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.