(Message from Sammy and Carlos HAC Flight Safety)

Dear HAC Membership,

We begin our Flight Safety update by hoping that everyone is safe and well and slowly returning to normality. As we return to normality we hope that flying at HAC forms part of it, and the below Flight Safety Update offers a few short but timely tips to stay safe!

Return to flying post-lockdown

For many of us a significant amount of time may have passed since we last flew in any capacity. It is vital that you re-familiarise yourself with your aircraft, airfield procedures and local area procedures. Don’t assume they are the same as before!

Face masks!

Face masks have been reported blowing across the airfield since returning to operations post-lockdown. When not in use ensure your face mask is stowed in a secure pocket. And it goes without saying, if you loose your face mask, report it!

Airspace congestion

As flying across the country increases post-lockdown, local airspace is likely to become busier. Ask for the appropriate level of service when contacting an Air Traffic Service Unit. If asking for a Basic Service why not ask for a Traffic Service? The worst they can say is no! As always however, there is no substitute for a good lookout!

Threat & Error management

Please take the time to re-familiarise yourself with the threat & error management concepts in place at Halton. If you are ensure ask your instructor. As we return to flying mistakes are likely to be made. Be open and honest and report them so others can learn from your mistakes. The just culture understands that no-one turns up to fly to get things wrong, and this understanding will be more important than ever.

Some useful resources

https://airspacesafety.com/ – The Airspace and Safety initiative is a joint CAA, NATS, AOA, GA and MoD initiative set up to tackle major safety risks in UK airspace. It is an excellent resource and provides easy to understand guides to UK Airpsace.

You can view the video below.

The latest edition of GA Voices provides tips for private pilots who are returning to flying after a longer than usual break.

Links to the  latest edition of the GASCo Flight Safety Extra are at the bottom of this news item.

Final thought for the day!

Ask yourself before flying, what is different about today?
As always, if you have any questions, ideas or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at safety@haltonaeroclub.co.uk

Kind regards,

Carlos & Sammy