Safety Spotlight
Spring Preflight Resources
Like people, flying machines need regular exercise to stay in shape. Unfortunately, the cold, ice, snow, and darkness of winter mean that many airplanes sit idle for months at a time, and bad things tend to befall pilots who just "kick the tires and light the fires" on the first warm day of the year. Check these resources for tips on getting your airplane ready for the spring flying season.
Resources
Engine and Propeller Online Course
Many repairs can only be made by an airframe and powerplant mechanic, but an understanding of engine and propeller operations can help minimize dangerous wear and costly repairs (approx. 60-90 minutes). Take the Course >>>
Aging Aircraft Online Course
This course will help you recognize the symptoms of aircraft aging, understand its impact, and mitigate the risks (approx. 45-60 minutes). Take the Course >>>
Pneumatic Systems Online Course
This course offers an overview of vacuum and pressure-powered aircraft systems. It explains how pneumatic systems work, and how to handle and avoid pneumatic system failures (approx. 20-30 minutes). Take the minicourse >>>
Engine Operations Safety Advisor
Do you know what to do if the engine burps and coughs during the runup, or runs rough during cruise? In-depth systems knowledge can give you the tools needed to assess the engine's actual condition. (PDF file—600KB) Download it now >>>
Federal Aviation Regulations Safety Advisor
The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) outline how we become pilots, how our aircraft are certified and built, how we should fly, and much more. This Safety Advisor describes the structure of the FARs, discusses how they are created and modified, and points out other regulation-related documents all pilots should know about. (PDF file—380KB) Download it now >>>
Fuel Awareness Safety Advisor
There is much that pilots should know about fuel and fuel management. In this Safety Advisor, we'll discuss these subjects in detail to reduce your chances of having a fuel-related accident. (PDF file—319KB) Download it now >>>
Propeller Safety Safety Advisor
Do you know how important it is to maintain and inspect your propeller? This Safety Advisor gives you tips on maintenance, preflight considerations, and other things to look out for in order to have a safe flight. (PDF file—428KB) Download it now >>>
Misfueling Safety Brief
When we think about the risks associated with aviation fuel, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the possibility of a fuel exhaustion incident — an engine failure and subsequent forced landing. That concern is not unwarranted: An average of nearly three aircraft per week suffer damage due to fuel exhaustion or starvation. Running out of gas is not, however, the only fuel-related worry for pilots. (PDF file — 88KB) Download it now >>>
Pneumatic Systems Safety Brief
Pneumatic systems, commonly known as vacuum or pressure systems, power the heading and attitude indicators in most general aviation (GA) aircraft, and in some aircraft, also power the autopilot and de-ice systems. For pilots who regularly fly at night or in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) these systems are essential. This Safety Brief explains how the pneumatic system works, how to recognize a system failure, and system redundancy options. (PDF file — 132KB) Download it now >>>
Ramp Operations Safety Brief
Knowing what will keep you and your passengers safe is the key to conducting each flight safely. Because the ramp area can be full of hazards, educating yourself about some of the common dangers on the ramp will help you navigate to and from your aircraft without incident. This safety brief examines some of the things you can do to protect yourself, and your passengers, each and every time you go flying. (PDF file — 596KB) Download it now >>>
Aircraft Flash Cards
Aircraft Flash Cards are designed to help new, seasoned, and transitioning pilots gain knowledge of aircraft speeds, profiles, systems, and emergency procedures. Each card includes a subject area on the front, and fill-in-the-blank spaces and a helpful tip on the back.
Aircraft Flash Cards (PDF file — 212 KB) Download it now>>>
High Resolution Aircraft Flash Cards (PDF file — 1MB) Download it now>>>
ASI Safety Quizzes
As members of the general aviation (GA) community, we all need to help ensure the safety and security of our airports and aircraft. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.
You've checked the weather and notams, calculated your weight and balance and performance, but how much thought have you given to the aircraft preflight? Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.
You may not be 'good to the last drop'. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.
Show your airplane some love. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.
In-flight electrical fires are relatively rare, but they can be disastrous. Learn how to minimize the risk. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.
Warm fronts. Cold fronts. Sun. Wind. Rain. Even ice. No other season has such wide meteorological mood swings. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.
Reading the FAR/AIM cover-to-cover might be overkill, but a little refresher on the regs never hurt anyone. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.
Related Safety Spotlights
Bird Strike
Inflight emergency training generally deals with unusual attitude recovery, engine failure, and smoke or fire in the cabin, to name a few scenarios. But one that cannot practically be practiced is a collision with a bird. So what should you do when you unexpectedly pick up an uninvited feathered passenger?
Pilot Proficiency
It's a beautiful Saturday morning, the airplane's practically begging to be flown, and you can hardly wait to get off the ground—at least until you remember that your flight review expired two weeks ago.
Fuel Management
No one expects or intends to run out of fuel in flight. And yet, in the United States alone, an average of more than three accidents per week result from fuel exhaustion, starvation, or contamination. It can happen to you. Read on to learn more about avoiding these easily preventable accidents.
