Aero-Tips!

A good pilot is always learning -- how many times have you heard this old standard throughout your flying career? There is no truer statement in all of flying (well, with the possible exception of "there are no old, bold pilots.") It's part of what makes aviation so exciting for all of us... just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a scenario you've never imagined.

Aero-News has called upon the expertise of Thomas P. Turner, master CFI and all-around-good-guy, to bring our readers -- and us -- daily tips to improve our skills as aviators, and as representatives of the flying community. Some of them, you may have heard before... but for each of us, there will also be something we might never have considered before, or something that didn't "stick" the way it should have the first time we memorized it for the practical test.

It is our unabashed goal that "Aero-Tips" will help our readers become better, safer pilots -- as well as introducing our ground-bound readers to the concepts and principles that keep those strange aluminum-and-composite contraptions in the air... and allow them to soar magnificently through it.

Look for our daily Aero-Tips segments, coming each day to you through the Aero-News Network. Suggestions for future Aero-Tips are always welcome, as are additions or discussion of each day's tips. Remember... when it comes to being good pilots, we're all in this together.

Aero-Tips 03.02.06

A recent, very public aircraft mishap involved attempted low-altitude aerobatics.  Two aboard a Glasair II died—as did a third person innocently occupying the house in which the airplane crashed. 

All discussion of the wisdom of low-altitude aerobatics aside, professional airshow performers are required to obtain special certification to perform low-altitude aerobatics for a reason... it’s a rare and demanding skill.  For the rest of us (aerobatic or not) flying under Part 91 (including Sport Pilot) there’s FAR 91.119, Minimum Safe Altitudes.

Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes:

• No lower than 500 feet above the surface except over open water or sparsely populated areas.
• In those cases, no closer than 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.
• No lower than 1000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2000 feet horizontally over any city, town or settlement, or open-air assembly.

FAR 91.303 details even higher minimum altitudes and restrictions for “aerobatic” flight. The whole idea is to be able to maneuver away from persons, vehicles and structures in the event of an emergency.

NOTE: Watch for Temporary Flight Rules (TFR) restrictions that may raise the minimum altitude over special areas or events, or prohibit overflights altogether.

Other Types of Aircraft

Because of their off-airport landing ability or operating realities, different rules apply for helicopters, agricultural aircraft and Part 103 ultralights. 

Aero-tip of the day:  Know and adhere to the requirement minimum altitudes.  You don’t want to get hurt—and you especially don’t want to hurt anyone on the ground.

FMI: Aero-Tips