minded forward-motion beast the option of stopping and staying put on the water. In a floatplane, the option of stopping and staying put on the water is an absolute game-changer.
Seaplane summer safety
Prior to your first flight, a thorough check out of your prized possession, which should include more than looking over not only the bird droppings on wings is required. This should be followed by a complete control check to be certain moving parts are doing exactly what they were originally designed to do.
Wire, the invisible enemy
For most private pilots the best strategy to avoid wire strike is three words: don’t go there. But those who make their living down in the wire environment must live by a different creed. They must learn to see and avoid—easy words to say but hard to do in the case of oxidized aluminium wires that blend into the blue of the sky, copper cables green as a forest canopy, or rusted steel wires that blend into the brown of the earth.
Maintain VFR!! Thoughts about VFR communications
Communications are but just one part of the safe flying equation. Here are three ways we can work towards eliminating all plane-to-plane VFR collisions: (1) Look out more; (2) Talk less; and (3) Be more patient.!
A picture is worth 1,000 words
The use of illustrations can go a long way to improve situational awareness. While a NOTAM contains text only, there is another mechanism that can include detailed information and illustrations to help pilots form more accurate mental models. That mechanism is an AIP Supplement, and it is part of Canada’s Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP Canada).
The gold standard: Multi-agency systems simulation testing: A real-life case example of integration aviation, medicine, protective services, crane operation and construction to proactively mitigate risk
Using simulation ensures that all team members know in advance what they are expected to do; they can practice within any system, process, or even work in a given space while testing assumptions; they are comfortable and confident with the execution of their next steps and the steps of others; and they can ensure that the plans and tools hold together under the stress of any circumstance.
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The wind broom: Taxi stability is good airmanship!
While we may never encounter wind speeds of 40 knots gusting to 50 on the maneuvering area, good airmanship dictates that we execute control inputs to maximize our stability while taxiing in the wind.
TSB Final Report A22Q0084—Collision with cable
Single-engine Bellanca 7GCBC (Citabria) aircraft, low altitude flight, landing area inspection, marking of obstacles to air navigation. (See PDF for condensed version).
Australian Transportation Safety Board (ATSB)—Uncommanded power reduction
Beechcraft King Air B200C aircraft, this incident highlights the importance of having a detailed understanding of the characteristics that may be specific to an aircraft type. In the case of the King Air series of aircraft, the design of the power lever system meant that the friction locks required careful adjustment to prevent power lever migration particularly during take-off. (See PDF for condensed version)
Forest fire aircraft operating restrictions for pilots and RPAS
This reminder is in the interest of agencies and operators, to have safe and efficient firefighting operations across Canada. Pilots should check local NOTAMs during the fire season, when they see a fire while flying, they are to report it and remain clear of it to help crews out as they fight the fire.
Poster: Be weather wise—It’s deadly to minimize bad weather
Cancel or delay the flight, Respect the limits, yours and your aircraft’s, Expect the worst, plan ahead, consider all your options.
Copyrights
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Aviation Safety Letter
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© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Transport (2023).
ISSN: 0709-8103
TP 185E