By Barbara Harper and Howard Deevers
The words safe and safety have not been used for long in industry as we find them used today. Now the words seem overused, or sometimes even mis-used. It seems that you can’t buy any product that does not come with some kind of “safety” warning on the label or printed on a paper that’s included with the product.
In 1970 the US Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, better known as “OSHA.” The goal of OSHA is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing safety standards as well as providing training, outreach, and education. Any business with 10 or more employees knows OSHA. Any accident in the workplace that results in a major injury or death will likely trigger an OSHA investigation.
Aviation Safety is the key element for flying. The FAA, NTSB, and others are there to promote safe operation in all aspects of aviation. The Airman Certification Standards (ACS) that replaced the Practical Test Standards (PTS) several years ago contain a “risk element” for each task. Anyone wanting to be a pilot, at any level, will be tested by an examiner and the risk element will be part of that “check ride.” Instructors are expected to teach “risk management” to applicants for any rating.
New applicants for a rating will quickly learn that aviation has many “'rules and regulations,” and they will become familiar with that two-pound book that we all call “the FAR/AIM.” The first part is the FAR, Federal Aviation Regulations. The second part is the AIM, Aeronautical Information Manual. The AIM is the easiest part to read and has many illustrations and explanations. If you want to be a safe pilot, the AIM is the place to go to for quick answers on the SAFE operation of any aircraft.
The vast airspace that we operate in has different rules for busy locations, such as Class A, B, C, and D airspace. The question is, why are pilots entering these airspaces without permission? Certainly, they were asked about those airspaces on a check ride. Flying IFR comes with even more rules and regulations designed to keep you, the pilot, and other pilots safe. Violation of these rules may require you to get extra training or, even more serious, you could lose your pilot privileges all together.
To better bolster our learning of aviation safety we listen to numerous webinars and lectures provided by the FAA and the FAASTeam. We also learn from Flight Reviews (also known as BFR) and Instrument Proficiencies provided by local flight instructors.
Here is a good quote: “Luck runs out, but safety is good for life.” (Author unknown)
Your ARIZONA PILOTS ASSOCIATION presents safety seminars all over the State, in association with the FAA, and FAASTeam. These are free. Check the web site for locations near you and don't forget to “bring your wingman.”