CASA Media Release - Wednesday, 6 March 2002
Canberra pilots learn about flying to survive
Twenty-seven of the fatalities that occurred in Australian aviation between 1996 and 2001 were the result of what is known as 'controlled flight into terrain'.
Controlled flight into terrain happens when an airworthy aircraft in the control of a pilot or flight crew flies unintentionally into the ground or water - usually with no warning to the pilot or crew.
Enabling pilots to avert the threat of controlled flight into terrain is one of the main aims of a special air safety seminar being held by CASA in Canberra this Saturday (9 March 2002).
The Canberra seminar is the first event in a national aviation safety program being conducted by CASA in 2002.
Controlled flight into terrain is the biggest cause of aircraft loss world wide, CASA's General Manager, Aviation Safety Promotion, Mike Smith said.
"And it's one of the most preventable - pilots can easily learn to identify indicators that might place them at risk," Mr Smith said.
"In general aviation, a variety of scenarios potentially can lead to controlled flight into terrain, including low flying, mountain flying and 'scud running' or flying beneath cloud.
"Pilots can also experience different kinds of illusions, especially during take off and landing, as well as a range of other conditions that create a lack of situational awareness."
The 'Flying to Survive' seminar is an all-day forum presented free of charge to everyone involved in aviation in and around Canberra.
Experts from CASA, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the Bureau of Meteorology, Airservices Australia, AusSAR and Flight Medicine Systems will make presentations on a range of other aviation safety issues.
The seminar is being held at the National Convention Centre, Constitution Avenue, Canberra City, from 9am to 5pm.
No registration is required and further information is available on the CASA website at www.casa.gov.au/seminars
Media contact
Jane Dargaville
ph 02 6217 1233
mobile 0417 466 862
Ref: MR0204