CASA Media Release - Friday, 28 June 2002
Melbourne pilots learn fly-to-survive
Melbourne’s pilots will learn new fly-to-survive safety skills at a special aviation forum tomorrow.
The day-long forum being run by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Melbourne will give pilots the latest in aviation safety knowledge.
Aviation experts will pass on safety tips in a range of vital areas including navigation, weather, aircraft maintenance and air traffic control.
A key issue will be avoiding a fatal scenario known as controlled flight into terrain.
This is where an aircraft is unintentionally flown into the ground or water by the pilot – usually with no warning to the pilot or other crew.
There have been 27 fatal crashes in Australia over the last five years due to controlled flight into terrain.
But Melbourne’s pilots will be taught some simple steps to minimise the chance of this type of accident.
CASA’s General Manager Aviation Safety Promotion, Mike Smith, says there are easy-to-learn indicators that warn of the risk of controlled flight into terrain.
“It’s one of the most common types of accidents but it’s also one of the most preventable,” Mr Smith says.
“In general aviation a variety of scenarios 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 forum is open to everyone and is free. It is being held at the Melbourne Convention Centre 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
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0227