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The Concise
Guide to
Safe Flying
This booklet is based on extracts from the book
A Pilots Guide to Safe Flying
by Sander Vandeth and
published by mCOVE Resources.

First Edition
Sander Vandeth
www.mcove.com
The Concise Guide to Safe Flying
For GA, Sport and Recreational Pilots

Online First Edition 2010

Published by mCOVE Resources

PO Box 40, Mt Eliza, Victoria, Australia 3930

Copyright 2007 by Sander Vandeth

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any
information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.

ISBN: 978-0-9805648-4-6

Booklet Design: Anton van Deth

Front Cover: Jabiru J170. This aircraft has been developed as a trainer aircraft. It has
been designed to meet the US Light Sport Aircraft category and the Transport
Canada Advanced Ultralight Standards with a stall speed of 38 knots. It
cruises at 100 knots, has a climb rate of 700ft/min at sea level and a fuel
consumption of 13 litres/hr. Also available as a factory built aircraft in
Australia under the Australian Light Sports Aircraft category.

Photo courtesy Jabiru USA.

 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgements

1 Introduction

2 Have the Right Mental Approach
2.1 Avoid Attitudes and Behaviors that are Hazardous to Flight
2.2 Be Able to Make Safe Judgments and Decisions
2.3 Know When Not to Fly

3 Be Thoroughly Prepared
3.1 Have Sufficient Flying Knowledge
3.2 Be Proficient
3.3 Thoroughly Plan a Flight
3.4 Thoroughly Inspect the Airplane
3.5 Be Mentally Prepared

4 Avoid Cockpit Errors

4.1 Have a Disciplined Approach to Checks
4.2 Stay Ahead of the Airplane
4.3 Avoid Distractions
4.4 Avoid Communication Breakdown
4.5 Maintain Situational Awareness

5 Avoid or Manage Potential Hazards

5.1 Avoid Fuel Mismanagement
5.2 Avoid or Manage Weather Hazards
5.3 Avoid Carburetor Icing
5.4 Minimize Takeoff and Landing Risks
5.5 Guard Against Illusions
5.6 Minimize the Risk of a Mid-Air Collision
5.7 Avoid Engine Failure
5.8 Avoid Health Risks
5.9 Be Able to Handle Emergency Situations

6 A Final Comment
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

Foreword

Many pilots have succumbed to Get-there-itis. This disease occurs when pilots press
on regardless of the obvious hazardous warning signs, usually with dire consequences.
Get-there-itis is one form of pilot error, where the safety of a flight is impaired by the
actions or inactions of the pilot. In fact, approximately 80% of all light airplane accidents
are the result of some form of pilot error.

However, pilot error is avoidable when the pilot is aware of the strategies and tactics
for avoidance learned from over 80 years of accident investigations. While these are
detailed in my book A Pilots Guide to Safe Flying, it seemed to me it would be useful for
pilots of light airplanes to have a small booklet that addressed the fundamentals of safe
flight. Knowing these fundamentals goes a long way to helping the pilot develop a safe
approach to flying a basic building block for safe flight.

This booklet has therefore been written, based on extracts from A Pilots Guide to Safe
Flying.

Sander Vandeth
March 2007
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

Acknowledgements

My thanks to John Riley for his critical review of the draft and for his continuing
support. Special thanks go to Liam van Deth who meticulously redrew the Transport
Canada diagram shown in Section 4.5.
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

Introduction
1
Flying light and ultralight airplanes is a relatively safe activity provided pilots take into
account the limits of the airplane and their own fallibilities. If these factors are not taken
into account, the results can be severe and sometimes fatal. Most light airplane accidents
are the result of human related factors, such as the following:

4 Inadequate preflight preparation and planning.

4 Improper pilot technique or procedure.
4 Mismanagement of fuel and fuel systems.
4 Improper in-flight decisions and planning.
4 Lack of familiarity with the airplane.
4 Attempted operation beyond experience and ability.
4 Selection of an unsuitable area for takeoff or landing.
4 Attempted visual flight into instrument meteorological conditions.
4 Improper landing technique or procedure.
4 Self induced pressure or pressure from others.
4 Failure to extend the landing gear.
4 Failure to see and avoid objects or obstructions.

However these accidents can be avoided by following four simple strategies:

4 Have the right mental approach.

4 Be thoroughly prepared for the flight.
4 Avoid cockpit errors.
4 Avoid potential hazards or, if necessary, manage the hazard.

Applying these strategies provides the basis for safe flight.

Courtesy of Australian Transport Safety Bureau
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

Have the Right Mental Approach

2

2.1 Avoid Attitudes and Behaviors that are

Hazardous to Flight
A pilots behavior is generally governed by his or her attitude towards a particular
situation. Hazardous attitudes have been linked to a significant number of accidents and
are present in all of us to varying degrees. Having the right attitude is essential for safe
flight. The five key safe attitudes promulgated by the FAA are:

Hazardous Attitude Safe Attitude

Anti-authority Follow the rules (they are based on experience
Dont tell me. and are usually right).
Impulsiveness Think before acting and dont act too fast.
Do it quickly.
Invulnerability Recognize that it could happen to you.
It wont happen to me.
Macho Dont take chances (it is simply foolish).
I can do it.
Resignation Recognize that you are not helpless and can
Whats the use. make a difference.

Attitudes hazardous to flying are, in some cases, considered normal (even encouraged)
in a non-flying environment. Pilots therefore need to be aware of any hazardous attitudes
they may have, and consciously counter them with safe behaviors.

For example:

4 Have a willingness and enthusiasm to learn about safety.

4 Be cautious, patient and unhurried.
4 Have an ability to exercise adequate controls over impulses, emotions and pressures.

Treat your own safety, and the safety of your passengers, as your number one priority.
Having the right mental attitude is, in fact, the overriding factor that enables the
deployment of all other risk reduction strategies and tactics.
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

2.2 Be Able to Make Safe Judgments and

Decisions
Many accidents result from poor judgments and decisions. Good judgment and decision
making is obtained through training, knowledge and experience. Ways to improve that
capability, include:

4 Be prepared to deal with the situation as it is, and not as you planned it would be.
Avoid false hypothesis and expectancy.
4 Understand the risks associated with flying, the warning signs and the strategies and
tactics for avoidance.
4 Avoid unsafe attitudes and behaviors.
4 Pre-plan your options thoroughly before flying to avoid undue stress should
something unexpected occur. (Ask yourself What If?)
4 Ensure you have sufficient recallable knowledge and experience, with an ability to
translate that knowledge and experience into good judgment.

Most accidents are in fact the result of a series of judgment errors, known as an error
chain. Recognizing the warning signs and making early safe judgments and decisions,
will result in the error chain being broken and a safe outcome.

Avoid this outcome -

break the error chain before it
is too late!
reau
rt Safety Bu
an Transpo
of Australi
Courtesy
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

2.3 Know When Not to Fly

Flying is not an activity you can undertake any time you please. It is dependent upon
your health, state of mind, qualifications, proficiency, weather, airplane capability,
external pressures etc. These are all risk factors that need to be assessed, and judgements
made as to whether the options available pose an unacceptable risk. If they do, the flight
should be either postponed or cancelled.

Using the acronym IM SAFE is a recognized way of checking your health.

I Illness Do I have any symptoms?
M Medication Have I been taking prescription or over the
counter medications?
S Stress Am I under pressure or unduly worried?
A Alcohol Do I comply with regulatory alcohol and drug restrictions?
F Fatigue Am I tired and not adequately rested?
E Eating Am I adequately nourished and hydrated?

The use of a Personal Minimums Checklist provides the light aircraft pilot with a useful
framework for carrying out a preflight risk assessment.

Remember When in doubt, wait it out.

Never exceed your

personal minimums.
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

Be Thoroughly Prepared
3

3.1 Have Sufficient Flying Knowledge

Adequate recallable knowledge of all relevant (and potentially relevant) elements of a

particular flight is an important pre-requisite to safe flying. Limitations in the knowledge
required for a particular flight can result in inappropriate decisions, incorrect actions, dis-
tractions and additional stress. A pilot needs:

4 Self knowledge (e.g. health, behavioral characteristics).

4 Airplane knowledge (e.g. systems, performance, limitations, normal operating
procedures, avionics, emergency procedures).
4 Operational knowledge (e.g. operational procedures, regulations, weather, risk
avoidance strategies).

A lack of knowledge has been demonstrated to be a contributing factor in many aviation

accidents. However, knowledge on its own is not enough for safe flight. It must be
coupled with skills, proficiency and experience.

The broader your knowledge, the better your chances are of making safe judgements and
decisions in the required time frame. Note, that your knowledge must be refreshed from
time to time with preflight planning offering an excellent opportunity to review your
knowledge needs.
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Courtesy of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau
(Original concept Aviation Safety Digest)

requirements Chec
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 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

3.2 Be Proficient

In order to fly an airplane safely, you must be proficient at carrying out all the required
tasks. Proficiency requirements depend on the complexity of the airplane and demands
of the flight. When a pilots proficiency does not meet the needs, or potential needs (e.g.
an emergency), of the flight there is an increased likelihood of making errors, that in turn
could lead to an increased level of risk.

Note that proficiency requires:

4 Experience (on type).

4 Currency (recent experience on type).
4 Flying knowledge.
4 Flying skills.

No matter what the nature of your flying might be, the mandatory recent experience
requirements may not be sufficient to always maintain your proficiency. Therefore you
should:

4 Realistically assess your proficiency. (If necessary, get a check flight.)

4 Ensure you have sufficient, relevant and recallable flying knowledge.
4 Have a recurrent training program that matches the needs of your flying
(e.g. flying with an instructor, using a PCATD, flying dual).

Proficiency, requires skills to

be practised
regularly.
s
ulation
ite Sim
y of El
Courtes
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

3.3 Thoroughly Plan a Flight

Preflight planning is one of the major safeguards against avoidable errors. It provides the
basis for safe flight, and should never be underestimated.

Preflight planning involves gathering information, evaluating that information and making
a series of judgments and decisions about the priorities, objectives and requirements of
the flight. It includes making a rational assessment of the risks of all relevant options and
making certain that the decisions reflect safety as the number one objective of the flight.

In particular:

4 Allow adequate time.

4 Provide adequate margins.
4 Go through the entire flight in your mind.
4 Anticipate and pre-plan as many aspects of the flight as you can before leaving
the ground. (Ask What if?)
4 Apply risk avoidance strategies as necessary.

Preflight planning isssues to consider:

The Pilot 4 Personal preparedness/readiness.

4 Proficiency.
4 Knowledge.
4 Avoidance of potential hazards.
4 Personal minimums.

The Airplane 4 Fuel.

4 Airplane serviceability.
4 Weight and balance.
4 Emergency equipment.
4 Personal equipment.

The Environment 4 Weather.

4 Departure.
4 En-route.
4 Destination(s).

External Pressures 4 Pressure from others.

4 Deadlines.
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

3.4 Thoroughly Inspect the Airplane

The importance of a thorough preflight airplane inspection cannot be overemphasized.

A cursory and hurried inspection is of little value. You need to know why a particular
item is being checked so that you are actually looking for discrepancies, rather than just
going through the motions.

When inspecting an airplane (using the checklist from the Flight Manual), ensure you are
familiar with all the airplane features (e.g. know where all the fuel drain points are located
and the correct procedure for checking them). In addition:

4 Be prepared to cancel or delay the flight if an unacceptable discrepancy is found.

4 Never take another persons word that the airplane is ready and/or has been refueled.
4 Use your senses to identify possible problems.
4 Anticipate what type of problem may be encountered.
4 Take your time.

Check everything that

should be checked!
Deth on van
Courtesy of Ant
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

3.5 Be Mentally Prepared

Flying is not always predictable and things often need to be done with little delay. You
therefore need to be mentally prepared for the expected as well as the unexpected.

Being mentally prepared for changes and possible emergencies, and knowing how to deal
with them, avoids becoming stressed and making errors. In other words, you are mentally
prepared to accept that such events are possible, you have the willingness to act and have
the ability to achieve a safe outcome.

Variables outside the control of the pilot, that may impact on the flight:

4 Routing change by ATC. 4 Need for a diversion.

4 Traffic. 4 Lowering cloud base.
4 Cross wind. 4 Need for a go around.
4 Weather different from that forecast. 4 Vacuum pump failure.
4 Setting sun, impairing vision. 4 Electrical failure.
4 Landmarks different from that 4 Smoke in the cabin.
anticipated. 4 Obstacles on runway.
4 Loss of RAIM. 4 Higher than expected fuel consumption.
4 Turbulence. 4 Airframe icing.
4 Wind drift. 4 Engine-driven fuel pump failure.
4 Drift of the Heading Indicator. 4 Autopilot malfunction.
4 Carburetor icing. 4 Fogged up windshield.
4 Altitude drift. 4 Low oil pressure.
(unless on altitude hold autopilot) 4 High oil temperature.
4 Approach too high. 4 High CHT.
4 Un-forecast change in the weather. 4 Exhaust gas smell in cabin.
4 Engine roughness. 4 GPS failure.
4 Engine failure. 4 Unannounced traffic.
4 Communications failure. 4 Unexpected communication from ATC.
4 Malfunctioning instrument.
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

Avoid Cockpit Errors

4

4.1 Have a Disciplined Approach to Checks

Checks provide a structured means of breaking a possible error chain at the earliest
opportunity. They take two basic forms formal and informal checks. Formal checks,
by way of checklists, are designed to provide the safety margin needed to counter the
human tendency of overlooking a vital action or detection of a fault, when distracted,
under pressure or simply complacent. In addition, a pilots memory is not always perfect.
Informal checks, on the other hand, are carried out on an as needs basis and involves
ascertaining the correctness of an action, checking the perception or understanding of an
issue, or checking the settings or functionality of a system.

For single pilot operation, written checklists should be used for all ground operations
with in-flight checks committed to memory, and recollected using acronyms if necessary.

When using checklists, it is important not to simply go through the motions, but to
actually understand the purpose behind the check and its relevance to safety.

Checklist methodology varies, but whatever is used, the key thing is to do them, and do
them correctly.

Use checklists.
Hayter
y of Bob
Courtes
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

4.2 Stay Ahead of the Airplane

A high workload, or an unexpected event during a flight, can lead to stress, mistakes
and loss of situational awareness. One way of reducing these possibilities is to always be
thinking and planning actions ahead of when they are needed. That is, staying ahead of
the airplane. For example:

4 Think and plan ahead while flying.

4 Always be on the lookout for warning signs.
4 Schedule work so as to even out the workload.
4 Know how to use the equipment.
4 Avoid distractions.

Staying ahead of the airplane smooths out the workload, avoids cockpit overload and
reduces the risk of losing situational awareness. The key is to use your spare time to think
ahead, plan ahead and visualize your next situation.

Stay one step ahead of the

airplane.
k EAA
Jim Koepnic
Courtesy of
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

4.3 Avoid Distractions

Distractions can cause actions or responses to be missed, with potentially dangerous con-
sequences. Diverted attention is particularly likely when the pilot is under time pressure
or stress. Even a minor abnormality under these circumstances may distract a pilot from
other aspects of the flight.

Distractions can be avoided (or at least minimized) by:

4 Keeping your mind on flying.

4 Staying ahead of the airplane.
4 Using checklists.
4 Being systematic and methodical.
4 Avoiding focusing on one task to the detriment of other tasks.

Note that not all distractions and interruptions can be avoided and it is therefore
important to be able to recognize when you are vulnerable. Treat all distractions and
interruptions as a warning signal.

Avoiding distractions requires discipline and constant attentiveness.

Keep your mind on flying.

Courtesy of John Riley
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

4.4 Avoid Communication Breakdown

While most miscommunication does not lead to serious consequences, it is an ever-pre-

sent risk. Constant attention is therefore required.

Ways to avoid communication breakdown, include:

4 Know how to use the communication equipment.

4 Say Again if in doubt.
4 Listen and think before speaking.
4 Avoid making assumptions.
4 Use the correct frequency.
4 Ensure the transmit switch is on the correct radio.
4 Ask for clarification if unclear (e.g. an apparently unusual instruction from ATC).

Switches correct?

Courtesy of Bendix-King

Frequency correct?
Courtesy of Icom (Australia) Pty Ltd
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

4.5 Maintain Situational Awareness

Situational awareness is always being aware of where you are (such as position, terrain
features, location of airfields), what is happening with the airplane (such as fuel
consumption, engine operation, altitude, heading) and what is going on around you (such
as weather, traffic, ATC requirements). Loss of situational awareness can lead to a series
of poor or flawed judgments and decisions, the outcome of which is an increase in the
level of risk and the possibility of an accident.

Ways to avoid loss of situational awareness include:

4 Always maintain a state of vigilance.

4 Be prepared for unplanned events.
4 Use standardized procedures.
4 Limit head down work.
4 Avoid focusing on the detail at the expense of the broader picture.
4 Stay ahead of the airplane and avoid distractions.

Always maintain your

vigilance!
letter
n Safety News
Canada Aviatio
the Transport esy of
Original Court
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

Avoid or Manage Potential Hazards

5

5.1 Avoid Fuel Mismanagement

Fuel starvation (engine stoppage due to fuel interruption when there is still fuel available)
and fuel exhaustion (engine stoppage due to depletion of all available fuel), are the major
causes of engine stoppage, often with fatal results. Most of the causes of fuel starvation or
exhaustion are the result of pilot mismanagement and are therefore readily preventable.

4 Ensure you have a sound understanding of the particular airplane fuel system and
the fuel related performance parameters.
4 Carefully carry out preflight fuel planning using fuel consumption data appropriate
to the planned flight.
4 Conduct a thorough preflight fuel check and inspection (including dipping the tanks
and ensuring the caps are replaced correctly).
4 Have a systematic and disciplined approach to in-flight fuel management.
4 Follow acknowledged safe fuel management practices.

Always take a conservative approach with regard to fuel and never take short cuts. Fuel
exhaustion and starvation can be deadly.

Dont take unnecessary risks.

Jane Vandeth
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

5.2 Avoid or Manage Weather Hazards

Flight into adverse weather conditions continues to be a major cause of airplane

accidents. This does not mean that a pilot should avoid flying every time there is the
likelihood of less than perfect weather. However, it does mean that pilots must assess and
manage the risk.

4 Have a basic knowledge and understanding of meteorology.

4 Use all the resources and help at your disposal.
4 Assume that, in all likelihood, the weather will be different from that forecast.
4 Make safe judgments and decisions about the flight based on an assessment of the
weather as it relates to the capability of the airplane, the capability of the pilot and
the options available.
4 Recognize the hazardous weather warning signs and know the avoidance strategies
and tactics.
4 Take timely action to avoid hazardous weather conditions.
4 Know what action to take should hazardous weather be encountered.

Avoiding or, if necessary handling weather hazards, requires knowledge, experience,

preparation and judgment.

Some weather should be

avoided!
Meteorology of
ent, Bureau
alian Governm
y Davis, Austr
Picture : Ton
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

5.3 Avoid Carburetor Icing

Carburetor icing is a well-known phenomenon but continues to be the probable cause

of a number of accidents or incidents involving engine power loss. Carburetor icing
occurs in conventional float type carburetors, and to a lesser extent in pressure jet type
carburetors. It is not an issue with fuel-injected engines. Some reciprocating engines are
more prone to carburetor icing than others; depending on the level of radiant heat and
the type of carburetor.

Prevention of carburetor icing is straightforward, by being aware of the probability of

its occurrence (charts are widely published) and through the use of carburetor heat in
accordance with the Flight Manual.
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

5.4 Minimize Takeoff and Landing Risks

Statistics worldwide show that a large proportion of light airplane accidents occur during
the takeoff, approach and landing phases of a flight. Most are due to lack of proficiency
and poor judgment, with macho attitudes such as ego and loss of face also playing a part.

Takeoff and landing risks can be minimized by:

4 Adequately assessing the performance of the airplane to ensure that the available
runway distance is sufficient and that the required climb gradients can be achieved.
4 Ensuring you have a thorough understanding of the risk factors or variables that
affect takeoff and landing performance and applying appropriate safety factors to
cater for unknowns.
4 Never flying an overloaded or out of balance airplane
(no matter how small the margin).
4 Having procedures in place that ensure you dont forget to lower the landing gear
(retractable gear aircraft).
4 Carefully assessing the suitability of bush airstrips.

A well-known rule of thumb for takeoff is to note the halfway point of the runway and
if you have not achieved lift off speed by that point, abort the takeoff. When landing, if
there is any doubt about making a safe touchdown, take the airplane around it is one of
the best accident avoidance procedures available. Always take into account the go-round
climb capability of the airplane and the nature of the obstacles at the end of the runway,
when determining the landing distance required.

Carefully assess takeoff and

landing
lengths.
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

5.5 Guard Against Illusions

Many of the decisions we make in the cockpit result from what we see and what we sense.
However, what we see and what we sense may not always be correct, as the result of
various forms of illusions. These illusions can be categorized as spatial disorientation and
landing errors.

The most well known spatial disorientation illusion occurs when a non-instrument
proficient pilot inadvertently flies into cloud and becomes disoriented, due to vision
being unable to counter the signals from the inner ear. If you are not instrument
qualified, ensure that you never get yourself caught in cloud by:

4 Careful preflight planning.

4 Recognition and avoidance of deteriorating weather and not taking a chance that
the weather will improve.
4 Avoiding Get-there-itis.
4 Not letting ego get in the way of a safe decision.

Landing errors can result from visual illusions that can lead to false, and conflicting,
perceptions during the landing phases of a flight. The nature of these illusions is such
that it is unlikely that a pilot will be able to recognize every illusion, nor the extent of that
illusion. The key to countering such illusions is to be aware of when they can occur, fly a
standard circuit and cross check visual cues with the instruments.

Below is a common visual illusion that can result in a landing error.

Courtesy of Flight Safety Australia
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

5.6 Minimize the Risk of a Mid-Air Collision

While mid-air collisions are not common, they do occur, and near misses happen more
often than we might imagine. It is the responsibility of the pilot to see and avoid and
therefore, collision avoidance requires constant vigilance and an effective scan pattern.
However, the eye has a number of limitations, and therefore, a pilot needs to use every
avoidance measure that is at his or her disposal. These include:

4 Looking frequently, using an effective scan pattern.

4 Being aware of high-risk environments.
4 Managing the cockpit activities so as to minimize the risk of not detecting another
airplane and/or of not being detected yourself (e.g. minimize head down work).
4 Communicating (when required) and listening to the radio (if you have one).
4 Following established procedures and regulations.
4 Utilizing anti-collision equipment (where fitted).

Being vigilant and aware of the full range of anti-collision strategies and tactics will result
in the risk of a mid-air collision being minimized.

Be on the lookout!
alia
Safety Austr
Flight
Courtesy of
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

5.7 Avoid Engine Failure

Engine failure due to mechanical malfunction remains a relatively rare event, although it
does occur. Reciprocating engine reliability depends on proper maintenance, and pilots
operating the engine within the specified parameters and limitations. Furthermore,
engines usually provide early warning of a possible problem, and pilot awareness of
abnormal indications can readily avoid a serious situation from developing. A pilot can
therefore do a great deal to minimize the probability of engine failure by:

4 During the preflight inspection, looking for signs of possible engine problems
(e.g. oil leaks, fuel smell, layer of black soot in exhaust pipe).
4 Operating the engine in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
4 Monitoring the engines condition (it usually gives some warning signs if a
problem is developing).

Note that not all engines are identical and pilots need to understand the differences in
terms of engine management.

Take care of your engine.

iation (USA)
ft Owners and Pilots Assoc
Photo by Mike Fizer, Aircra
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

5.8 Avoid Health Risks

All pilots have a responsibility to ensure they satisfy the mandatory health requirements
laid down by the regulatory authorities. However, in addition, pilots should be aware
of the many temporary health conditions that can impair their ability to fly, so that
unnecessary risks are not taken.

Illness, injury, surgical procedures and over the counter and prescribed medication can,
in most cases, have serious flying safety implications. A careful assessment must be made
before making a decision to fly. If in doubt consult your Aviation Medical Examiner.

Pilots should also be aware of the circumstances that result in the following and their
prevention strategies:

4 Dehydration.
4 Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
4 Aviation and general life stress.
4 Fatigue.
4 Hypoxia.

Applying the acronym IM SAFE is an effective way of carrying out a check on your
level of fitness.

Fatigue - the insidious killer.

Safety Newsletter n
Courtesy of Transport Canada Aviatio
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

5.9 Be Able to Handle Emergency Situations

Emergencies such as an engine failure, an electrical failure or even a precautionary landing,

are not everyday occurrences. Hence our readiness for these situations is questionable
unless we avoid it will never happen to me mindset, and regularly learn and practise
simulated events. A pilots ability to survive an emergency depends upon training,
knowledge, skill and, the ability to properly analyze the situation and act appropriately.
In particular:

4 Always be ready for an emergency.

4 Accept the emergency situation and act without delay. Dont let your mind
become paralyzed.
4 Use a systematic problem solving procedure.
4 Maintain composure and avoid panic.

Always remember that emergencies can potentially occur, and therefore ensure you are
adequately prepared.

Know what to do in case of

an instrument failure.
an Flying)
of Australi
courtesy age
riginal im
stralia (O
Safety Au
of Flight
Courtesy
 The Concise Guide to Safe Flying

A Final Comment
6
Most pilots believe they are safe pilots. Yet accidents continue to occur for reasons that
are all too familiar, with pilot error being the primary cause. It would seem that the pilots
involved were either not aware of the strategies and tactics for avoiding pilot error, or
simply chose to ignore them.

This booklet is an attempt to highlight the fundamentals of safe flight and should remind
pilots that there is much to know about avoiding the pitfalls that have trapped many
pilots over the years. Recognizing a shortfall in knowledge should prompt pilots to look
further and study the many safety publications in existence.

As Bob Merrick said in his review of A Pilots Guide to Safe Flying, (COPA Flight,
February 2005), Its a thoughtful thorough prescription aimed at accident reduction; one
that will help all pilots become better than they already think they are.
Like to know more?
A Pilots Guide to Safe Flying
This internationally acclaimed manual is essential reading for
pilots who want to avoid the pitfalls that have trapped others.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia thought so

highly of this publication that they are providing a copy to
every new student pilot.

The book covers almost every topic about safe flying and
provides an extremely useful framework for gaining and maintaining knowledge in this
important area.

Easy to read and focusing on the facts a pilot really needs, this book will help all pilots in
avoiding situations that can potentially impair the safety of a flight.

Read what the experts are saying:

Its a thoughtful, thorough prescription aimed at accident reduction; one

that will help all pilots become better than they already think they are!
COPA Flight. February 2005.

This book is a veritable goldmine of useful information. An excellent

book.
Todays Pilot. Key Publishing (UK), February 2004.

A wonderful compendium of essential advice to the pilot who seeks

enjoyment as well as a solid grounding in safe flying.
Russell Kelly - Deputy Chairman, Aviation Safety Foundation Australia.

I have just finished this book - excellent. I prefer the informative outline
format used. This makes the book a valuable reference for the pilot to read,
and then return to again and again.
Bill Gunn - Director of Systems and Training, Texas Department of Transport.

This book is excellent. It belongs on every pilots bookshelf.

Howard Fried - Aviation author and 40,000 hour pilot.

I plan to keep it (the book) forever by my desk; it strikes me as really

inexpensive life insurance.
Rusty Sachs Executive Director, US National Association of Flight Instructors.

For more information visit www.mcove.com

About the The Concise
Author Guide to Safe
Sander Vandeth is a
passionate advocate of
Flying
aviation safety.

With over 35 years

This practical booklet is perfect
flying experience in for GA, Sport and Recreational
both Canada and
Australia, he holds an
pilots to learn the fundamentals
instrument rating and of avoiding Get-there-itis and
is a member of the the other pitfalls that have trapped
Melbourne Aviation
Group. many pilots over the years.
This is his fourth book
and is designed to help
Take advantage of the wisdom
make safety easier to that has accumulated from
apply. nearly 80 years of accident
investigation, rather than
learning it from bitter experience!

Heres what the experts are saying about the

book that The Concise Guide to Safe Flying
is based on: A Pilots Guide to Safe Flying.

AOPA ASF
AOPA Air Safety Foundation
This book is one of the most complete
references available on almost any
aspect of general aviation safety.

NAFI
National Association of Flight Instructors
I plan to keep it (the book) forever by my desk;
it strikes me as really inexpensive life insurance.
About the Author

Sander Vandeth is a
passionate advocate
of aviation safety.

With over 35 years

flying experience in
both Canada and
Australia, he holds
an instrument rating
and is a member of What the experts are saying about:
the Melbourne A Pilot's Guide to Safe Flying.
Aviation Group.
AOPA - Air Safety Foundation
This is his "This book is one of the most complete
fourth book and is references available on almost any aspect
designed to help of general aviation safety."
make safety easier
to apply. National Assoc. of Flight Instructors
"I plan to keep it (the book) forever by my
desk; it strikes me as really inexpensive life
insurance

Now Take 20% off !

step 1: Go back to our bookstore catalog.

step 2: Find and order A Pilots Guide To

Safe Flying in the Flying Skills -
Flight Safety section.

step 3: Enter Safe Flying in the coupon

box on the checkout page.

Or order by phone: 1 800 780-4115