WELCOME


READING THE WEATHER – A PILOT’S GUIDE


I


am delighted to be able to introduce this edition of Clued Up, my first since taking over from Tony Rapson as Head of the General Aviation Unit at the CAA. I hope to build on the great work Tony and his team have achieved over recent years and would really appreciate your feedback on anything safety related. Whatever season you fly, the single most important part of your pre-flight routine should be a thorough weather check. Subjected as we are in the UK to some of the most changeable weather in the world, we need to take the elements very seriously indeed. We are lucky in this edition to have some expert advice from Derrick Ryall, Head of the Public Weather Service at the Met Office - and a GA pilot of 20 years. Read Derrick’s fascinating insights from page 20. Also in this edition, we look at tips to make flying with navigation apps more enjoyable and relaxing, and the pros and cons of flying in the dark and getting a night rating.


Flying in Class G airspace requires minimal interaction with air traffic


services, but when you do need to request a service, are you fully aware of what you will get? Ten years after a shake-up to ‘air traffic services outside controlled airspace’ there are indications that some pilots can be confused about the provision of services available. We shed some light on the situation on page 18.


Safety improves by learning from the past. A recent report from the Air


Accidents Investigation Branch identifies trim runaway as the likely cause of a fatal accident involving a PA-31. On page14 we therefore look in detail at handling pitch control problems and particularly how to disengage an electric trim. Finally, if you haven’t already done so, download the latest version of the Skyway Code. It is packed with information and advice to help you stay safe whatever you fly – you can download it at caa.co.uk/skywaycode


Safe Flying.


Rachel Gardner-Poole Head of the General Aviation Unit, Civil Aviation Authority


To keep up to date on all airspace safety issues, follow @airspacesafety on Twitter. General Aviation Unit – ga@caa.co.uk, caa.co.uk/skywise. Safety Regulation Group – CAA, Aviation House, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex RH6 0YR. web: caa.co.uk


SUMMER 2019 CLUED UP 3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40