IT MIGHT NOT BE YOURS, BUT ...... (TOPIC OF THE MONTH FOR JULY)

(Acknowledgements: Chris Tarbell; AIR FACTS)

Not strictly safety, but worth mentioning as a reminder anyway!

“Many of us who fly don’t have our own planes. We fly planes that belong to share groups, FBOs, or flying clubs. When we’re paying by the hour, it’s easy to cut corners, be a little careless, or not bother with something that we would never omit to do on our own airplane. However, if we treat the rental plane as our own, every renter or club member benefits. Examples:

·  BE GENTLE

One day, while I was waiting to fly, I watched as a ham-fisted pilot gunned the throttle and swung the Skyhawk out of its parking spot, carrying much more throttle than was needed, and without allowing much time for the engine to warm up. Be gentle! For many of us, these planes are older than we are! Take your time and play nice. It keeps things from breaking, and thus keeps the plane out of the repair shop.

·  THE SCHEDULE

Make sure you check the airplane’s usage timetable properly before you fly. I have been guilty of once taking an airplane for a cross country while someone else had a lesson scheduled! Always check the schedule.

·  THE “DE-FLIGHT”

After you fly, be sure to leave the airplane in good shape. Close the vents to keep insects out of the cockpit, make sure the master switch is off, lock the controls, put the appropriate covers on, make sure you don’t leave any trash in the cockpit, and tie it down. Little things make a big difference for the next person. Leave it the way you would want to find it.

In short, if we all treat the rental plane and our fellow pilots with respect, we’ll all be flying in a better place. None of the items I mentioned take that much time or trouble, and people do notice”.

FLY SAFE!