San Jose Senior Squadron 80
Safety Shorts for May 97

This collection of safety briefings is intended to provide a selection of safety related topics suitable for review at the beginning of each squadron meeting. I have tried to keep things entertaining as well as informative. Please select a topic from the list, review it at the beginning of the squadron meeting and initial that it has been discussed. The completed sheet will be filed along with the quarterly safety report at group.

Thanks

1. AVIATE Most pilots are familiar with the memory-jogger "AROW" to remind them of the documents htat must be carried in the aircraft, but are you familiar with "AVIATE" ? This one helps you remember the applicable aircraft and system inspections that keep aircraft airworthy: Annual inspection, VOR test, 100-hour inspection, Altimeter, altitude encoder and Transponder tests and the ELT inspection.

   Source CAP Safety Newsletter, April 97

2. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that 25 million non-glossy, vinyl miniblinds, imported each year from China, Taiwan, Mexico, and Indonesia, can present a lead poisoning hazard for young children. CPSC found that over time, the plastic deteriorates from exposure to heat and sunlight and forms lead dust on the surface of the blind. Children can ingest this lead by touching the blinds and putting their hands in their mouths. Washing the blinds does not prevent this.

   Source CAP Safety Newsletter, April 97

3. A C-172 in Mississippi had a fire during start that damaged the engine and cowling. The Wing investigation revealed that the pilot failed to use proper cold weather starting procedures. Another contributing factor was a low charge on the on-board fire extinguisher. Remember to check the pressure on your fire extinguishers; you never know when you'll need it.

   Source CAP Safety Newsletter, April 97

4. A Texas cadet was touching a static display of a military gattling gun when another cadet turned the gun barrels. As the barrels turned, the cadet's fingers were caught in the mechanism. Injuries consisted of the loss of two fingernails and lacerations requiring 16 stitches. (Be extra careful during activities involving cadets )

   Source CAP Safety Newsletter, April 97