This document discusses flight after a period of inactivity for pilots. It addresses currency and proficiency concerns when returning to flight after time away. Pilots should consider how long they have been inactive, the nature of their operations, and their experience level. Upon returning, pilots may need to refresh their knowledge by reviewing regulations and manuals since some aircraft panels and apps have been updated. They should also confirm their medical certification is still valid before their first flight.
Topic of the Month (14-04): Flight After a Period of Inactivity
1. Presented to: Pilots
By: The National FAASTeam & the
GAJSC (General Aviation Joint
Steering Committee)
Date: April 2014
Federal Aviation
AdministrationTopic of the Month
Flight After a
Period of Inactivity
2. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
Overview
• Currency & Proficiency
• In the air
• On the ground
• Maintaining the edge
2
3. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
Maybe it’s been a while
3
• How long is too long?
– How long you’ve
been away
– Nature of the
Operation
– How much
experience you have
4. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
Maybe it’s been a while
4
5. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
Maybe it’s been a while
5
6. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
How will I know?
6
7. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
There may be some bookwork
7
8. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
Panels have changed
8
9. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
9
Tablet Apps
10. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
10
Medically Fit?
https:medxpress.
faa.gov
11. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
• http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_
briefing/2014/media/MarApr2014
.pdf
11
12. April Topic of the Month
Flight After a Period of Inactivity
Federal Aviation
Administration
12
Take flight with Wings
13. Presented to: Pilots
By: The National FAASTeam & the
GAJSC (General Aviation Joint
Steering Committee)
Date: April 2014
Federal Aviation
AdministrationTopic of the Month
Flight After a
Period of Inactivity
Notes de l'éditeur
Pilot’s who return to flying after a period of inactivity are at greater risk of mishap than pilots who are current and proficient. (Click)Achieving that currency and proficiency safely is key. (Click)We’ll make some suggestions for what you do to be at the top of your game in the air ………. (Click)And on the ground (Click)And we’ll discuss how to keep your knowledge & skills honed to a razor edge.Presentation Note: If you’ll be discussing additional items, add them to this list (Next Slide)
OK so maybe it’s been a while since you’ve flown. (Click)You may wonder; how long is to long to be away? Well that’s a function of how long it’s been since you last flew, the nature of the operation you’re contemplating, and how much experience you have in that operation. (Next Slide)
So let’s say you look at your logbook and you have only 2 landings in the previous 90 day period. (Click)An experienced pilot with a couple of thousand hours would probably be fine in the pattern here but a student pilot with 20 hours?Or an experienced pilot who hasn’t flown in a couple of years?Maybe not so much. Those folks should consult with a flight instructor before getting back into the saddle.(Next Slide)
If this is the airport you call home you’d certainly want to have more than 2 traps in the previous 3 months to feel……….well you never really feel comfortable but you get the idea.(Next Slide)
You may also be asking; how will I know when I’m current and proficientWell current is easy – you’re current when you meet the currency requirements of the regulations Proficiency is another matter altogether. To know when you’re proficient you should engage the services of a professional evaluator (Click) That’s right – a CFI is the best investment you can make in staying on top of your game..(Next Slide)
There may be some bookwork involved. If you’ve been away for a long time there will be some regulatory catching up to do. Your CFI will Guide you through the reading(Next Slide)
And flat panel instrument displays are a big departure from how much information we received in the cockpit and how that information is displayed. You certainly don’t want to go charging off into the air without understanding how to operate the equipment.Thankfully there are simulators that you can run on your personal computer for most glass cockpit equipment. Time spent in simulation reaps major rewards when you’re in flight.(Next Slide)
And even if you’ve been away for a shorter time, here are a host of tablet-based aviation apps available these days and many pilots are using them. Be sure you’re thoroughly familiar with your app of choice and that you have the latest information uploaded before flight. We suggest an alternate power supply to guard against dark screens when you need them most.Here’s a couple of additional tips: Practice with your device on the ground before flying with it. Find out where best to locate it and practice all in-flight app functions while scanning for traffic. Don’t let the app – or any glass display - distract you from important flying tasks and even though your app depicts all airspace boundaries; give yourself some room. Fly at least 2 miles outside all airspace you don’t have clearance to enter. When it comes to pilot deviations, ATC radar trumps i-pad every time.(Next Slide)
Of course you’ll want a current medical before you re assume your pilot in command duties. RememberYou must file your application electronically at medxpress.faa.gov(Next Slide)
For a more detailed look at flight after a period of inactivity, see “Getting Back in the Game” in the March/April issue of FAA Safety Briefing.(Next Slide)
The FAA Wings Pilot Proficiency Program is a great system to guide and document your return to flight and subsequent continuing aviation education. You and your CFI can tailor instruction to fit your situation and completion of a basic wings phase brings your flight review up to date as well.Log on to FAASafety.gov and start earning your wings today.(Next Slide)