Lt Col Larry Brockshus MN Wg /SE
Dec 25, 2015
Lt Col Larry BrockshusMN Wg /SE
Lt Col BrockshusMN Wg/CC
OverviewNov/Dec Sentinel
Check your AttitudeSounds of ScienceA colder safety culture
Winter FlyingCold Weather info from MN Sup 60-1New Form 78s
Check your attitudeor the Five hazardous attitudes
We all have a natural tendency toward one or more of these attitudes. Recognize this tendency and take action against it.
Anti-Authority - rules and procedures are for the other guy. An example might be the aircraft crosswind limitation. You feel that the limitation is for lower time, less experienced pilots
Impulsivity - need to act immediately There are very few scenarios that require an immediate response. THINK and analyze the situation. Use the checklist or trained procedures and think
about the safest scenario; and use all available resources. Invulnerability - it would never happen to me
Accidents can happen to any of us. Macho - try to outdo your co-workers so you look better
Take risks to prove you are a better pilot or driver Take off or land in challenging conditions
Resignation -“What’s the use; there is nothing I can do about it.” A RADAR controller’s heading into a weather system that you are not comfortable with.
Do a self check
Sounds of Silenceor Keeping communications clear Communicating important to keeping ourselves safe. Our team must be kept well informed, a mission is no time for anyone to be guessing
Speak up and keep the team informed. Say it, and say it clearly; more than once if need be.
Be patient and to anticipate those receiving your instructions will act upon your full and complete communication
Follow instructions and guidelines from the communications officer Have the right tools and equipment is important
Post 9-11 communication devices differed between the various rescue units Departments and were on different frequencies., those in need were not heard
Pilots should be communicating and reporting positions. Many mid-air collisions could have been prevented At uncontrolled airfields, it is important to report your position and Intentions Use the correct frequency
Maintain situational awareness Some recent accident reports point to pilots communicating to a mission base while another
aircraft, in the same vicinity, was reporting to another base, but they were not talking to each other
The sounds of silence can hurt or kill.
A Colder Safety Culture
Preparing for colder weather is important for safe flying, driving or even walking. Understanding your environment
will make your winter operations safer and allow you to function more efficiently .
Winter driving demands that you understand many safety issues. Ice is just as important to safe road travel as it is to safe flying. “Black Ice”, which is not as visible as snow or frost, know
when this hazard can occur Remove ice and frost from windows and mirrors, Ensure the wipers work freely, Ensure heater and defrost systems work Have a roadside safety kit in case you breakdown
Include flares, tire chains and warm clothing. A mobile phone during emergencies is well worth the cost.
Cold Weather aircraft operationsPreheat aircraft
Supports proper lubricationEasier starting
Dress for success (Dress fur survival)Footwear to keep feet warm but let you feel the
ruddersSurvival KitWarm clothing to survive off field landingAvoid hypothermia during preflight
How good is your preflight is you are shivering
Cold Weather aircraft operationsStarting
Let engine warm at near idle Pumping throttle promotes chance of carb fire (use primer instead)
Ground Ops Remove snow, ice and frost
Adds weight, changes CG, affects aerodynamics (lift and stall) Melted snow can refreeze on flight controls and block air intakes
Taxi a little slower Consider weaving to avoid ice and snow If you taxi through snow, assume it will melt on your brakes an then
refreeze Frozen brakes may not break free at the same time when you push
up power Do run-up on a dry spot (make sure you are not sliding)
Cold Weather aircraft operationsTake off
Turn ailerons into the wind Stay in the center of the open area Open throttle slowly
Landing Flat light (lack of contrast makes altitude hard to judge Directional control
Brakes may be frozen Check cross wind/ runway condition Visibility/blowing snow Stop and shut down get help if needed
Post mission Fill the fuel tank Install covers, plug-in
Flight into icing is prohibited
The problem (per NTSB)• As little as 1/4 inch of leading-edge ice can increase the stall speed
25 to 40 knots. The danger is that some 1/4-inch accumulations have minimum
impact and pilots become over confident.• Sudden departure from controlled flight is possible with only 1/4
inch of leading-edge ice accumulation at normal approach speeds.• Using the autopilot can hide changes in the handling qualities of
the airplane that may be a precursor to premature stall or loss of control. Turn off or limit the use of the autopilot in order to better “feel”
changes in the handling qualities of the airplane.• Many airplanes still require pilots to visually identify ice on the
wings and its thickness, which can be difficult to see from the cockpit.
If you enter ice, Turn back, Change altitude, Turn on pitot heat
Cold Weather Flying Procedures. Excerpts from MN Sup to 60-1 Tanis heater
From November 15 to April 15, all wing aircraft will have the Tanis heater plugged
Temp forecast to be less than 40° F (4.5° C) for more than a 24-hour period Each unit will hold an annual Cold Weather Flying Course. Aircraft Winter kits used in accordance with POH. The oil cooler plate will be
installed Pilot's responsibility to ensure that the winter kit, according to OAT, is
installed or removed from the aircraft prior to flight. Maintenance is to be notified if a problem exists with the winter kit, or it is not available for the aircraft. This notification must be accomplished prior to flight.
OA T Requirements 0° F to +10° F (-18° C to -12° C) - Power-off Maneuvers - use min of 1500 RPM
or 15 inches manifold pressure 0° F (-18° C) - incident commander determines if air support is required.
Aircraft must be properly preheated (The winter kit with oil cooler plate must be installed.)
0° F to -20°F (-18 C to -29 C) or wind chill (-34 C to -45.5 C) – NO training, actual missions only, 2 occupants minimum, no T&G Performed
Below -20° F (-29° C) DO Approved Flights Only 0° F (-18° C) or below require a flight release from a Flight Release Officer who
is also a pilot.
New MN Wg form 78sAircraft slides off of the side of the runway
No damageSignificant cross wind, Frost on the runwayCauses?? - One or more of the hazardous
attitudes, knowledge, currency of skill, current conditions checked, ORM?
Cadet eye scratched from a tree branchDoctor checked, cadet released back to eventCause?? – ORM?