Fly Safe:
Prevent Loss of Control Accidents.
In recent years there have been many accidents
in general aviation for the same problems.So, today, I want to share this interesting
subject to help pilots all around the world to prevent accidents.
For a long time now, loss-of-control accidents
in general aviation have been determined by relatively insufficient but repeated
causes pointing to fundamental problems in pilot training too.
So, Analysis of General Aviation Instructional
is the key to stay away from loss of control accidents.
The FAA has a very good campaign to prevent
this type of accidents on how to prevent Loss of Control (LOC) at all time.
What is Loss of Control (LOC)?
A Loss of Control
(LOC) accident involves an unintended departure of an aircraft from controlled
flight. LOC can happen because the aircraft enters a flight regime that is
outside its normal flight envelope and may quickly develop into a stall or
spin. It can introduce an element of surprise for the pilot.
Contributing factors
may include: poor judgment/aeronautical decision making, failure to recognize
an aerodynamic stall or spin and execute corrective action, intentional
regulatory non-compliance, low pilot time in aircraft make and model, lack of
piloting ability, failure to maintain airspeed, failure to follow procedure,
pilot inexperience and proficiency, or the use of over-the-counter drugs that
impact pilot performance.
Did you know?
Approximately 450
people are killed each year in GA accidents.
Loss of Control is the
number one cause of these accidents.
Loss of Control
happens in all phases of flight. It can happen anywhere and at any time.
There is one fatal
accident involving LOC every four days.
What is an unexpected event?
Unexpected events –
especially those occurring close to the ground – require rapid appropriate
action. However, humans are subject to a “startle response” when faced with an
unexpected emergency situation and may delay or initiate inappropriate action
in response to an emergency. Examples of
situations which can catch a pilot by surprise:
Partial or full loss
of engine power after takeoff.
Landing gear fails to
retract after takeoff, or fails to extend when ready to land.
Bird strike.
Control problems or
failures.
Did you know?
Fatal general aviation
accidents often result from inappropriate responses to unexpected events. Loss of aircraft control is a common factor
in accidents that would have been survivable if control had been maintained
throughout the emergency. In some cases, pilot skill and knowledge have not
been developed to prepare for the emergency. In
other cases, an initial inappropriate reaction begins a chain of events that
leads to an accident.
Unexpected events
often happen close to the ground or during a transition from one configuration
or phase of flight to another. There may be no time to use a checklist. A pilot
has a much better chance of success if he or she thinks about the abnormal
event ahead of time. Practice and preparation can improve a pilot’s reaction
time.
What can GA pilots do to best manage an unexpected event?
Don’t let an
unexpected event become an unexpected emergency! Training and preparation can
help pilots manage the startle response and effectively cope with an unexpected
event.
Tips for pilots
Think about abnormal
events ahead of time! Practice your plan! Brief your plan prior to takeoff,
even when flying solo!
Have a Certificated
Flight Instructor (CFI) join you to train and plan for emergencies.
Review emergency
procedures for your aircraft on a regular basis – don’t wait until you need a
Flight Review.
Sit in your aircraft
or a properly equipped Aviation Training Device and practice abnormal and
emergency procedures, touch the controls, and visualize your aircraft’s cockpit.
Review and practice
“what if” scenarios.
Vocalize takeoff,
approach, and landing expectations: aircraft configuration, airspeed, altitude
and route emergency options.
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