Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
An emergency can be declared with ATC in cases of distress or urgency when a pilot feels unsure about the flight's safety. Distress includes immediate threats like engine failure, while urgency involves less critical concerns, such as low fuel or deteriorating weather. Communicating with ATC promptly can provide vital support and resources.
The discussion addresses the use of aircraft lights during daytime for new pilots. It outlines standard operating procedures for external lighting, including when to turn on navigation, beacon, taxi, and landing lights. The author shares personal experiences and preferences, emphasizing visibility and safety while cautioning against unnecessary current draw and drag.
In this article Mike talks about reliability-centred maintenance (RCM) and how maintenance programs were developed for high levels of safety and performance. He points out that RCM is performed in all segments of aviation except the lower end community of General Aviation (think Cessna, Pipers, etc) versus the corporate business sector of GA.
Tom Turner offers advice for achieving smoother landings, emphasizing that a successful landing stems from a good approach. Key elements include maintaining correct speed, proper configuration, and glide-path. Pilots should focus on the runway's far end, adjust control inputs accordingly, and hold back pressure during landing to ensure accuracy and smoothness.
Inbound pilots should avoid making the call "any traffic please advise" on the CTAF, as it is not a recognized phrase and can block vital communications. This call may flood the frequency with responses, reducing safety instead of improving it. Instead, monitoring the CTAF for proper announcements is advised for situational awareness.
On August 26, 2004, a Piper Cherokee crashed during a night VFR flight due to adverse weather, resulting in the pilot's fatal injuries. The pilot's friend, unaware of SAR notification requirements, failed to act when the pilot became overdue. This situation highlights the importance of properly briefed flight itinerary responsible persons to prevent delays in search and rescue operations.
The author reflects on the inefficiency of Transport Canada (TC) initially, but later praises their improved responsiveness and organization after personal experiences. Through persistence, the author successfully navigates regulatory hurdles and eventually establishes an ultralight training school, fulfilling a community need for more instructors and pilots. A dream transformed into reality.
April was a remarkable month for flying, with 18 hours logged, despite missing the Sun n Fun 2015 due to work. Concerns about declining club membership and the need for more ultralight instructors were discussed. The low salaries of junior pilots remain troubling, highlighting issues within aviation that need addressing.
The author recounts their initial unfamiliarity with gyroplanes and researching them after an employee's suggestion to use autonomous air vehicles for laser scanning. They express concerns about safety before discovering ArrowCopter's AC20, which emphasizes safety with its unique design. A firsthand experience in an AC20 flight proves enlightening and alters their perception of gyroplanes.
The summer season is thriving with various events, including fly-in breakfasts, the Arlington air show, and upcoming ones like Oshkosh and the Lethbridge air show on July 23-24. A tower tour at Springbank is scheduled for August 11. Although regular meetings are paused, members are encouraged to visit flying fields.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 