Safety Publications/Articles
Safety Briefs
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Safety Briefs are short publications designed to offer practical guidance and useful tips for every pilot.
Braking Action Reports
Have you ever tuned in the ATIS at your favorite airport only to hear "...braking action fair" and wondered exactly what it meant? These reports highlight one of the hazards of winter flying—taxiways and runways covered in snow, ice and slush. These conditions should not always deter pilots from taking to the air in winter. This season offers some of the best days to fly—smooth rides, great visibility and excellent aircraft performance. Download it! (PDF file—293KB)
Charity Flying
Ever flown passengers to raise money for charity? Whether you know it or not, you've accepted a greater level of responsibility. Sadly, over the years, a few pilots have failed to take that responsibility seriously, and lives have been lost as a result. Fortunately, though, the risks of charity operations are fairly predictable. Download it! (PDF file—194KB)
Cold Facts
During the last 10 years, there have been over 30 accidents on takeoff as a result of wing contamination by snow, frost, and ice. A few simple steps during preflight could have easily prevented these accidents. Download it! (PDF file — 75KB)
Misfueling
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. Download it! (PDF file — 88KB)
Pneumatic Systems
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 ASF Safety Brief explains how the pneumatic system works, how to recognize a system failure, and system redundancy options. Download it! (PDF file — 132KB)
Terrain Avoidance
Since 1993 there have been over 380 fatal night VFR accidents. This ASF Safety Brief explains how you can use readily available information on VFR and IFR charts to avoid obstacles and terrain when flying. Learn more about the Terrain Avoidance Plan. Download it! (PDF file — 106KB)
Count Me In To Help You Out!
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is happy to make Safety Briefs available to you at no cost, but we need your help! We rely on tax-deductible contributions to fund our pilot training programs. Your contribution today, whether it's $25, $50, $100, or whatever you can send, will help us educate pilots. Help the AOPA Air Safety Foundation to make a difference in improving general aviation safety.
Updated Monday, May 07, 2007 2:14:55 PM
