AVAT11001: Course Outline 1.Aircraft and Terminology 2.Radio Communications 3.Structure, Propulsion, Fuel Systems 4.Electrical, Hydraulic Systems and Instruments 5.Air Law 6.Aerodynamics: Basics 7.Aerodynamics: Performance 8.Human Factors 9.Meteorology 10.Loading 11.Take-off and Landing Performance 12.Navigation

Stuff to read Required Reading: –BAK Chapter 8, pp –VFG SAFETY, pp

Pressure Effects As altitude increases, pressure and density decrease –The oxygen content becomes less, because there is simply less air around A lack of oxygen can cause mental difficulties (and eventually a lack of consciousness) –See Table 8-1 page 248 –Why does this table list “activity” levels? Hypoxia refers to a lack of oxygen –Be careful if you are anaemic or a smoker, you will feel the effects at lower altitudes

Pressure Effects 2 Barotrauma –Gases in you body will want to expand when pressure is decreased –If the gases can’t escape they will apply pressure to the tissues of the body This can be very painful The Eustachian tube helps equalize the pressure on either side of the ear drum –If the Eustachian tube becomes blocked (say due to a sinus infection) the ears cannot balance the pressure –This can be very painful and may even cause permanent damage

Pressure Effects 3 Decompression –Most divers understand the effects of decompression –Still, it is a good idea to make sure that you and your passengers have followed the rules Hyperventilation –This can be difficult to stop, once it has started. You must realize what is happening and consciously work to regulate your breathing

Carbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide poisoning is potentially fatal –In aircraft operations, it can lead to a fatal accident before reaching lethal levels Pay attention to the symptoms –See Page 251 for list of symptoms Take action if you suspect carbon monoxide in the cabin –See page 251 for list of actions to take

Health and Fitness You do not need to be an Olympic-calibre athlete to pilot an aircraft –However, the better your fitness level, the better prepared you will be to endure the rigors of flying –Eating a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended Do not try to fly when you are not healthy –Cold, flu, fever –Fatigued or sleep deprived –Dehydrated –Headache Pain or discomfort can cause you to be distracted and will endanger yourself and others

Health and Fitness 2 Take precautions to reduce the risk of illness when you plan on flying –Get plenty of rest –Stay hydrated –Watch what you eat Medication –Some types of medication should not be used when you fly –See list page 253 Deep Vein Thrombosis –Clots can form in the veins, especially in the lower legs –Try to stretch or exercise once an hour while flying

Vision Empty-Field Myopia –Your eyes will tend to focus at a rather short distance (about 2 meters) unless you actively engage them to look at something Blind Spot –Where the optic nerve attaches –Occasionally move you head to counteract the blind spot Scanning –Use a pattern to make sure you check all the important areas (both inside and outside the cockpit) and avoid focusing all your attention on any one thing –Focusing on different areas for short intervals is best –At night, be aware that peripheral vision is better than central vision

Visual Illusions You should be aware of the different types of visual illusions you may encounter as a pilot, and what to do to avoid being fooled by what your eyes tell you. –Relative Movement –Autokinesis –False Expectations –Environmental Perspective –Haze –Refraction –False Horizons –Estimating height from visual clues See Table 8-2 page 270 Also, be sure to protect you eyes –Safety glasses and sun glasses

Hearing Protect your ears from loud sounds and prolonged exposure to noise –Wear ear protection –Hear loss can be permanent The semicircular canals in the ear help provide balance –They do not always sense slow motions –Be careful to avoid “the leans”

Stress There are many factors that can create stress –Physical –Intellectual/Emotional Learn to manage stress through better preparation –See page 281 Do not fly if you know that you are too stressed to do a good job as a pilot

Safety Self Assessment –Be honest with yourself regarding your health and behaviour patterns Seeing and Avoiding –Be careful and thorough about scanning –Use the radio to help situational awareness Decision Making –Look objectively at situations –Err on the safe side

How to avoid… Mid-Air Collision –Look and Listen for other traffic –Keep the transponder on ALT Loss-of-Control in Cloud –Don’t enter cloud: turn early, keep horizon in view –Radio for assistance –Small control inputs –See VFG pp Loss-of-Control at night –Use the attitude indicator to keep the wings level –Gentle turns –Adjust cockpit lighting

How to avoid… Flight into terrain –Make an early decision to turn back if there is any doubt –Don’t look at the ground on the inside of the turn If you can’t see the horizon, look at your instruments Stall or Spin –Load aircraft properly (within weight and CG limits) –Climb at recommended speeds –Use shallow turns Low bank angles, especially near the ground Fuel Starvation/Contamination –Physically measure fuel before flight (don’t believe gauges) –Always do a fuel drain on each tank before flight –Record time against fuel consumption during flight

For next week… Required Reading: –BAK Chapter 7, pp –BAK Chapter 9, pp –VFG PLANNING, pp.53-82