Safety message While pilots conduct a pre-flight inspection of their aircraft to determine airworthiness, this accident highlights the importance of pilots also assessing their own wellbeing. Tools such as the FRAT form (Figure 2), the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) (United States) safe checklist’ ‘I’m (Figure 3), and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) personal minimums checklists allows pilots to determine if they are physically and mentally prepared, and if the operating conditions are suitable for the conduct of the flight. Figure 3: I’m Safe Checklist Source: Federal Aviation Administration The following provide additional information on these tools: Flight risk assessment tool: I’m Safe Checklist: CASA personal minimums checklists: The effect of sun-glare when relying on visual cues is an important consideration for all pilots. The FAA has conducted research into sunlight and its association with aviation accidents. This research found that: 85 per cent of accidents where glare from natural sunlight was considered among the reasons for the accident occurred in clear weather and optimal visual conditions. 55 per cent were during the approach/landing and take-off/departure phase of the flight. The report suggests a number of preventative techniques to reduce the effects of sun glare including wearing sunglasses, using the aircraft’s sun visor or a brimmed hat to shield the pilot’s eyes from exposure to glare. The research report is available at: General details Occurrence details Date and time: 11 October 2013 1700 WST – Occurrence category: Accident Primary occurrence type: Hard landing Location: Merredin (ALA), Western Australia Latitude: 31° 31.37' S Longitude: 118° 19.82' E Aircraft details Manufacturer and model: Grob G-115C2 Registration: VH-ZIV Serial number: 82081/C2 Type of operation: Flying training - solo
Safety message While pilots conduct a pre-flight inspection of their aircraft to determine airworthiness, this accident highlights the importance of pilots also assessing their own wellbeing. Tools such as the FRAT form (Figure 2), the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) (United States) ‘I’m safe checklist’ (Figure 3), and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) personal minimums checklists allows pilots to determine if they are physically and mentally prepared, and if the operating conditions are suitable for the conduct of the flight. Figure 3: I’m Safe Checklist Source: Federal Aviation Administration The following provide additional information on these tools: Flight risk assessment tool: I’m Safe Checklist: CASA personal minimums checklists: The effect of sun-glare when relying on visual cues is an important consideration for all pilots. The FAA has conducted research into sunlight and its association with aviation accidents. This research found that: 85 per cent of accidents where glare from natural sunlight was considered among the reasons for the accident occurred in clear weather and optimal visual conditions. 55 per cent were during the approach/landing and take-off/departure phase of the flight. The report suggests a number of preventative techniques to reduce the effects of sun glare including wearing sunglasses, using the aircraft’s sun visor or a brimmed hat to shield the pilot’s eyes from exposure to glare. The research report is available at: General details Occurrence details Date and time: 11 October 2013 – 1700 WST Occurrence category: Accident Primary occurrence type: Hard landing Location: Merredin (ALA), Western Australia Latitude: 31° 31.37' S Longitude: 118° 19.82' E Aircraft details Manufacturer and model: Grob G-115C2 Registration: VH-ZIV Serial number: 82081/C2 Type of operation: Flying training - solo
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