Archives: flyingtheory

Basic knowledge obtained from a good safety briefing improves the outcome of accidents.

Consider information could help yourself or passengers in an emergency.

• Use of seat belts and harnesses.
• ELT operation.
• PLBs location and use if available.
• Basic radio use, including Master and Avionics switches.
• Bring adequate clothing to protect from exposure in the case of emergency
• How to unlatch doors or what tools are available to break windows
• Fire Extinguishers location
• Survival kit location

A threat is anything that is less then the ideal or perfect conditions.

Anything with the potential to increase your workflow is a threat.  Anything from stress and fatigue to weather and recent maintenance

Reduce risk or threats at every opportunity. Identify likely errors or potential threats and plan for them.

A series of escalating poor decisions and/or a combination of unfamiliar conditions is a typical formula for accidents.

Accidents can be avoided by:

• Setting personal meteorological, height and fuel minimums above the legal requirements and sticking well within them, especially when not in ideal conditions.
• Taking the time to properly prepare for all aspects of the flight before take off. Getting updated weather  before the flight or at destinations throughout the flight, or planning your approach and entry into airspace prior to taking off.

Fatigue increases error rate. Decreases performance. Alters decision making.

Less then 5 hours of sleep doubles chance of consequential errors.

16+ hours being awake has a similar effect on performance as alcohol

Pilots should not consume any alcohol before flying. 8 hours absolute minimum from the last drink.

Illness – Any medical issues

Medication – Medication approved for aviation

Stress – Any distracting stress? In a safe mental state

Alcohol – Have you been drinking in the previous 24 hours?

Fatigue – Are you rested

Eating – Have you eaten

• Hypoxia – At high altitude the air has expanded and is thinner.
• The brain stops working correctly when exposed to the unpressurized air eventually leading to death
• Recovery is rapid once oxygen taken.

Symptoms can be:

• Tunnel vision.
• Euphoria.
• Tingling.
• Reduced cognitive function.
• Purple nose and lips.
• Reduced coordination.
• Shaking.