T
RAINING
M
ANUAL
–
L
ANCAIR
IV/IVP
refresh themselves regularly on the important information contained in the
advisory documents.
In addition to the government literature, the General Aviation industry
information available to the General Aviation Pilot is prodigious. There are
many publications, organizations, clubs and other activities that publish
information related to safe prudent flying. For example, although there are
only about 600,000 pilots in the United States, over 400,000 people belong to
the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). AOPA publishes monthly
magazines and electronic or “e” magazines for its members containing a
wealth of information on safe aircraft operating and flying techniques. There
are also “type clubs” for owner/operators of various aircraft like the aircraft
involved in this accident. All of these clubs and associations encourage and
foster good safe operating practices.
General Aviation flying as a hobby is not without risk. However, that risk can
be managed to a safe and acceptable level by adhering to good safe
operating practices found in the body of information that has been developed
over the last 100 years of powered flight. When a pilot disregards or chooses
to ignore the government and industry recommendations, the risk of having
an accident rises greatly.
Unfortunately, when there is an aviation accident, it is sometimes discovered
that the Pilot in Command has strayed from the standard of care by failing to
abide by prudent operating practices that he or she was taught. The reasons
for this are varied. Some pilots, by nature, do not believe that the regulations
apply to them—they intentionally violate or disregard the regulations. Some
other pilots may have forgotten what good prudent practices are and have
failed to maintain their knowledge to an acceptable level and have an
unintentional slip or lapse. Other pilots have let their aeronautical skills
deteriorate to a dangerous level—often without the realization they are no
longer a “safe” pilot. Flying skills are very perishable skills that need constant
practice and exercise. Skill and knowledge are the two cornerstones of what it
takes to be a good safe pilot. It takes practice and study to maintain these two
qualities.
There have been over 157 Lancair accidents with 71 fatalities in Lancairs
since the first on August 1, 1989 at Oshkosh when a Lancair 235 was lost
with two fatalities.
‐
5
–
©
Copyright
2007
LOBO
May
not
be
copied
without
permission.
