REFRESHER TRAINING .....

(Ed.Note: The Autumn issue of the CAA’s “SKYwise TrainingCom Update” contains an in-depth set of suggestions for the content of refresher flight training, and whilst this is intended for Flight Instructors’ consumption, it seems to me that GA pilots do not need to wait for a check flight before making use of some of them as a self-disciplinary exercise, so I have outlined some of them below ...)

“The average private pilot once qualified will probably only fly with an Instructor during refresher flight training .... and the following is a list of points commonly noted by Instructors carrying out refresher flights:

Pre- flight

· The Threat and Error Management (TEM) concept is very rarely used; many PPL holders have not heard of it or do not understand the concept ...

[Ed.Note: It is a safety management approach which assumes that pilots will naturally make mistakes and encounter risky situations during flight ... check it out on Wikipedia]

· Difficulty in preparing a Mass and Balance calculation

· Lack of departure brief and passenger safety briefing

Departure

· Lack of lookout in the climb, few check flight pilots do this properly, if at all

· Incorrect standard stall recovery

· Poorly flown steep turns

Emergencies and systems failures

· Partial engine failure is rarely practised ... according to studies in Australia, it is three times more likely than an outright engine failure.

· Incorrect procedures for handling in-flight fire

· Lack of knowledge of emergency descent procedures

· Lack of knowledge of the aircraft's systems

· Lack of understanding of the symptoms of a failure or problem

Navigation

· A practice diversion using map reading and paper PLOG is proving a difficult exercise

· Lack of correct use of paper PLOG and map due to over reliance on GPS

· Incorrect use of GPS due to a lack of structured training in its use

Circuits

· Poor speed control on final approach ... This is especially noticeable with lighter GA aircraft ... This has contributed to fatal accident statistics in the past

· Inability to fly a standard overhead join

· Inability to fly precision landings on short runways”

[Ed.Note: In view of these findings, it might be wise to treat yourselves regularly as both instructor and student by going through some or all of the following self-checks, particularly if there are significant gaps in flying frequency. After all, it won’t cost you any extra and could prevent you from adding your name to the list of those who have contributed to the findings outlined above]

The CAA article suggests a list of exercises which instructors could include in refresher training, so prepare for them in advance of a scheduled check or refresher flight. They include:

· Ground briefing and pre-flight checks

· Check on your licence, medical, address, ID and logbook etc. for currency.

· For those not with English as their first language, check that your English language proficiency is valid if not level six.

· Check that you are aware of the Skyway code (new edition version 2 published May 2019), and of where to ascertain information such as met, NOTAM’s etc.

· Mass, balance and performance calculations

· Practice the use of threat and error management (TEM) .... For example, examine in advance of departure any likely threats to safety during the flight and how they can be mitigated; such as a wet grass runway, or a crosswind. Are you aware of 'Take 2' (Maintain 200' vertical and 2 nm lateral separation from controlled airspace)?

· Research a long briefing on TEM, to include topics such as:

· Use of the WANT mnemonic: Weather, Aircraft, NOTAM’s and Threats

· Use of the I’M SAFE mnemonic: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue and Eating

· Do you have a take-off eventualities brief? If not, get advice on creating one

· Create a briefing pack to help with mass and balance, NOTAM’s and weather etc. Some of the flight planning/nav systems such as Sky Demon include these and are quick and easy to use once the aircraft is in the library. If a number of aircraft are routinely flown, they can all be put in the library for use when required.

· Are you aware of listening squawks, where to find them, what they are for and how to use them? Review other less well-known squawks applicable to GA such as the lost code 0030, aerobatics 7004 and operations in some aerodrome traffic patterns 7010. Others are to be found at AIP ENR 1.6 ATS Surveillance services and procedures

· Prepare a written PLOG for every navigation flight

Do this and you will achieve two important objectives:

· You will have maximised the chance of all your flights being free from all but the unexpected occurrences which could them

· You will have maximised the chance of completing a scheduled check or refresher flight successfully, with no need for a re-take

FLY SAFE!