Category: Aviation

Loss of Power in Flight

In May 2019, the crew of a chartered Cessna Citation 550—being operated as an air ambulance flight—experienced a total power loss that began just over...

Weather is a Factor in Crashes

Weather is a cause or contributing factor to a number of plane and helicopter crashes. Weather is constantly in flux and even though pilots may...

Careful Flight Planning Reduces Risk

As part of a preflight preparation, general aviation pilots on cross-country flights may want to avoid high-traffic areas near busy airports. The pilot should also...

Pilots and Alcohol

There are safety rules for pilots, just like for  people driving cars. For instance, a pilot should not consume alcohol or other intoxicants within 8...

Mechanical Difficulty In Flight

If an airplane or helicopter is damaged or encounters mechanical difficulty that is hazardous to flight or ground operations, the pilot should land as soon...

Poorly-Maintained Aircraft are Not Airworthy

Airplane and helicopter owners and operators should maintain their aircraft in accordance with the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness found in the Airplane Maintenance Manual. Failure...

Pilot Use of Supplemental Oxygen

Pilots should use supplemental oxygen and confirm saturation levels are above 90% by utilizing a pulse oximeter when operating aircraft above 10,000 feet during the...

Minimizing Aircraft Crash Injuries

A pilot facing an emergency landing when airplane or helicopter damage is unavoidable must remember that minimizing crash injuries are in large part a matter...

Electrical Fires During Flight

Electrical fires during a flight are often detected by the smell insulation burning. When such a fire occurs the pilot must check all the circuit...

In-flight Engine Fires

An airplane or helicopter engine fire is most often caused by a flammable substance such as fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluid coming in contact with...

Emergency Descents

An emergency descent occurs when the pilot makes the aircraft descend as rapidly as possible. The need for this maneuver could be an onboard fire,...

Psychological Hazards for Pilots

Several psychological hazards may cause a pilot to not act quickly and safely when faced with an emergency. Some of these factors include being unwilling...

Emergency Landings

There are three main types of emergency landings: a “forced landing” (an immediate landing because the plane or helicopter cannot keep flying, such as with...

Handling Emergency Situations in Flight

Non-normal and emergency situations can occur during a flight. The key to handling such a situation is for the pilot to know and follow the...

Airline Industry Hit Hard by COVID-19 Pandemic

Airlines are being severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. An industry trade group for US Airlines has warned that the recent decision on travel restrictions...