KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL
Thursday, July 29th, 2010
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL
Summer has arrived for most us aviation enthusiasts all over Canada meaning that powerful itch to get back into our trusty Flying Machine has again taken priority over life’s daily routine.
Considering that many of us own aircraft which have been subjected to harsh winter weather and winds while tied down outdoors a through walk around is mandatory. On our arrival at our favourite airfield we may want to fire up and immediately take to the skies in spite of the fact that the only thing rustier than the pilot is the aircraft which could create a lethal combination. With the C of A still enforce until summer we are well with in our legal rights to avoid all the worry about anything going wrong and simply jump in to satisfying the need for speed and altitude.
My first advice is directed towards nose wheeled aircraft which sit outdoors for long periods of time and where condensation in fuel tanks could be a factor.
Once airborne we pull back on the stick leaving that water or contaminant in the fuel tanks to move rearward as the nose rises on climb out, of course at the worst time to be faced with and engine failure as the supply fuel lines are right there.
Solution- During your walk around have a helper hold the tail to the ground and then do your wing fuel sump fuel check confirming the tanks are truly free of water.
This pre- climb attitude simulation could save you from an emergency at the worst possible moment, especially when your not at the top of your game.
While completing your walk around look for any outdoor related damage which could prevent controls from free motion, then do the actual complete check of all six elevator/aileron movements.
Go inside rear compartments and confirm rodents and other creatures have not been living rent free all winter causing grief to wiring, and making cozy homes near control cables and related mechanisms.
While you are back there why not check the ELT for being in the armed position and maybe even test it between on the hour and 5 minutes after.
Now that you are satisfied there is air in the tires oil in the engine and fuel in the tanks no bird nests hiding under the cowl, maybe flip through the POH and brief yourself on emergency procedures.
After a longer than normal warm up to prepare the engine for what is about to come, away we go off into the wild blue yonder with as sense of professionalism knowing the aircraft is well prepared and our minds are in the cock pit remembering where switches are and what they do.
To pass on in flight tips I would like to describe what an old Alaskan Bush pilot told me back in the late 1970s when I was starting out my career at Dawson City Yukon.
He said to me, son flying is a wonderful experience great way to make a living and the quickest way to kill yourself if you let your guard down.
Think of it as what I call the Triangle of Terror he said, you can load 2 of the corners on any trip with what ever you want which could be poor weather less than adequate fuel or an aircraft you’re not totally comfortable with mechanically.
The problems start when you knowing load the 3rd corner and then find your self low on fuel in bad weather and PPNR (Past the Point of No Return) as night is setting in.
In a lot of cases fatigue or stress is already embedded in one of the corners before you start the flight after possibly a long day in the office or after a heavy work week at Joe Blows Air Service or your office which finances the ability to fly.
Just something for you to think about and something I have managed to live by for over 30 years, and now I am that old Guy I met so many years back passing it on to you and totally understand what it was he was talking about.
Fly Safe Always
Bry the Dunker Guy
Bryan Webster own and operates Aviation Egress Systems teaching pilots and passengers all over Canada how to survive a Ditching as he did as passenger in 1977.
Bryan has over 11.000 Hrs in 35 different aircraft still today flies a De Havilland Beaver commercially on the BC coast when time permits.
For further information check out www.dunkyou.com or contact Bryan at 250-704-6401