Aimed At Improving Safety In Icing Conditions
A months-long
collaboration involving Cessna Aircraft Company, the Federal
Aviation Administration and the Regional Air Cargo Carriers
Association (RACCA) to address icing concerns with the Cessna
Caravan turboprop has borne fruit -- with pilots of the popular
type now having a detailed cold-weather training program available
they can use to enhance their understanding of how the airplane
handles winter weather.
"After several months of hard work involving Cessna, the FAA and
many association members, RACCA is very pleased to see an online
training program in place for the coming winter flying season,"
noted RACCA President Stan Bernstein. "The added training and other
improvements will no doubt enhance pilot awareness and safety icing
conditions. In the near future, specific training requirements will
be incorporated into the Cessna Caravan airplane flight manual
(AFM), which will further enhance safe flight in winter icing
conditions."
As Aero-News reported earlier this
year, the three groups formed formed the Caravan Icing
Workgroup in response to operating restrictions imposed by the FAA
last spring, and agreed to develop a series of recommendations
designed to enhance the Cessna Caravan's cold-weather safety.
In addition to the new training program, Cessna also developed a
revised Pilot Operating Handbook supplement containing new and
revised flight planning charts along with the latest technical
recommendations. The new materials were developed as a result
direct of the Workgroup and are based on detailed technical
assistance from Cessna and the FAA.
Additionally, Cessna is developing a Low-Speed Warning System
for installation on its Caravan fleet. Also a part of the
Workgroup's recommendations, the system should be available for
purchase and installation in the very ear future. Another result of
the Workgroup's activities is Cessna's Caravan Safety Awareness
Seminar series, which began October 2.
Both the Low-Speed Warning System and successful completion of
the Winter Safety Seminar are anticipated to be new FAA
requirements for the Caravan in a future Airworthiness
Directive.
RACCA reports the Cessna Winter Operations Seminar is into its
third week. The Caravan Cold Weather Operations is available online
(at the FMI link below) at a cost of $20. Following successful
submission of an online exam for each of the five presentation
modules, participants will be issued a Certificate of Completion
from Cessna.
Additionally, Caravan pilots who attend one of the Caravan
Safety Awareness Seminars may access the online course at no
charge.
Cessna anticipates a December POH Revision that will require the
installation of the low-speed warning system and pilot
participation in the Caravan Winter Operations Course.
Participation in the course can be accomplished by doing it online
or attending the seminar.
FMI: Caravan Online Safety Course, To learn more about the
Caravan Safety Awareness Seminar series, call 316-517-5290