Page 33 - Volume 16 Number 4

Pilots N Paws
is an online meeting
place for pilots and
other volunteers

SIMPLE AS 1-2-3
Pilots N Paws
www.pilotsnpaws.org
WHY JOIN THE PILOTS N PAWS NETWORK?

1.
4/C
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vs. yellow arc vs. red arc) or how many foot-pounds of force the flap motor uses to extend lift devices, or how many screws hold a particular access panel to the airframe...that World War II, military model isn’t nearly as relevant as knowing what normal looks like, what abnormal looks like, and what capability you have remaining in an abnormal situation. That’s the level of systems knowledge that will keep you, your passengers, and the people you fly over safe.
A safe and well-trained pilot can answer all seven questions about every system on board the airplane. A pilot in our case study should confidently state: “My electrical system is acting up. Therefore my flaps and landing gear won’t work normally. I can’t do anything about the flaps, so I’ll execute a zero- flap landing, which I’ve practiced recently for just such an occurrence. I can, however, manually crank down the landing gear. This will take some time, so I’ll do it on the way to my home airport, so it will be down and locked before I enter the pattern.” You need that level of knowledge and confidence in the airplane you’re flying.
If you’re flying a light twin you may have never before been exposed to this type of systems instruction. You can learn a lot just by studying four sections of your Pilot’s Operating Handbook: Limitations, Normal Procedures, Emergency/ Abnormal Procedures and (often overlooked) Systems Description. Include the corresponding sections of all POH supplements for optional and aftermarket equipment. Then seek out some expert, type-specific training if it’s available. Being able to confidently answer the seven questions about each system in your airplane will make you far better able to respond to inflight outages and emergencies. It will also do much to prepare you for an ATP checkride or moving even farther up into turbine equipment if either, or both, are in your future. T&T
APRIL 2012
TWIN & TURBINE 31
Thomas P. Turner is an ATP/ CFII/MEI, holds a Masters Degree in Aviation Safety, and was the 2010 National FAA Safety Team Representa-
tive of Tom’s Weekly
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