The Risk of Startle Reflex

A startle reflex may arise during flight as a result of a sudden and unexpected development which, especially if it affects the ‘Pilot Flying’, can trigger an instantaneous and potentially inappropriate response in relation to the control of an aircraft. Its occurrence, and the resultant risk which may follow, is suspected to have its origins…… Continue Reading →

Unexpected Go-Arounds

The most likely scenario for a go-around is probably either a still-occupied runway or visibility which prevents continuation of an approach at or near the applicable minima. If this happens, the possibility will often – but not always – have been foreseen. These are also the sort of go-arounds which feature in every simulator session,…… Continue Reading →

Understanding RNP Approaches

Many years experience of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) based on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) such as GPS for en-route and terminal area navigation has led to an extension of the same principle to RNAV approaches as an alternative to those relying entirely on ground-based aids. The good understanding of the RNP approach is essential…. Continue Reading →

Rarely Used Normal Procedures

The majority of Normal Procedures will be used often and it can be expected that pilots will have no difficulty following them. If the possible need to use those which are only rarely used can be anticipated, then this can be covered in prior, suitably focused, briefings…. Continue Reading →

Controlled Rest On the Flight Deck

The Flight Safety Foundation has published a guide developed with an industry ‘fatigue countermeasures’ working group that details the ‘best practices for implementation of a policy allowing for controlled rest (CR) on the flight deck.’ In other words, napping in the cockpit while the pilot in the other seat keeps and eye on things…. Continue Reading →

Wet or Contaminated Runways

The conditions and factors associated with landing on a wet runway or a runway contaminated by standing water, snow, slush or ice should be assessed carefully before beginning the approach. The Flight Safety Foundation team found that wet runways and runways contaminated by standing water, snow, slush or ice were involved in 96 percent of…… Continue Reading →

Visual references

The transition from instrument references to external visual references is an important element of any type of instrument approach. Some variations exist in company operating philosophies about flight crew task sharing for: acquiring visual references, conducting the landing, and conducting the go-around…. Continue Reading →