When we talk about safety, we normally tackle one issue at a time—thunderstorms one day, taxi clearances the next. But in the real world, any given flight can bring together a whole range of interconnected safety issues:
• Fly through that precipitation—or deviate and cut into my fuel reserve?
• Climb above that scattered layer—and risk getting stuck on top?
• Fly with an underinflated nose strut—or delay and fly in worse weather?
The AOPA Air Safety Institute’s free seminar reflects that reality. You’ll follow along with the seminar leader “flying” two fictional trips while debating questions and answers along the way. From preflight planning to tiedown technique, if it’s related to the flight, it’s fair game.
“Cross Country Challenge” runs from August 25 to November 5. Visit the website (airsafetyinstitute.org/seminars) for dates and locations near you. This seminar is brought to you by AOPA Insurance Services.
Ramp up for ramp ops
Safety brief shows you how to protect yourself
It’s a gorgeous day, and you’re meeting your friends at the FBO to take them up for a short flight around the area. Do you all just make a beeline from the FBO to the tiedown? Or, as pilot in command, will you brief them (and remind yourself) of some of the hazards that can be encountered on your way to the airplane?
Knowing what will keep you and your passengers safe on the ramp is the key to conducting each flight safely. Obstacles such as tiedowns and chocks, sharp wing surfaces, spinning propellers, and jet blasts can bite, so explaining some of these will help you all navigate to and from your aircraft without incident.
Ramp Operations examines the things you can do to protect yourself and your passengers each time you go flying. Download the publication (www.airsafetyinstitute.org/ram pops).
