Issue 164
June 2021

SAFETY FIRST

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NOTE: I’m firstly a Recreational Pilot. I have had some wonderful experiences as a pilot and in recent years as an RAAus Senior Flying Instructor. I’m sharing my experiences. Content can be of my own or in part may be from other sources. Do not use my content for flight instruction. Please consult a qualified flight instructor in your area.
Fly safe.

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As a flight training instructor in light sports aircraft I get to watch students develop their skills and build confidence (over time) in themselves and the aircraft. We have checklists and established procedures that if followed, will help enormously to keep us safe. I have my own aircraft, a single engine, two seat, 6 cylinder Jabiru J-230. But no matter the size, or capability of any aircraft we always need to be acutely aware that engines can and do fail...occasionally...they are after-all a man-made machine.

So what's my point. Well for these who follow my YouTube channel will know that I'm privileged to be allowed by many students to record their flights to share with the aviation fraternity....so we can all learn. BUT as the saying goes..."the camera never lies".

My evidence based on 100's of training flights is that students and pilots alike, even in our low complexity aircraft, seem to pass a cursory glance at the gauges and say "temps and pressures OK". BUT did you actually LOOK at the gauges and interpret what they are telling you?

Now I'm not a gambling man BUT I bet "London to a brick" that virtually every pilot (or student) glances and doesn't look and interpret the information that is displayed. Yet its the engine, and therefore its those gauges that will tell us if we have trouble.

Trouble we are taught to manage but advance warnings are pure gold. Remember the old saying "better to be down here wish to be up there...etc"

Another that always concerns me is when pilots "read" the fuel supply and again don't interpret the information. I've flown an aircraft that was loaded with fuel 20 minutes prior to takeoff...20 mins later..now showing close to empty. How..?? The fuel filler bung had departed the aircraft and fuel was being sucked out at a rapid rate. Only the gauges could tell me that.

To make my point I found this video (click on the image). Its from a complex GA aircraft that checks out as "perfect" prior to takeoff but no sooner airborne and the gauges on the left engine confirmed no fuel pressure. Imagine not "seeing" that valuable piece of information.

Till next time...fly safe and ....

REMEMBER: The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.

Cheers

Ian McDonald

PS - do you have any questions or points of interest you'd like me to discuss or investigate. Drop me a note.
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Vision10conversions · Rostrevor · Rostrevor, SA 5073 · Australia

Issue 164 June 2021

SAFETY FIRST

Issue 164
June 2021