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