San Jose Senior Squadron 80
Safety Shorts for September 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) We’re still hitting obstructions with our aircraft! The latest occurred in Colorado when an aircraft was being pushed into a hangar and struck a ground wire between a tug and the ceiling. The wire tore through an aileron causing $800 damage. Contributing to this mishap was the pilot wearing sunglasses while moving the aircraft from the bright outdoors into the dark hangar. The sunglasses were not removed nor did the pilot allow his eyes to readjust to the new light level. Like I’ve said before, the key is taking your time and having others help.

2) When was the last time you practiced a simulated forced landing (SFL) ?!! Did you hear that a CAP-USAF liaison region pilot recently experienced a sudden loss of oil pressure/engine failure in a C-182RG? The only potential landing site was extremely short (2,000 ft) and had a power line across the approach end. Because of the pilot's outstanding airmanship and skill (enhanced through routine training), he executed a flawless forced landing resulting in no damage to the CAP aircraft (other than the engine, of course!) CAP-USAF pilots are required by their regulations to practice SFLs once every 90 days. After the incident, the pilot remarked, "routine SFL training was definitely the key to a safe recovery in this incident." If you experienced an engine failure on your next flight, would you be ready?

3) Last February, Tennessee Wing experienced a taxi accident that resulted in serious injury to the pilot. While flying a DEA support mission, the pilot made a night landing at a weather diversion airfield. After clearing the runway, a heavy rain shower reduced visibility. The pilot saw the lighted FBO sign and left the marked taxiway to proceed towards the sign. The pilot inadvertently taxied off of the paved surface and struck a light pole. The pilot sustained such serious facial injuries that he was taken to a local hospital for reconstructive surgery. ... The board felt that the pilot had several options that any of which would have prevented the accident. He could have followed the marked taxiway, asked for progressive taxi or called for a "follow-me" vehicle. Another option would have been to stop until the visibility improved and the airfield diagram could be studied. – whether it is maneuvering the aircraft near the hangar or on a congested ramp. Handle your aircraft as if your life depended on it – because it actually does!"

4) We recently had a close call at a Cadet Encampment. The cadets were on top of a mountain when a storm approached. As it began to rain, the cadets took shelter in the forest under their ponchos. Lightning struck nearby and many of the cadets complained they had been shocked or felt a tingling sensation. Two cadets were air-evacuated to a local hospital while several others went via ambulance. All of the cadets were examined and released. This could have had a very tragic ending. The National Safety Council says that 90 people are killed annually by lightning. Here’s some tips that they offer to increase the odds of survival during an electrical storm: - Get inside a large building or home. – Get inside a car. – Stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm because water conducts electricity. – Stay away from telephones, electrical / telephone poles and tall trees. – Stay away from hilltops and open fields. Try to crouch in a ravine or valley. – If caught in an open area without low ground, crouch into a small ball with your feet close together, put your hands on your knees and hold your head as low as possible. Don’t touch the ground with your head or hands. – Stay away from large metal equipment, wire fences, pipes and rails. – If you’re with a group, stay several yards apart. – Don’t shower or bath. – And finally, stay away from electric appliances. Keep these tips in mind and hopefully you’ll walk away from your next encounter with lightning.