Jul 2018

SAFETY GRAM

July 2018 Case: Reference NTSB Aviation Accident Factual Report (4 Pages) Questions (No right or wrong): - What does AFI 34-117 say about night flight? - What are techniques for maintaining orientation at night? - What do you do, or should you do, if you become disoriented at night? - What are some techniques for determining safe operating altitudes in the airport area? - How can you use NAVAIDs to help orient yourself to an airport/runway? - Does your Aero Club have unique night flight/operations procedures? Discussion: First, be in compliance with guidance; don’t fly if you are non-current! Second, be sure to do a thorough pre-mission review of your departure airfield, route of flight AND arrival airport when conducting cross-country operations. Additionally, VFR pilots may benefit from learning some of the symbology and information presented on Instrument Approach Plates (IAP). Many IAP’s publish a Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) on the approach. The MSA provides an altitude that guarantees clearance from obstacles within a specified distance from a known point such as the airport or a nearby NAVAID. Ask an instructor for details on getting information from an IAP. If you become disoriented, maintain aircraft control and use all available resources to keep the aircraft clear of obstacles.

CONTINUE TO FLY SAFE!