In Aviation, thoroughness is vital and good preparation essential. The old saying by pilots is “It is better to be on the ground wishing you were flying, rather than being in the air wishing you were on the ground”. Preparation is making sure you have taken every precaution to ensure a safe flight. This starts with your self and self discipline. There are many do’s and don’ts some legal and some just common sense yet every year some one flies a plane into a hill. It is truly amazing how many solid hills seem to move into the path of a plane!

 

There are four main elements to preparation:

The Pilot

The pilot must be fit, if suffering from a severe cold do not fly. If  tired do not fly. If  injured do not fly. Avoid alcohol 48 hours prior to flight. Only fly if you are fit in accordance with your licence medical requirements. Ensure your licence is valid for the aircraft you are going to fly. Ensure your licence is valid for the weather conditions of the day. Ensure you are current on the type.

The Plane

All flights start with a thorough check of the plane called the Pre flight check. The pilot checks everything before starting the engine including the paperwork. All checks are done by following a check list. Further checks of the engine and systems prior to take off are also required. Running out of fuel can be embarrassing so it is wise to check you have enough before leaping into the sky.

Always make sure you have adequate reserves of fuel. Use the correct fuel. Remember, American gallons are not the same as imperial gallons. When re-fuelling it is the pilot’s responsibility to check the correct amount of fuel is put in the tank.

The Weather

The unpredictable element. The best forecast in the world can be wrong so the pilot must use his eyes and learn to trust his own judgement. As with sailing, experience is required to learn about weather. Weather can change quickly so watch it all the time. Good pilots study the weather all the time even when not flying. Always make sure you have a margin of safety.

Things to watch out for  are fog and cloud can change very quickly and wind direction in costal airfields, due to land and sea breezes which can lead to severe wind shear, severe downdrafts in mountainous regions turbulence near large clouds like Cumulonimbus and landing in rain or heavy showers.

The Legalities

Check for restrictions and any changes in the rules. Make sure the flight is a legal one. Be aware of the following:

• Danger Areas – opening and closing times- safe or not safe to over fly when closed
• Temporary areas for air displays – special flights- unusual restrictions
• Private airfields not always marked on the map- gliding sites-kite flying
• High intensity radio areas – these can be very dangerous
• Bird and animal protection areas
• Low flying and aerobatics – be safe do not show off like an idiot
• Licence, medical and flight checks all current.
• Glasses, do not forget the second pair.