PPL 7 Flight Operations

Flight information services in Canada are provided by Nav Canada, a privately run, not-for-profit corporation created by an act of government in 1996 to take responsibility from Transport Canada for the safe, orderly and expeditions flow of air traffic in Canadian airspace. The company is run by a 15-member board of director representing “stake-holders”—4 air carrier directors, 3 federal government directors, 2 personnel union directors, and 1 general aviation and business aviation director.

With regard to Canadian flight operations, the primary responsibilities of Nav Canada is air traffic control, air navigation, and the administration of operational flight information—flight watch, flight planning, weather information, airport and en route operations information, and access or relay of emergency services.

The two Nav Canada agencies central to the flight information and operations are Flight Information Centres (FICs) and Flight Information Service (FSSs).

Flight Advisory and Information Services

Flight Information Centres (FIC)

FICs provide pre-flight and in-flight briefing services pertaining to weather and information pertaining to flight planning, flight safety, and communications. Pre-flight brifings are provided conventionally over the telephone, while in-flight communication is provided via a network of VHF radio transmitters/receivers—referred to as FISE facilities (Flight Information Service En route). There are eight FICs in Canada:

Flight Information Centres (FIC)

There are nine FICs in Canada—based in Kamloops, Edmonton, Winnipeg, London, Quebec City, Halifax, North Bay, Yellowknife, and Whitehorse—and the regional distribution of these centres is indicated above.

Pilot Briefing Services

In accordance with legal requirements for pilot to familiar with all aspects potentially affecting a flight, the FIC should be contacted before each flight, using a toll-free number that automatically connects you with the nearest FIC facility—the number is 1-866-WX BRIEF.

When a flight is planned, a pilot should begin by accessing Nav Canada’s Aviation Weather Website so as to obtain a general sense of weather condition anticipated for the flight. This should be done whenever possible prior making telephone contact with the FIC Flight Service Specialist, and the Specialist should be advised at what information with which the pilot is already aware.

When you request a briefing from the Specialist, identify yourself as a pilot, provide your aircraft’s identification, and provide the following information (AIM RAC 3.2):

type of flight—VFR, IFR, etc.
type of aircraft
departure airport and estimated time of departure
destination airport and estimated time en route
planned cruising altitude
route to be flown including estimate arrival and departure times from intermediate airports if applicable
type of weather information requested if applicable—where appropriate, the expression “full briefing” is generally recommended to ensure all relevant information is conveyed
summary of information the pilot is already aware of (based on pre-examination of the Aviation Weather Website).

In its Aviation Weather Services Guide (AWSG, P. 5), Nav Canada recommends the following:

Pilot Briefing Services

The format of the Specialist's briefing is normally as follows (AWSG, P. 8):

significant weather or aeronautical information related to the flight
overview of major weather systems that could affect the flight
weather forecast summary
route winds and temperatures
detailed we ather information
supplementary information pertaining to the flight—i.e, NOTAMs (Notice to Airman)
Brief review and updates
PIREP information if requested (Pilot in-flight reports)
Flight plan recording if required

Flight Service Stations (FSS)

While Flight Information Centres focus on pilot briefings, flight planning, and Flight Information Services En route (FISE), the primary function of FSS Specialists is to provide Aerodrome Advisory Services (AAS) at designated MF (Mandatory Frequency) airports. Accordingly, pilots arriving or departing from MF airports with FSS facilities contact the FSS Specialists, advises the Specialist of their intentions, and the Specialist then relays current runway, wind, traffic, and any other pertinent to flight safety (AIM RAC 1.2.2.2).

Flight Service Stations (FSS)

FIC and FSS Radio Frequencies

During flights—primarily cross country flights—pilots exchange updated flight and weather information with the FICs via a network of Remote Communication Outlets (RCOs). RCOs are sometimes stand-alone transmitter/receiver facilities, but this FIC-pilot communication normally occurs via transmitter/receiver facilities that are located at airports where they are paired with radio navigation aids.

FIC and FSS Radio Frequencies

While pilots monitor 126.7 MHz as the en route frequency, this is not usually the frequency used to contact the FIC; instead a number of frequencies are designated as FISE frequencies—Flight Information Services En route—and these are specified on the navigation charts: 123.275 MHz, 123.375 MHz, 123.475 MHz, and 123.55 MHz. However, the FIC still uses 126.7 MHz to broadcast crucial in-flight information—SIGMETS, etc—but the FIC normally does not receive on this frequency. Also, however, remember that all ATC and ATS units—including FSSs and FICs—continuously monitor 121.5 MHz for the purpose of emergency communications.

Here are a few variations in how FIC communication is depicted on navigation charts.

The first shows the Fernie stand-alone RCO located in the Crow’s Nest pass in south-eastern BC. The transmitter/receiver is located on a mountain top abeam the pass. The identifier is Fernie, and the facility remotes to Pacific Radio, which is of course the Kamloops FIC. The frequency to use is 123.375 MHz.

The second shows the RCO attached to the NDB (Non-directional Beacon) radio navigation facility near Regina, Saskatchewan. The NDB has the name Regina—you can see that the frequency for this NDB is provided (290 KHz—KHz being a low radio frequency, versus MHz, which is a high radio frequency), as well as the dot/dash prosign (procedural signal) for its Morse Code identifier—QR. The Winnipeg FIC—known as Winnipeg Radio—can be accessed via the transmit/receive frequency of 123.55 MHz (the FISE frequency), but Winnipeg Radio will also transmit SIGMETs and other messages related to flight safety over 126.7 MHz—importantly, this is a broadcast-only frequency (bcst).

The next depiction (above) shows the RCO facility just east of Rossport, Ontario, located on the north shore of Lake Superior. This RCO is a stand-alone facility like the Fernie RCO, but note the use of DRCO equipment here—Dial-up Remote Communications Outlet—which is activated on frequency 122.55 MHz. DRCO equipment utilizes telephone lines to make the connection and is triggered by keying the microphone button four times, using deliberate and constant action with each keying of the microphone lasting approximately a ¼ second, and the entire keying sequence lasting approximately 10 seconds. Once the link is established with the FIC, an audible confirmation will be heard on the frequency and normal radio communication procedures are to be used (AIM, RAC 1.1.3).

The final example shows the RCO arrangement at Sydney, Nova Scotia, which is co-located with the Sydney VOR/DME radio navigation facility at the airport. The communication frequencies (COMM) and assignment for this airport—as published in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS)—are also shown for clarity. Here, it is important to be able to differentiate between the FISE frequency—123.475 MHz—and the RAAS (Remote Aerodrome Advisory Service) frequency—122.0 MHz.

Referring to the COMM depiction associated with the CFS data, you can see that both the MF RAAS frequency—which connects remotely to Charlottetown Radio (Charlottetown FIC)—and the FISE frequency—which connects remotely to Halifax Radio—are shown under the RCO listing, simply indicating that both are connected to remote FIC/FSS units, but only the Charlottewn Radio frequency is shown under the MF listing. The main point is that pilots arriving or departing from Sydney Airport utilize the MF RAAS frequency and communicate with Charlottetown Radio, while pilots on cross-country wishing to utilize FISE services—normally those pilots on cross-country flights—communicate with Halifax Radio on the FISE frequency. By the way, PAL—standing for Peripheral Station, is the frequency that provides communication with the Moncton Area Control Centre (ACC), and is utilized by IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) pilots and VFR pilots seeking radar flight-following services.

With respect to the navigation chart depiction, the only clue for the RAAS frequency appears airport data strip below the airport name—JA Douglas McCurdy Airport, which is not shown in full here. The RAAS frequency is indicated as M122.0. The FISE frequency is shown on the upper right corner of the COM box for the Sydney VOR/DME, and the Halifax Radio broadcast-only frequency (bcst) is shown attached at the bottom of the COM box.

FIC Position Reporting

When contacting the FIC via radio for the purpose of obtaining in-flight information, pilots must transmit the following information: aircraft identification, the name of the location of the RCO, followed by the expression “R-C-O” in non-phonetic format (AIP RAC 5.1):

FIC Position Reporting

Position reporting with the FIC should conform with a standard, prescribed format—as indicated above—is summarized as follows (AIP RAC 5.1):

Identification
Position
Time over
Altitude
VFR/VFR-OTT
Destination

FIC and FSS Services

Here is a useful summary of the pilot services provided by FIC and FSS personnel AIM RAC 1.1.2:

FIC and FSS Services

Weight and Balance

Weight and balance refers generally to the weight of the aircraft—made up of the aircraft weight and the weight of its contents, including cargo, passengers, and fuel, etc.—and the distribution of the weight relative to the aircraft’s balancing point—the centre of gravity.

Weight and Balance

Pilot Obligations for Weight and Balance

A pilot cannot legally fly an aircraft unless:

the aircraft is operated in accordance with the requirements of the Pilot Operating Handbook—including weight and loading limitations (CAR 602.07);
the load is properly disposed in the aircraft (CAR 602.86 [1]);
the cargo and equipment is secured to prevent shifting and the passenger exits are not blocked (CAR 602.86[2]).

Pilot Obligations for Weight and Balance

Motivation for Weight and Balance Control

At the risk of using draconian shock tactics, the video below captures the disastrous effects that may result from a lack of proper weight and balance control:

Motivation for Weight and Balance Control

The above accident show the tragic end of National Airlines Flight 102 on April 29, 2013. You can read more at the Wikipedia link. An error in weight and balance can produce an aircraft that the pilot cannot physically control.

Weight and Balance Terms and Expressions

There are various terms associated with weight and balance:

Standard Weight Empty (Standard Empty Weight) is the weight of the airframe and engines with standard equipment, including unusable fuel and oil. Essentially, this is the weight of the aircraft when it came out of the factory, before optional equipment was added.

Basic Empty Weight is the weight of the aeroplane with the current equipment options (instruments, radios, interior features), excluding passengers, cargo and usable fuel; depending on the aircraft manufacturer, basic empty weight sometimes includes full oil weight, and the pilot must examine the aircraft weight and balance list to determine if oil weight is included.

Usable Fuel is aircraft fuel available for flight, while Unusable Fuel is fuel remaining in the tanks that is unreliable and cannot be used.

Maximum Gross Weight is the maximum permissible weight of the aeroplane.

Useful (Disposable) Load is gross takeoff weight, less basic empty weight.

Operation Gross Weight is the weight of the aircraft loaded for takeoff (Basic Empty Weight plus Payload Weight).

Weight and Balance Terms and Expressions

Weight and Balance Pilot Requirements

Before each flight, the pilot must ensure that the aircraft does not exceed the maximum gross weight. The pilot must also determine the Centre of Gravity (C of G) of an aircraft before each flight to ensure it is between the maximum rearward and maximum forward positions (the C of G Range).

Weight and Balance Pilot Requirements

Centre of Gravity

The C of G is the central balance of the aircraft—the point at which it could be suspended and remain balanced— and is calculated using the load “positions” or “stations” prescribed in the Pilot Operating Handbook and the actual load anticipated for an intended flight.

Centre of Gravity

Aircraft Weight and Balance Data

Aeroplane manufacturers publish weight and balance limits, including the Standard Empty Weight in the aircraft’s Pilot Operating Handbook. In addition, each aircraft has an Aircraft Weight and Balance Report which is kept with the aircraft documents; it provides the actual Basic Empty Weight (BEW) and BEW C of G position for the specific aircraft, including changes in radio equipment and any other equipment or airframe changes since manufacture. Typically, the aircraft documents will include a series of superseded reports that reflect equipment changes over time, but only the latest report must be used for calculation purposes.

Aircraft Weight and Balance Data

Stations and Arms

In the Weight and Balance section of the Pilot Operating Handbook, data is provided for each “position” or “station” in the aircraft. Specifically, the Pilot Operating Handbook data provides an arm for each station, which is the distance in inches from a predetermined balance datum line (the datum line is simply a reference line that allows measurement of longitudinal position of the stations). Typically, private aircraft provide station arms positions for the front passengers, the second row passengers, the rear cargo hold, the forward cargo hold, and the fuel. The weight and balance is calculated by using the station information and anticipated weight at each station, as well as the aircraft BEW and its corresponding C of G as derived from the Aircraft Weight and Balance Report.

Stations and Arms

Weight-Arm-Moment Method

For each station item, the weight is multiplied by the arm to establish (for each position) a moment. To determine the aircraft C of G, the total moment (all station moments added together, including the BEW moment) is divided by the total weight. The sum, in inches, provides the C of G for the aircraft and is compared with the aircraft C of G “envelope” found in the Pilot Operating Handbook to determine if it is within limits.

Weight-Arm-Moment Method

A computation table, such as appears to the above, helps simplify the calculations. It should be noted that the calculation of the values that appear in the moments column are derived by the weight of the individual items multiplied by the arm—the empty weight of the aircraft is calculated first (1380 × 85.0 = 117,300), and this is then repeated for the add-ons—the pilot and passengers (320 × 85.5 = 27,360 for the passengers in the front row, and then 90 × 117.0 = 10,530 for the passenger in the second row), the fuel (180 × 95.0 = 17,100), and the baggage (25 × 133 = 3,325). Technically, these moment unit is referred to as pound-inches—e.g., 117,300 pound-inches, etc. In this example, the total weight (1995 lbs.) is added up to ensure it is within the permissible limit; then the total moment (175,615) is divided by the total weight to provide the centre of gravity (88.0 inches); finally, this C of G number, along with the total takeoff weight of the aircraft, is checked against graphs found in the Pilot Operating Handbook (below) to determine if the aircraft is within permissible limits.

These graphs—such as appears above—commonly depict the maximum aft C of G and the maximum forward C of G in relation to various takeoff weights. In this sample graph, the maximum forward limit is 84 inches aft datum, and the maximum rearward limit is 96 inches. To conduct a takeoff beyond these limits would be deadly. Note also that the maximum takeoff weight—for this aircraft, 2150 lbs.—could only be used when the C of G is between 88.5 inches and 96 inches; as the weight is reduced, the C of G must migrate forward of 88.5 to remain within the graph limits. Finally, note how this graph sets the legal limits for utility category manoeuvres, such as spins, or steep turns in excess of 45° bank (see Normal and Utility Categories).

While the format of the above weight and balance graphic is typical of many aircraft such as the Piper Cherokee, there is a second format commonly used. In the Pilot Operating Handbook of Cessna aircraft, for example, the determination of the aircraft’s balance point does not include the calculation of the C of G directly; instead the pilot determines the balance point by calculating just the moment of the aircraft—i.e., simply adding all the moments together to determine the total moment—and then comparing this value with the aircraft’s total weight.

Pound-Inches Method

Accordingly, looking at this second format for weight and balance calculation, we will use the total moment of 175,615—a unit referred to as pound-inches—and plot this relative to the total weight of the aircraft directly onto the graph. By the way, since the total moment figure is commonly large and cumbersome, the number is typically divided by 1000—so 175,615 lb-in. would become 175.615—and this figure, in turn, is referred to as 175.615 lb-in/1000. (The unit names have the appearance of rocket science, but in fact it is all really simple stuff.) It is the 175.6 figure (rounded up), along with the total weight of the aircraft (1995 lbs.), which is checked against graph in the aircraft’s Pilot Operating Handbook. As show in the generic graph that appears below, the information presented is more or less identical to that which appears in the previous weight and balance graph.

Pound-Inches Method

To determine the pound-inches/1000 a second specialized graph is used which makes this format of weight and balance quite easy to calculate. This second graph appears below, and you can see that each station—pilot and front passenger, Rear passenger, fuel, etc.—has its own reference line.

The weight for each station establishes a point on the reference line, and the station moment (lb-in/

1000) is determined by extension of a downward vertical line. These can then be entered on a table, as shown below:

Table Method

A variation on the graph method of weight and balance calculation is the use of tables produced by the aircraft’s manufacturer. The graphic below gives an example of this whereby a table is produced separately for each of the stations that the pilot uses—or can use—for a flight. Accordingly, there is a separate table for fuel, the front row passengers, second row passengers, and baggage. The values for each station (in this case shown with yellow highlight) are then entered on a table (lower left) to calculate the total weight and total moment, and these are then plugged into a final table to ensure the maximum and minimum moments permitted are not exceeded.

Table Method

Courtesy FAA's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

Passenger Weight and Balance Control

Actual passenger weights must be used in calculating weight and balance, but if these are not available, the following average passenger weights) can be used (AIM RAC 3.5.3):

Passenger Weight and Balance Control

The following guidance is provided by Transport Canada (AIM RAC 3.5.2), and is worth a careful read:

Pilots must recognize the effect of weight and balance on the performance and handling of aircraft, particularly in combination with performance-reducing factors, such as contaminated runways, aircraft icing, degraded engine performance, severe or uncoordinated manoeuvres, turbulence, high ambient temperatures and emergency situations.

It is mandatory to calculate weight and balance accurately for every flight and ensure that they are within the aircraft’s permissible limits in order to comply with the aircraft airworthiness certificate and conform to the regulations. Before the aircraft takes off, it is equally important that the pilot-in-command (PIC) of the aircraft ensures that the load carried by the aircraft is of an appropriate weight and distributed and secured in such a way that it may be carried safely on the intended flight. If weight and centre-of-gravity (balance) limitations are not observed, the pilot is failing to comply with a legal condition for the operation of the aircraft, which therefore nullifies its airworthiness certificate.

It must be recognized that with many four- and six-seat aircraft, it is not possible to fill all the seats, use the maximum baggage allowance, fill all the fuel tanks and still remain within the approved weight and centre-of-gravity limitations.

Estimating baggage weight can result in gross inaccuracies. If it is possible that the aircraft is operating close to its maximum take-off weight, the baggage must be weighed. Even a pocket-sized spring balance can be used as a handy standby if weighing scales are not available. This reduces the risk involved in guesswork. Note that on some aircraft, restrictions are placed on rear-seat occupancy if the maximum baggage allowance is used. When the aircraft is carrying freight, check for discrepancies with the declared weight. Ensure the weight per unit area limitation on the baggage compartment floor is not exceeded. It is critical to ensure that the baggage/freight is properly stowed, cannot move during flight, and does not obstruct exits or access to emergency equipment.

If the aircraft is suspected to be operating anywhere close to its maximum weight, passengers must be weighed. The risk of embarrassment is not a reason for risking safety or crossing weight limits. It is important to remember that a passenger’s weight is not his or her stripped weight, but must include personal clothing and carry-on baggage allowances.

Fuel and Oil Weight and Balance Control

The following additional guidance is provided by Transport Canada (AIM RAC 3.5.2), with regard to fuel weight and balance control:

Fuel is supplied in pounds (lbs), kilograms (kg), litres (l) or gallons (gal). Pilots should note which unit is being used and calculate the fuel weight accordingly. Incorrect conversion could be hazardous in terms of endurance and fuel weight estimation.

Fuel and Oil Weight and Balance Control

In calculating fuel, aviation fuel weighs approximately 6 lbs. per US Gallon and oil weighs 1.95 lbs. per litre. One US Gallon contains 3.79 litres. Here are the fuel and oil weights published by Transport Canada (AIM RAC 3.5.8):

Note that the Aircraft Weight and Balance Report for some aircraft includes oil, while others do not; where oil is not included, the oil station (including weight, arm, and moment) must be added to the pre-flight calculations. The status of the oil weight--whether it is included in can only be determined by examining the actual report, including the equipment/weight list included in the Report.

On occasion, oil is presented as a negative value in the weight and balance calculations (this appears in the table below), and this is because the location of oil is sometimes behind the datum line. Not to worry here, as the negative moment value for oil (-333 lb.-inches in the case above) is simply subtracted in reckoning the total moment value. Negative values appear typically when the reference datum line is configured at the firewall (separating the engine and cabin compartments), but it is more common for aircraft designers to place the reference datum line at or near the spinner.

Weight, Balance, and Performance

The heavier the aircraft, the greater the lift required from the wing throughout the speed range. Consider, for example, two identical aircraft, one lightly loaded and the second heavily loaded. If both are flying at the same indicated airspeed, it is clear that the heavier aircraft must have a higher angle of attack (to produce the extra lift) than the lighter aircraft. For a given speed, including speed just above the stall, it must be that the angle of attack of the heavier aircraft is closer to the critical stall angle of attack than the light aircraft—it follows, therefore, that the lighter an aircraft, the slower its stall speed.

The same argument as above can be applied to fuel economy. That is, the aircraft with a lower angle of attack for a given speed must have less induced drag and therefore less thrust (fuel burn) will be required.

The location of the Centre of Gravity (C of G) with respect to whether it is forward or rearward also affects aircraft performance. While an aircraft takes off with a specific ramp weight, once it leaves the ground the effective “negative” lift of the horizontal stabilizer has the effect of increasing the aircraft’s “aerodynamic weight.” If a C of G is located forward, the negative lift of the tail will have to be increased to balance the forward weight, and as the negative lift is increased, the aerodynamic weight, overall, is increased. Using the same reasoning as applied above with respect to weight in general, an aircraft with a forward C of G will have a higher stall speed than the aircraft with a rearward C of G. A forward C of G loading, however, has a positive effect with respect to stability—an aircraft with heavy tail loading will be more stable in recovering from a pitch-down attitude as the associated acceleration will activate a greater amount of horizontal stabilizer weight, thereby making it easier to raise the nose. Also, at the point of stall, a forward C of G will make recovery easier (the pilot has more pitch authority on the control column than is the case with a rearward C of G—see also discussions regarding the effects of C of G on stall speed that appears in Aerodynamics and Theory of Flight).

These features, of course, are related to loading variations within limits. An aircraft loaded outside limits is simply dangerous. Always ensure weight and balance is within limits—if it is not and you have an accident, your insurance will not cover property or personal liability.

Weight, Balance, and Performance

Pressure and Density Altitude

There are many occasions in which a pilot has to predict the performance of an aircraft—e.g., in planning a takeoff, in planning a climb over mountainous terrain, in predicting rates of fuel consumption, and aircraft performance with respect to speed.

Generally, aircraft performance—in terms of lift generated by the wing, and thrust generated by the engine—decreases with an increase in ambient temperature and a decrease in ambient air pressure.

The concept of pressure altitude allows us to take into consideration any variation in the ambient pressure. We know that standard pressure—the pressure most likely to be encountered—is 29.92”Hg (inches of mercury) at sea level. We also know that the pressure of the air normally decreases 1”Hg with an 1000’ increase in altitude. Therefore, if we are at an airport with sea level elevation, and the current altimeter setting is 29.92”Hg, we can predict that the aircraft during the takeoff, for example, will perform as if it is doing the same takeoff at an airport with an elevation of 1000’, and performance will be degraded accordingly. Conversely, if the altimeter setting were 30.92”Hg—i.e., the pressure of the air is higher than normal or standard—the takeoff performance of the aircraft would be enhanced—as if the takeoff were conducted at an airport situated 1000’ under sea level where thick dense air (not water!) would provide better conditions for lift from the wing surfaces and thrust from the propeller and engine.

Calculation of pressure is done by calculating the difference between the current altimeter setting and the standard altimeter setting. This difference is then converted into feet, based on the given that 1”Hg = 1000’—this is referred to as the Standard Pressure Lapse Rate. Accordingly, if the current altimeter setting is 30.12”Hg., we would calculate as follows: 30.12 – 29.92 = .2. Using the standard lapse rate, .2 is converted into 200’. What do we do with this 200’? The answer is that if we want to determine the pressure altitude for an airport, we must add or subtract the 200’ relative to the airport’s elevation. If we want to determine the pressure altitude of an intended altitude that we want to cruise at, we must add or subtract the 200’ relative to the planned cruising altitude. The question of adding or subtracting the “correction value” is determined by whether the current air pressure is higher or lower than standard. Since pressure decreases with altitude, and the current altimeter setting is higher than standard, we should subtract the 200’. Thus, if the airport elevation were 3427’, we can say that the airport’s pressure altitude is 3227’ for the purpose of determining takeoff performance, and if the planned cruising altitude were 6500’ we know that when we level off with 6500’ indicated on the altimeter, the aircraft will burn fuel and produce an indicated airspeed as if it had levelled off at 6300’.

While pressure altitude provides a correction for pressure, it does not take into consideration the ambient temperature of the air—a factor that, on a hot day when performance of the aircraft is degraded, is far more critical.

In factoring in the influence of temperature on aircraft performance we shift to the concept of density altitude—that is, the higher the temperature, the higher the density altitude. Here we must use math, and the formula is as follows:

Density Altitude = Pressure Altitude + (100 x [actual temperature – standard temperature] )

Okay, now you are asking “what the heck is ‘standard temperature’”. The standard temperature at sea level is 15° C, and the standard temperature lapse rate is 2°/1000’ (actually 1.98° per 1000’, but the .02 that is missing never hurt anyone). What then is the standard temperature for an airport with an elevation of 2000’? The answer is 11° C as, we know, temperature will decrease 2° C for every 1000’ increase in altitude (15-4=11).

So we can see by the formula that density altitude will equal pressure altitude when the actual temperature is in fact the standard temperature for a given elevation or cruising altitude. What is the standard temperature for an airport with an elevation of 4000’? The answer is this: 4 ´ 2 = 8 and 15 – 8 = 7, or 7° C.

Now we can go into action: What is the density altitude of an airport with an elevation of 4,500’ when the altimeter setting is 28.92”Hg., and the temperature is 28° C.?

Density Altitude = Pressure Altitude + (100 x [28 – (15 - 9)])

Density Altitude = 5,500’ + (100 x [28 – 6])

Density Altitude = 5,500’ + 2,200

Density Altitude = 7,700’

You can see how, with only a moderate increase in temperature, the performance of an aircraft can be extremely degraded—and a white-knuckle takeoff is truly something to avoid! For this reason, Pilot Operating Handbooks publish various tables that enable a pilot to calculate performance characteristics at varying temperatures and altitudes.

Pressure and Density Altitude

Instead of memorizing the above formula, consider the good news—density altitude can be readily calculated by spinning the wheel on the E6B, and the temperature and pressure factors are normally built into the performance charts published by an aircraft manufacturer’s Pilot Operating Handbook. The graph that appears below is similar to that which appears in the Piper Cherokee Pilot Operating Handbook. This graph is entered on the bottom with temperature (either in °F or °C—your E6B, by the way, is equipped with a conversion scale). In the example shown on the graph, the temperature is 32° C, and the pressure altitude is 3500’—figures that are common for summer departures from airports such a Calgary International Airport, for example. A reference line is extended straight up from the temperature scale to intercept the pressure altitude lines that run at an angle. From this intercept point, a horizontal reference line is made directly to the density altitude scale which lies on the left side of the graph. The density altitude for the departure is therefore approximately 6250’.

Takeoff Performance

The performance of an aircraft during a takeoff—in particular, the length of runway required before the aircraft becomes established in a climb—can become critical in the case of short runways or when the outside temperatures become extremely hot. Below is an example of how takeoff performance is communicated to the pilot:

Takeoff Performance

Takeoff data is commonly presented to pilots in the form of a graph, as appears above. In the example shown, the graph is entered from the left, based on the airport’s density altitude. A horizontal line is then extended from left to right, first to intercept the two ground-roll lines, the first for a lightly loaded aircraft, and the second dashed line for the aircraft at gross weight. The line is then further extended to the right to intercept the 50’-obstacle lines, again with the two weights indicated by separate lines.

When using takeoff performance graphs such as this, it is crucial to know that the ground roll data is something to be virtually ignored. Only when an aircraft reaches an altitude of 50’ will its climb performance be stabilized and predictable. While the example shows that the aircraft will become airborne at about 1100’, it will not be able climb significantly away from the runway surface (and 50’ is not a lot of clearance) until it has travelled another 1100’. The rule of thumb, therefore is always to discard the ground roll numbers, and to instead use the clearance over 50’ when assessing the success of a takeoff.

Note also that the fine print must be carefully read. The performance values determined from this graph will only apply if the flaps are set to 0° (the application of up to 25° flaps will increase aircraft performance and decrease takeoff distances), the runway is paved, level, and dry, and there are no winds (a headwind would increase aircraft performance also). What can we do if we are faced with a wet or grass runway? There is no direction provided by the manufacturer in this case, but we can refer to general recipe rules that appear in From the Ground Up (see the section entitled Take off Performance Charts in Part 5, General Airmanship. Here is a summary of some of these rules:

A 10% reduction in takeoff distance can be applied for every 9 KTS of headwind, and a 10% increase can be applied for every 2 KTS of tailwind.
A 15% increase in takeoff distance can be applied to dry grass runways; runway contaminants such as long grass, sand, mud, slush, standing water, or snow can easily double the takeoff distance.
A 10% decrease in weight will result in a 10% decrease in the takeoff roll, while a 10% increase in weight will result in a 20% increase in the takeoff roll.

It is not uncommon for the aircraft manufacturer to produce a takeoff performance table, instead of a graph, as indicated below. This table presents data for takeoff weight of 2300 lbs., and in fact the table will include additional rows showing data for different weights (which has been excluded here).

Interpretation and Interpolation

The interpretation of tables like this often involve interpolation. For example, if the pressure altitude is 2500’, and the temperature is 10° C, the total distance required to clear a 50’ obstacle will be the median (or middle) point between 1780’ and 1945’—what is 1862.5’, rounded up to 1863’. The interpolation process can also require a second adjustment; consider, for example, if the pressure altitude is 2500’ and the temperature is 35° C. To determine the 50’-obstacle distance in this case, you have to find the median (middle point) between four numbers—2030, 2180, 2235, and 2395. The interpolation of this—which works out to 2211’—is shown below:

Interpretation and Interpolation

In some cases, interpolation can be complicated, as you are not always selecting the median--the middle. In these cases, just eyeball the table to come up with your estimate. The difference of a few feet is not significant—if the takeoff surface is marginal for one reason or another, you wouldn’t take the chance anyways.

Like the graph data, the table data contains fine-print information which must also be read carefully, but a final note should be made with respect to this table concerning the effects of temperature. Take a look at the difference between the distances required for a sea-level takeoff at 0°C and a sea-level takeoff at 40°—an increase in excess of 20’. Similarly, observe the effects of altitude on takeoff performance. Conducting a takeoff at 5000’ requires almost twice the distance of a takeoff conducted at sea-level.

Airspeeds

The airspeed at which the aircraft is travelling through an air mass is referred to as true airspeed (TAS).

Unlike a car where the speed of travel relative to road surface is displayed accurately on the speedometer, the true airspeed of an aircraft cannot be accurately displayed owing to the effects of air pressure, temperature, and instrument error.

Airspeeds

Calibrated and Indicated Airspeeds

To reckon with these variable effects on true airspeed, we differentiate between two additional types of airspeed—calibrated airspeed (CAS) and indicated airspeed (IAS). TAS is determined by the manufacturer of a certified aircraft when it is built, and the TAS performance values for the aircraft are published in the form of a graph or table in the Pilot Operating Handbook.

Calibrated and Indicated Airspeeds

To be as accurate as possible, the manufacturer factors in speed variations for temperature and pressure. Some aircraft graphs require that you enter density altitude, while other graphs require that you enter pressure altitude and temperature separately. The example of the cruise performance graph that appears above is similar to that which appears in the Piper Cherokee. This graph assumes that the aircraft is flown at gross weight (2150 lbs.), and that wheel fairings are not fitted to the aircraft’s undercarriage. With aircraft flown at a lighter weight, it travels faster than the speeds indicated in this graph, although we are not told how much faster. If the wheel fairings are installed, we must add 3 MPH. The example shown on the graph shows that a 75% power setting at a density altitude of 2500’ will produce a speed of approximately 125 MPH. What is a 75% power setting? Good question.

Cruise Power Setting

So we can see now how we determine TAS from performance graphs in an aircraft Pilot Operating Handbook—in the above graph, for the Cherokee, for example—but the question now arises as to the notion of percentage of power.

Cruise Power Setting

To successfully predict TAS, the aircraft manufacturer has to enable the pilot to connect the instruments in the aircraft cockpit with the percentage of power used, and this of course is done with the RPM gauge—the speed at which the engine and propeller are turning. To do this, the pilot must refer to another graph (there are many!) as appears below. In the example indicated on this graph, 75% power can be established at an altitude 2500’ by setting the throttle slightly above 2400 RPM. In fact most pilots regard 2400 RPM to be the ideal power setting—engine wear is minimized, yet we retain the speed advantage of flying with a higher TAS. As altitude is increased, however, 2400 RPM will not produce the full 75% power. As can be seen in this graph, 2400 RPM at 10000’ will only produce slightly under 60% power, and this, in turn, means that TAS will be reduced from approximately 125 MPH to just under 120 MPH (referring to the TAS graph that appears on the preceding page).

Overall, these graphs will feel somewhat foreign at first, but very quickly you will develop a sense of comfort—if only because their use is repetitive.

Fuel Consumption

There is another crucial concept related to the cruise power settings of an aircraft, and that is fuel consumption. It is absolutely critical to a pilot’s skill set that the fuel consumption be predicted accurately. In this regard, the graphs for the Cherokee are straight forward. Inserted into the Range graphs for the Cherokee is the table which appears to the below:

Fuel Consumption

This table, small and simple as it is, provides the only data presented to the pilot regarding fuel consumption requirements—with the power set to 75%, the aircraft will burn fuel at a rate of 8.4 gallons per hour (GPH)—in the case of the Cherokee, the unit is U.S. gallons. While the 8.4 GPH figure applies to a throttle setting of 2400 at an altitude of 2500’, the same throttle setting up at 10000’ will in fact consume less fuel—approximately 6.2 GPH. The reduced fuel consumption for the same throttle setting at higher altitude is primarily the result of leaning—the higher you go, the more you will have to lean in order to maintain the optimal fuel/air mixture of 1:15.

There are three additional considerations related to fuel consumption. Firstly, the predictions made by the manufacturer in the above table are based on performance testing of a brand-new Cherokee with a brand-new paint job and a brand-new engine. Obviously, the same level of aerodynamic and engine-thrust efficiency will not occur in a Cherokee that has accumulated lots of air time. Secondly, the above table is presented by the manufacturer on the basis of specified assumptions or preconditions. In the case of the Cherokee, the fuel consumption rates assume the aircraft is flown at maximum gross weight and that the mixture be set to best economy setting. If the actual weight of the aircraft is less than maximum gross the rate of fuel consumption will be somewhat reduced; if the mixture control is set richer (more fuel) than best economy, the rate of fuel consumption will be higher.

Fuel, Distance and Time to Climb

A final consideration related to fuel consumption relates to the fuel required to climb to altitude. While climb fuel consumption rates are insignificant in the case of short or brief climb segments, climb fuel becomes very significant in the case of extended or prolonged climb segments. It is considered generally accurate to plan fuel requirements for a trip with the assumption that the fuel burn rate during the climb segment is double that of fuel burn rate during cruise.

Fuel, Distance and Time to Climb

In the case of the Cherokee, the Pilot Operating Handbook does not provide any definitive data on the rates of fuel consumption during a climb. We could extrapolate from the rate of consumption for 75% power (8.4 GPH) and say that the 100% power would be 10.3 GPH (25% of 8.4 is 2.1, and this could be added to the 8.4 GPH figure), but there is no direction from the manufacturer to do this, and it leaves us uncomfortably below the climb rates of fuel consumption one might come to expect based on experience with piston aircraft. While the 75% power rate of 8.4 GPH is based on best economy mixture settings, aggressive leaning to this extent during a climb could cause engine damage.

To resolve the climb fuel consumption issue in the case of the Cherokee, we assume double the cruise consumption rate of 8.4 GPH—so the climb rate is 16.8 GPH—and we determine the time required to climb using the climb performance graph similar to that appears below:

In using this graph, two rates of climb are determined, one being the rate of climb expected at the bottom of the climb—in the example shown, from an airport located at an elevation of 2500’—and the other being the rate of climb expected at the top of the climb—in the example, a cruising altitude of 9500’ is planned. From these two rates, the average rate of climb is calculated—e.g., 340’ per minute. At this rate, it will require approximately 20 minutes to complete the climb. Once this time-to-climb is known, the pilot can determine the fuel required (based on, in the case of Cherokee, 16.8 GPH), and the distance flown (based on 20 minutes at a speed of 74 NM).

It is only after we make such climb calculations that we can then make determinations for the fuel and time required for the cruise portion of the flight, since the distance to be covered in cruise flight is the total distance from the departure airport to the destination airport, less the distance required to climb. As a rule, allowance for the effects of wind is not factored into climb speed.

The Cherokee method for calculating fuel, distance, and time to climb is relatively simplified in that it is based on one figure—the aircraft’s rate of climb. Many aircraft Pilot Operating Handbooks, however, present a more detailed and accurate graph which the pilot uses to do the math. The graph which appears on this page is based on the climb performance chart found in the Piper Lance, a big sister for the Cherokee 140 that seats seven people, has retractable gear, and is pulled along by a big 300 horsepower engine (the Piper Lance achieves speeds during flight that are similar to the twin engine Piper Seneca)

As can be seen from this graph below, the pilot has to calculate the fuel, distance and time to climb from sea level to the proposed cruising altitude; from these values, the pilot must then subtract the fuel, distance and time required to climb from sea level to the height of the departure airport.

The calculations which appear on this graph show the results for a planned climb to 10500’ from an airport of departure with an elevation of 3000’.

Landing Errors

Wheelbarrowing—danger in tricycle gear aeroplanes, caused by pilot placing too much weight on nose gear with forward control pressure; during takeoffs, this occurs when the pilot attempts to excessively hold the aircraft on the ground; during landings, it occurs commonly in combination with full flaps and excessive speed—again excessive attempts are made to hold the aircraft on the ground, and braking power is reduced as the main gear lacks weight. Solution: Go around.

Wheelbarrowing

Balloons and Bounces—excessive back pressure during the flare for landing; the aircraft is caught gaining height above the runway at near-stall speeds—if the aircraft is then dropped onto the runway a bounce will be produced. Solution: Go around or, if safe, add power to re-establish the flare.

Balloons and Bounces

Porpoising—aircraft is bounced back and forth on the nose and main gear, caused by improper landing attitude and excessive speed. Solution: Smoothly regain the correct landing attitude and add power to become airborne again—go around.

Porpoising

Landing Illusions

Rain on the windshield causes a distortion—refraction—that makes terrain appear lower than it actually is—a hilltop ½ mile away may appear 200’ lower than it actually is. Also, landing on a upslope runway presents a similar illusion—that you are higher than what you actually are. Here is a summary of the landing illusions that pilots can experience:

Landing Illusions

Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI)

PAPIs are commonly found at airports, and they provide the pilot with precise visual feedback with respect to the position of the aircraft on glidepath prescribed for the airport. They are especially useful for night approaches, where the ever-present risk is for the pilot to allow the aircraft to inadvertently descend below the glide path into the “black hole” that sometimes exists below the final approach path when there are little or no ground lights.

Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI)

As displayed below, two types of PAPIs are commonly used—a two-light presentation, and a four-light presentation. “On-glide” indications are provided when the PAPI lights are evenly split—one-half are red, and the other half is white (“red and white, you’re all right”). An all-white PAPI display indicates the aircraft is high on the glidepath, while all-red display indicates the aircraft is low (“red and red . . you’re dead”).

Landing Rules of Thumb

As a rule, landings airspeeds should be 1.3 times the aircraft’s power-off stalling speed (calibrated) in a landing configuration (Vso)—i.e., full flaps, and gear down (if applicable). The airspeed should only be flown after all manoeuvring for landing is completed—thus it only applies to “short final” phase of landing, beginning at the midpoint of the final approach leg.

Landing Rules of Thumb

Note that this rule does not apply to all aircraft; as the landing speeds in some aircraft may be prescribed in Pilot Operating Handbook without variation.

Note additionally that the 1.3 Vso rule applies to stalling speeds for the actual weight of the aircraft, as per the stalling speeds found the aircraft’s Pilot Operating Handbook. Without this information, however, weight adjustments to the final approach airspeed can be made: reduce Vso by one-half the percentage to which the aircraft is loaded below the gross weight. For example, if an aircraft has a Vso of 50 KTS, the short final is normally flown at 65 KTS calibrated. If, however, the maximum gross weight is 2100 lbs., and its actual weight is 1800 lbs., its approach speed should be further reduced by approximately 7% (one-half of 14.29%)—instead of 65 KTS, the approach should therefore be flown at 61 KTS (60.45 KTS to be precise).

When landing in gusting conditions, the final approach speed should be increased by one-half the gust velocity.

Crosswind Landing Limitations

Approximately 10% of all light Canadian aircraft accidents are attributed to pilots’ inability to control the aircraft during crosswind landings.

Crosswind Landing Limitations

Using crosswind chart above (also found in the Canada Flight Supplement), winds anticipated during a landing can be broken down into two portions: the headwind component, and the crosswind component. The crosswind component is used to predict aircraft performance. Students should be readily familiar with the use of these graphs.

Students often err with respect to the proper conversion of winds reported in “magnetic” degrees, and winds reported in “true” degrees. Just remember that only the winds communicated by a control tower or by ATIS (recorded airport information transmitted on a radio frequency) is in “magnetic” degrees; all written weather reports regarding winds, including airport terminal forecasts, describe the winds in “true” degrees, and must therefore be converted to “magnetic”. Remember that a runway heading is based on “magnetic” degrees in the Southern Domestic Airspace.

Mid-air Collisions

A small percentage of these accidents occur head on; nearly all occur in daylight hours in VFR conditions within 5 nautical miles of an airport, usually in the traffic circuit.

A pilot is five times more likely to have a mid-air collision with an aircraft flying in the same direction than with one flying in the opposite direction.

If an approaching aircraft appears fixed, you are on a collision course; if the approaching aircraft has movement, there is no risk of collision. Be sure you do not turn the wrong way.

Never turn, climb, or descend into a blind spot.

During flight, the critical areas to scan are 60° left and right of the flight path and 10° above and below.

Mid-air Collisions

Bird Strikes

Since 1912, more than 200 deaths have resulted from bird strikes on aircraft.

The greatest risk is in flight below 2,500’ where 99% of all bird strikes occur.

The faster the aircraft the greater the risk—up to 80-90 KTS, birds have time to get out of the way.

The greatest risk is during March and April and during September and October, when bird migration occurs.

If you see birds ahead of you attempt to pass over, rather than under, as birds dive downward when threatened.

Anticipate that a bird striking the windscreen will penetrate; use the instrument panel as a shield, anticipate blood and guts, and remember to fly the aircraft.

All bird strikes are to be reported; see the RAC Section of the AIM.

Bird Strikes

Flight over Water

Common sense is to wear a life jacket whenever your aircraft is beyond gliding distance from shore. Ditching in water will create panic among already traumatized pilot and passengers as icy-cold water floods what will likely be an inverted cockpit. The dark cabin will be full of debris, loose wires, cables and seatbelts, making the retrieval of life jackets after ditching virtually impossible.

The key is remaining calm. Do not release your seatbelt until you are ready to exit the cabin. Locating the exit handle will be difficult while upside down in murky water, so locate the exit handle while still in your harness. Even with the water pressure equalized on both sides, the door could still be difficult to open, so be prepared to push hard. If unsuccessful, force a window by anchoring yourself firmly, pushing out against the window with both feet. Once the door is open, never let go of the handle until you are out; should you let go, you may not be able to locate it again. Therefore, release your seatbelt while holding the handle and pull yourself out (do not kick as someone may be behind you). If you get stuck, do not panic; back up and turn a little, then try again. Once you are clear of the aircraft, inflate your lifejacket (if you inflate your life jacket in the cockpit, this could impede your egress).

Flight over Water

Whiteouts

The lighting associated with whiteout conditions is such that the terrain is virtually devoid of visual clues. The eye can no longer discern the surface or terrain features. There is a uniform white glow without the normal spatial indicators such as shadows, horizon, or clouds.

Whiteouts

Courtesy: Wikipedia

Whiteouts occur whenever unbroken snow-covered terrain lies below a uniformly overcast sky whereby the light from the sky is about equal to the light from the surface.

The danger of controlled flight into terrain (known as CFIT) in whiteout conditions is especially high when a pilot does not recognize the condition. When recognized, immediately climb and turn toward areas where sharp terrain features exist—be prepared to transition to instruments.

Mountain Flying

Mountain flying presents increased risks. Never fly in the mountains without extensive pre-flight planning and a thorough weather briefing. Here are some rules of thumb derived from Tips on Mountain Flying published by Transport Canada, Aviation Safety:

Mountain Flying

Flight routing should be arranged to avoid topography that could prevent a safe landing.
Flight routing should be along populated areas and well-known mountain passes.
Sufficient altitude should be maintained at all time so as to enable a power-off glide to a safe landing area.
VFR Navigation Charts (VNC) should be used rather than World Aeronautical Charts (WAC) as they provide greater detail for air pilotage; the routing, including ground clearances, should be carefully studied before flight.
When faced with a “sea of mountains,” believe your compass (bearing in mind compass irregularities) as it may be your only means of getting out of trouble.
Do not fly when the winds are above 30 KTS at or below mountain peak level, or at your intended cruise altitude. Winds above 20 KTS should be avoided.
In anticipation of possible down drafts, always cross a mountain ridge at a 45° angle so as to allow a turn away from the ridge.
Know the wind direction at all times, and be on the lookout for changes in wind direction and velocity.
Never fly in the vicinity of abrupt changes in the terrain, such as cliffs or ridges as they can be associated with severe turbulence.
In anticipation of downdrafts and severe turbulence, cross mountain ridges at maximum altitude, and never with less than 1,500’ separation.
Anticipate downdrafts on the leeward side of mountains, and updrafts on the windward side; anticipate downdrafts between 1,500’ and 2,000’ per minute.
Do not panic if a downdraft is encountered; they usually cease with sufficient height above ground that will enable manoeuvring safely away. Do not count on this, however, in extremely turbulent air or in canyon areas.
If you encounter a severe downdraft, use full power and maintain the best rate of climb speed for the altitude at which you are operating; being cautious of the stall speed, attempt to fly to an updraft or smooth air.
Remember that the actual horizon is near the base of distant mountains; improperly using the mountain peaks as the horizon will place the aircraft in a slow-flight attitude unable to climb.
Never fly up the middle of a canyon; instead, fly along one side or the other in case a 180° turn is required.
If possible, fly up the right side of a canyon in anticipation of other aircraft flying in the opposite direction.
Beware of flying up canyons, valleys, and passes where the rise in terrain could exceed an aircraft climb capability.
Beware of flying below a cloud ceiling in mountain passes—while the cloud base could be constant, the distance between the cloud base and the ground could decrease owing to rising terrain.

Be Prepared!

Some time back, a student of mine—who was also an Airworthiness Inspector with Transport Canada—brought in a letter written by a pilot who experienced a near-fatal flying accident during a mountain flight back in the summer of 1997. Copies of the letter were made and distributed to the class, and the effect on those of us reading it was dramatic to say the least. So the lessons learned by this pilot can be passed on to newer generations of pilots, the letter is included below. The writing is unedited, and appears as it was written. As the author writes, if the letter stops any one of us from repeating the mistakes that were made, the experience will have at least some worthwhile benefit.

There are many messages or lessons to derive from this, but perhaps the most important is to be prepared to go down, especially in the mountains. While the author demonstrates preparedness in many respects—equipment taken on board the aircraft, the use of flight planning, etc.—strong criticism must be directed at the decision to press on in bad weather, and the decision to enter cloud as a desperate attempt to remedy the situation. There is never a circumstance in flying where a VFR pilot must fly on into poor weather. The loss of visual reference during a VFR flight is likely a case of poor planning, and is always associated with poor decision-making. All pilots are trained to perform precautionary landings on unprepared landing surfaces, and by losing sight of ground, the author gave up this last resort. Here, then, is the story:

Be Prepared!

ON THURSDAY 21ST OF AUGUST 1997, AFTER GETTING A WEATHER REPORT FROM WILLIAM’S LAKE FLIGHT SERVICES, I FILED A FLIGHT PLAN. THE TRIP WAS MEANT TO TAKE US TO EDEN NORTH, ALBERTA, WHICH IS 45 KILOMETERS WEST OF EDMONTON. I FILED MY ROUTE DIRECT TO EDSON, ALLOWING A STOPOVER THERE OF ONE HOUR AND THEN ON TO EDEN NORTH. I HAD FULL FUEL ON BOARD (4 ½ HOURS), 2 PASSENGERS, CHRIS DANTON AND BENNO HEGGLIN AND MYSELF, STEVE RANDELL, THE PILOT.

WE HAD A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF BAGGAGE, INCLUDING OUR SKYDIVING GEAR, AS WE WERE HEADING FOR THE CANADIAN NATIONALS. I HAD ESTIMATED THE PLANE’S GROSS WEIGHT AT 2630 LBS AND WAS WITHIN THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMITS FOR THE CESSNA 182. MY PLANE WAS CONFIGURED FOR SKYDIVERS, WHICH MEANS THERE IS ONLY A PILOT’S SEAT IN THE PLANE.

THE PASSENGERS SIT ON A HIGH DENSITY FOAM FLOOR MAT AND HAVE LEG STRAPS INSTALLED IN THE FLOOR TO SECURE THEM. THE PASSENGER DOOR OPENS UP INTO THE WING. THERE IS A BAR ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR AND INTO THE SOCKET WHERE THE SECOND CONTROL YOKE WOULD NORMALLY BE. THE FRONT PASSENGER CAN COMFORTABLY LEAN BACK AGAINST THIS, FACING THE REAR OF THE PLANE. THE SECOND PASSENGER SITS DIRECTLY BEHIND THE PILOT’S SEAT, ALSO FACING TO THE REAR OF THE PLANE.

WE WERE AIRBORNE BY 7:15 A.M., OPENED OUR FLIGHT PLAN IN THE AIR WITH WILLIAM’S LAKE AND STARTED OUR TRIP. OUR ROUTE WOULD TAKE US DIRECTLY OVER CANIM LAKE, MAHOOD LAKE AND MYRTLE LAKE TO THE NORTH OF BLUE RIVER AND OVER THE ROCKIES TO EDSON.

OVER MYRTLE LAKE LAYERS OF CLOUD WERE MOVING AROUND AT ALL LEVELS OF FLIGHT BUT GAVE ME NO CONCERN AS THE GROUND WAS ALWAYS VERY VISIBLE. COMING OVER THE NORTH THOMPSON WE WERE AT 6000 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL, THE CLOUDS WERE BROKEN AND SEEMED TO BE MOVING CONTINUALLY, WITH THE UPPER WINDS BEING IN THE 20 KNOT RANGE BLOWING FROM THE EAST.

I DECIDED TO CIRCLE BLUE RIVER AND “HANG TOUGH” FOR A FEW MINUTES TO SEE IF IT WOULD GET WORSE OR BETTER. WE HAD THE TOWN OF BLUE RIVER AND THE RUNWAY IN FULL VIEW. LOOKING SOUTH DOWN THE THOMPSON I HAD CLEAR VISION THROUGH THE LAYERS OF CLOUDS WITH A CEILING ABOVE ME OF ABOUT 1000 FEET, BUT WAS AWARE THAT THE VALLEY BOTTOM APPEARED TO BE “FOGGED IN” BUT FULL OF HOLES.

AT THIS POINT I DECIDED I WOULD FLY THE VFR ROUTE TO VALEMONT AND FOLLOW THE HIGHWAY THROUGH THE ROCKIES.

THERE WERE LOW CLOUD CELLS OVER THE HIGHWAY BUT THE ROAD WAS VERY OBVIOUS. TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES NORTH OF BLUE RIVER, THE WAY AHEAD SEEMED TO BE CLOSING AND THE WEATHER SYSTEM BECOMING VERY ‘IFFY” VFR.

I TOLD CHRIS AND BENNO WE WOULD BE HEADING BACK TO KAMLOOPS. I TRIED NOTIFYING FLIGHT SERVICES ON 126.7 TO INFORM THEM OF MY DECISION, BUT GOT NO RESPONSE. I THEN DID A 180 DEGREE TURN. I ENTERED GOTO CYKA (KAMLOOPS) INTO MY GPS TO GIVE US THE QUICKEST ROUTE.

THE ROAD BELOW WAS GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO SEE AND IT BECAME APPARENT I WAS NOW FLYING BETWEEN SOME MAJOR CLOUD LAYERS. WE CIRCLED IN THIS SPACE FOR TWENTY TO THIRTY MINUTES, OCCASIONALLY WE WOULD SPOT A TINY HOLE AND THE HIGHWAY WOULD BE MOMENTARILY VISIBLE. ALL OTHER AVENUES WERE BLOCKED.

IT WAS OBVIOUS TO US THAT WE MUST BE CLOSE OR EVEN OVER BLUE RIVER. WE KNEW THAT THESE CELLS WERE NOW CLOSING OVER AND THAT WE WOULD SHORTLY BE ENGULFED IN THEM.

I ASKED BENNO, WHO HAD THE VFR MAP IN HIS HAND, TO GIVE ME THE HIGHEST POINT TO THE WEST OF HIGHWAY 5. THIS HE DID. I HAD REALIZED THAT WE WERE GOING TO BE IN THE CLOUDS ANY SECOND AND HAD DECIDED THAT IF WE COULD FLY THE KAMLOOPS TRACK AT AROUND 8000 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL WE WOULD CLEAR ALL OBSTRUCTIONS. I ALSO HAD IT IN MY MIND THAT THESE WERE MOVING CLOUD CELLS AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE LONG BEFORE WE BROKE OUT OF THEM.

I TOLD CHRIS AND BENNO THAT WE WOULD BE FLYING IN THE CLOUDS, AND THAT I WAS NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT AT ALL. TO ENTER CLOUDS WAS NOT MY CHOICE: THEY CLOSED AROUND US AND I KNEW NOW THAT I WOULD HAVE TO CONCENTRATE ON INSTRUMENTS.

I WAS CLIMBING AT 400 FEET PER MINUTE AT 110 MILES PER HOUR. I WAS RELAXED AND IT SEEMED TO ME THAT THINGS WERE GOING WELL. I KEPT THE WINGS LEVEL WITH THE ARTIFICIAL HORIZON AND KEPT SWEEPING THE OTHER GAUGES WITH MY EYES. I WAS APPREHENSIVE, BUT CONVINCED MYSELF I COULD DO THIS. I SHOULD MENTION THAT MY GPS IS A HANDHELD THAT I HAD MOUNTED MYSELF JUST HIGHER THAN THE TOP OF THE DASH.

WE HAD STARTED OUR CLIMB AT 6000 FEET AND WERE AT 7800 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL WHEN I THOUGHT I SHOULD CHECK THE TRACK AND BEARING TO KAMLOOPS ON THE GPS. UP UNTIL THIS POINT I HAD REFUSED TO LET MYSELF LOOK OUT OF THE WINGSHIELD.

I LOOKED UP AT THE GPS AND AT THE SAME TIME LOOKED OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD. I CAN’T TELL YOU WHAT I EXPECTED TO SEE, PROBABLY BLUE SKIES AND A HORIZON! I BECAME VERY QUICKLY DISORIENTATED AND JUST WANTED THE PLANE TO STOP.

THE COMPASS WAS CONTINUALLY SPINNING EAST, AND I INFORMED BENNO AND CHRIS THAT I DIDN’T UNDERSTAND WHY I COULDN’T MAKE THE PLANE GO SOUTH. I LOOKED AT MY AIRSPEED, IT WAS BELOW 30 MILES PER HOUR. I KNEW WE WERE EnTERING A STALL, MAYBE A SPIN, I PUSHED THE NOSE DOWN.

I TOLD THE GUYS I HAD SCREWED UP AND THAT I WAS SORRY; I DID NOT EXPECT THAT WE COULD RECOVER FROM THIS, BEING IN SUCH DENSE CLOUDS WITH NO REFERENCE POINTS. I STARED BACK AT THE INSTRUMENTS. THE AIRSPEED WAS HORRENDOUS AND WE WERE DESCENDING BETWEEN THREE AND FOUR THOUSAND FEET A MINUTE.

I NOW REALIZED WE WERE IN A SPIRAL DIVE. I GRABBED THE THROTTLE AND NEARLY PULLED IT OUT OF THE DASH. I HAD NO IDEA IF WE WERE DESCENDING CLOCKWISE OR ANTI-CLOCKWISE. I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE RUDDERS AND PULLED BACK ON THE YOKE. WITHIN SECONDS EVERTHING WAS FLOATING IN THE PLANE. IT FELT LIKE ALL OF US WERE ON THE CEILING WITH THE BAGGAGE. WE ARE STILL IN THE CLOUDS.

IT SEEMED TO ME LIKE THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION AND THEN EVERYTHING WENT VERY PEACEFUL FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE WINDSHIELD WAS GONE. THE PILOT’S DOOR WAS GONE. THE TOP OF THE DASH INCLUDING MY GPS WAS GONE. OUR HEADSETS AND ANYTHING LOOSE WAS GONE. MY SKYDIVING GEAR AND SOME BAGGAGE WAS GONE. WE WERE STILL IN THE CLOUDS.

CHRIS AND BENNO WERE FIGHTING TO CLOSE THE JUMP DOOR. THEY HAD TO USE MY CHEST STRAP TO LEVER IT IN. IT WOULD NOT FIT. IT WAS OBVIOUS THE PLANE WAS BENT.

I SHOUTED TO BENNO TO GIVE ME SOME SKYDIVING GOGGLES. THE RAIN AND SNOW IN THE CLOUDS WERE STINGING MY EYES. BENNO QUICKLY GOT THEM FROM HIS GEAR BAG AND PUT THEM OVER MY HEAD. WE ARE STILL IN THE CLOUDS BUT THINGS SEEMED VERY PEACEFUL. WE WERE DESCENDING AT 90 MILES AN HOUR. I THINK BEING SKYDIVERS THAT THE DOOR AND WINDSHIELD BEING MISSING WERE IRRELEVANT TO US. WE SPENT MOST WEEKENDS JUMPING FROM PLANES.

I REMEMBER WONDERING HOW CHRIS HAD REMAINED IN THE PLANE WHEN EVERTHING ELSE HAD GONE OUT THE DOOR. I INFORMED THEM THAT WE WOULD PROBABLY HIT A MOUNTAIN ANYTIME NOW.

BENNO SAW A BRIGHT AREA TO MY LEFT AND I TURNED THE PLANE AS BEST I COULD. NONE OF THE CONTROLS SEEMED TO BE RESPONDING WELL. THE PLANE WAS IN A STEADY DESCENT, FULL POWER DID NOTHING TO CHANGE THINGS. WE WERE GOING DOWN. WE HAD BROKEN OUT OF THE CLOUDS IN THE MIDDLE OF A STEEP CANYON WHICH APPEARED TO HAVE NO EXIT. THE CEILING WAS ABOUT 800 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AND POURING RAIN. I INFORMED BENNO AND CHRIS WE WERE GOING TO CRASH WITHIN MINUTES AND TO PREPARE THEMSELVES.

THERE WERE GLACIERS TO OUR RIGHT AND A MEADOW BELOW THEM NEARLY TWO MILES LONG. A WHITE RIVER RAN THROUGH THE CENTRE OF THE VALLEY, WITH AREAS OF SPRUCE HERE AND THERE. TO THE LEFT OF THE RIVER SEEMED TO BE ACRES OF WHAT SEEMED LIKE WILLOWS. WHERE SHOULD I LAND?

IN THE BACK OF MY MIND I COULD HEAR LARRY AND THE GUYS AT SPRINGHOUSE TALKING ABOUT ALWAYS TAKING THE SMALL TREES. I DECIDED ON THE SMALL TREES. THE MEADOW WAS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. I SLOWED THE PLANE DOWN USING EACH NOTCH OF FLAPS AND WENT INTO THE CRASH SITE AT 40 DEGREE FLAPS AND AROUND 38 PER MILE AN HOUR AIRSPEED. I TURNED THE FUEL OFF.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

MY HEAD HURTS. THERE IS BLOOD RUNNING DOWN MY FACE AND NECK. CHRIS IS KICKING AT THE PASSENGER DOOR. FLAMES ARE COMING FROM UNDER THE COWLINGS AND DASH. I AM TELLING EVERYONE TO GET THE HELL OUT. CHRIS HAS KICKED THE DOOR OPEN ENOUGH TO GET OUT AND DRAGS SOME BAGGAGE OUT WITH HIM AROUND THE PILOT’S SIDE AND THEN GOT THE BAGGAGE AND SURVIVAL GEAR OUT. I GRABBED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND RELEASED IT INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT; IT DID NOTHING.

I REALISED THAT THE PLANE WAS GOING TO BURN. I PULLING THE KEYS FROM THE MAGNETO SWITCH AND TRIED TO OPEN THE BAGGAGE DOOR SO I COULD GET THE ELT[1] OUT. THE PLANE WAS BENT AROUND THE DOOR AND WOULDN’T OPEN.

THERE WAS A BIG ROCK CLOSE BY. CHRIS WAS HERDING US BEHIND THE ROCK. IT APPEARS HE HAD BAGGAGE HANGING ON HIM EVERYWHERE. BENNO SEEMS DAZED AND CONFUSED. HE IS BREATHING VERY POORLY AND HIS MOVEMENTS ARE SLOW.

WE CROUCH DOWN. AT LEAST ONE OF THE FUEL TANKS BLOWS AND THE PLANE IS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED IN LESS THAN 4 MINUTES! I AM CONCERNED THAT I DIDN’T GET THE ELECTRONIC LOCATION TRANSMITTER OUT. THIS IS A WORRY FOR ME.

IT IS ABOUT 9:30 A.M. AND AT THIS POINT NO ONE HAS PANICKED. CHRIS HAS MADE BENNO AND ME STAY PUT; HE HAS GONE TO THE RIVER TO FIND A CAMPSITE. WE ARE IN THE BOTTOM OF 10-12 FOOT ALDER BRUSH AND CAN SEE NOTHING. BENNO’S BACK IS CAUSING HIM MUCH PAIN BY NOW AND I AM BECOMING WEAK QUICKLY. THERE IS BLOOD EVERYWHERE ON ME.

CHRIS HAS FOUND A SMALL GRAVEL BAR AND IS LEADING US TO IT. HE TELLS BENNO TO SIT DOWN AND STAY THERE; THE RAIN IS RELENTLESS. CHRIS DRAGS ME OVER TO THE RIVER, HE IS SHOUTING TO BENNO TO FIND THE FIRST AID KITS. WE HAD TWO ON BOARD. HE PULLS OFF MY T-SHIRT AND HOLDS MY HEAD ON THE SKULL. HIS INDUSTRIAL FIRST AID KNOWLEDGE IS PRICELESS IN THIS SITUATION. HE USES TENSION BANDAGES AND A COMPRESSION PACK TO BANDAGE MY HEAD UP. HE THEN TELLS ME TO SIT WITH BENNO. CHRIS ASSEMBLES THE TENT AND WE ALL SIT INSIDE. SOAKING WET BUT OUT OF THE RAIN.

WE ARE NOT TALKING MUCH, HOPING FOR THE RAIN TO STOP. I ASK CHRIS IF HE CAN GO BACK TO THE PLANE FOR THE ELT. I DESCRIBE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE AND WHERE IT IS LOCATED. THERE WERE ALSO CHOCOLATE BARS, MAPS, ETC., THAT WERE LEFT IN THE PLANE AND MIGHT BE OKAY. HE TAKES THE AXE AND BLAZES A TRAIL BACK TO THE PLANE. HE RETURNS TO SAY THE PLANE IS COMPLETELY BURNT WITH JUST THE TAIL AND WINGTIPS LEFT.

THERE IS NOWHERE TO LIGHT A FIRE. WE NEED HEAT DESPERATELY AS WE ARE ALL SOAKED TO THE SKIN. WE SPEND TIME TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE WE ARE. THE CONCENSUS IS THAT THE GLACIERS MUST BE ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE MOUTAINS AND THEREFORE WE ARE IN A EAST-WEST VALLEY. WE DECIDE THAT THE THOMPSON RIVER MUST BE TEN MILES TO THE WEST OF US. THERE IS NO LOGGING IN THIS VALLEY AS FAR AS WE CAN SEE. CHRIS AND BENNO WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE ELT. I TOLD THEM THAT THREE MINUTES WASN’T LONG ENOUGH FOR THE SATELLITE TO PICK UP THE SIGNAL AND THAT IF WE HADN’T SEEN A PLANE BY THE NEXT MORNING THAT WE WERE PROBABLY ON OUR OWN. AFTER READING THROUGH MY SURVIVAL GUIDE WE DESIGNATED CHRIS OUR LEADER AND FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS.

CROSSING THE RIVER AND GETTING TO A SMALL GROVE OF SPRUCE TREES WAS IMPERATIVE. WE DECIDED TO DO THIS NOW AS WE WERE WET ANYWAY. CHRIS MADE ONE MORE TRIP BACK TO THE PLANE TO CONFIRM THE ELT WAS BURNT. HE CLEANED THE DEBRIS FROM THE WINGS AND SCRATCHED IN THE WING “THREE SURVIVORS, TWO INJURED. HEADING DOWN THE VALLEY.

HE THREW STICKS INTO THE RIVER TO GAUGE ITS DEPTH THEN WITH BENNO AND HIMSELF AND AS MUCH OF OUR BAGGAGE AS THEY COULD CARRY THEY CROSSED THE FAST MOVING, ICE COLD, CHEST DEEP WATER AND DISAPPEARED FROM MY SIGHT.

BEFORE LEAVING ME IN THE TENT, CHRIS HAD TOLD ME TO SIT UPRIGHT AND BE AS STILL AS POSSIBLE. I WAS STILL LOSING A LOT OF BLOOD. HE GAVE ME 3 CUBES OF COOKING CHOCOLATE AND AN APPLE TO EAT. DRINKING WATER WAS PLENTIFUL.

AFTER WHAT SEEMED LIKE A LOT OF TIME PASSING BY I HEARD CRIS SHOUTING. HE HAD MISTAKENLY CROSSED THE RIVER IN THE WRONG PLACE. IT WAS TOO DEEP FOR HIM AND HAD PULLED HIM UNDER. I HAD TO CONVINCE HIM THAT HE HAD CROSSED FURTHER UP, WHICH HE THEN DID. HE PACKED UP THE TENT AND THE TWO OF US MADE OUR WAY BACK ACROSS THE RIVER.

WHEN CHRIS HAD CROSSED WITH BENNO HE HAD CLIMBED TO A HIGH POINT TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE VALLEY AND TO SELECT THE CAMPSITE TO WHICH HE NOW TOOK ME. BENNO HAD A GOOD FIRE GOING CONSIDERING ALL THE WOOD WAS SOAKING WET. WE GOT OUT OF OUR WET CLOTHES AND DRIED OFF AS BEST WE COULD. I GOT INTO A SLEEPING BAG AND INTO THE TENT WHERE I WAS WRAPPED IN A THERMAL SHEET.

THE RAIN HAD EASED OFF. BENNO AND CHRIS USED THE REMAINING DAYLIGHT TIME TO GET EVERYTHING AS DRY AS POSSIBLE. THEY ALSO MADE A MEAL OUT OF THE DRIED POWDERED FOOD IN THE SURVIVAL KIT.

AT DARK WE SAT BY THE FIRE AND I EXPLAINED HOW MUCH TIME WOULD GO BY ONCE MY FLIGHT PLAN WAS COMPLETED BEFORE ANYONE WOULD START LOOKING FOR US. WE WERE CONCERNED WHAT OUR FAMILIES WOULD BE GOING THROUGH. WE THEN WENT TO BED BUT NONE OF US WAS ABLE TO GET MUCH SLEEP MAKING THIS A VERY LONG NIGHT.

THE FACT THAT NO PLANES HAD GONE OVER IN THE AFTERNOON SURPRISED ME. TOWARDS EVENING THE WEATHER HAD LIFTED AND VISIBILITY HAD IMPROVED. THIS LED ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE ELT HAD NOT BEEN HEARD AND THAT WE SHOULD HAVE AN ALTERNATE PLAN.

THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH FIREWOOD AT OUR CAMPSITE TO HAVE A FIRE OF ANY SIZE. SO WE DECIDED THAT IF NO PLANE HAD SHOWED UP WITHIN A FEW HOURS THAT MORNING AND WITH THE VERY LIMITED FOOD SUPPLIES WE HAD WE SHOULD START MAKING OUR WAY FURTHER DOWN THE VALLEY.

CHRIS KEPT THE FLARE GUN READY AT ALL TIMES. WE DECIDED TO MOVE AT A VERY CASUAL PACE. EVEN THOUGH IT WASN’T RAINING WALKING THROUGH THE MEADOWS AND BRUSH WAS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT AND WE WERE ONCE AGAIN SOAKED TO THE SKIN. CHRIS MADE A TRAIL AS BEST HE COULD. WE HAD DECIDED TO WALK FOR 6 HOURS EACH DAY, SETTING UP CAMP BY MID AFTERNOON TO GIVE LOTS OF TIME TO DRY OUT OUR GEAR BY THE FIRE AND REPLENISH OUR ENERGIES. THE TERRAIN WE WERE WALKING IN WAS OLD ORIGINAL GROWTH AND WAS ALMOST IMPASSABLE. AT ONE TIME IN THE BRUSH WE HAD AN ANIMAL FOLLOWING US BUT AFTER SHOUTING AT IT, LEFT US ALONE. THE HORSEFLIES, BUGS AND MOSQUITOS WERE UNBEARABLE.

AFTER TRAVELING WHAT SEARCH AND RESCUE LATER ESTIMATED TO BE 5 KILOMETERS WE STOPPED IN SOME SPRUCE TREES ABOVE A VERY STEEP PART OF THE CANYON. CHRIS HAD KEPT US GOING BUT REALIZED AT EVERY STOP BENNO AND I WERE GETTING SLOWER AND SLOWER. WE SHARED AN ORANGE HERE AND DEBATED WHETHER WE SHOULD MAKE CAMP.

SHORTLY AFTER WE COULD HEAR A SMALL PLANE ENGINE. WE NEEDED TO HAVE A FLARE READY. IT WAS A FLOAT PLANE AND IT DIDN’T SEEM SO FAR AWAY. UNFORTUNATELY IT BANKED AWAY FROM US AND WAS GONE. I THINK THIS WAS OUR FIRST DOWN MOMENT, REALIZING THAT THE ODDS OF BEING SPOTTED WERE SO SLIM.

WE KNOW NOW THAT THE PLANE BELONGED TO DICK MUNROE WHOSE PASSENGERS WERE OUR WIVES, LINDA AND KAREN AND FRIEND DENNIS WICK.

WITHIN A VERY SHORT TIME WE COULD HEAR ANOTHER PLANE. IT WAS A SEARCH AND RESCUE BUFFALO. IT STARTED UP THE VALLEY BUT TURNED AS CHRIS FIRED A FLARE RIGHT UNDER IT. IT RETURNED CLOSER TO US AND CRIS FIRED OUR REMAINING FLARES ALL AROUND IT. THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. WE WERE DEPRESSED AND KNEW WE HAD TO HAVE A BIG FIRE. THE PLANE NOT SEEING THE FLARES HAD TAKEN SOME OF THE SPIRIT OUT OF US.

WE NOW KNOW THAT THE FLARES WERE NEVER SEEN BY ANY OF THE CREW AND IN BRIGHT DAYLIGHT CONDITIONS THEY ARE RARELY SEEN.

THE PLANE WAS NOW COMING BACK FROM WEST TO EAST UP THE VALLEY. CHRIS WAS SHOUTING FOR EVERYONE TO COLLECT THE LICHEN AND PILE IT WITH OTHER DRY STICKS UNDER A DRY, HAIR COVERED SPRUCE HE HAD PICKED. THERE DIDN’T SEEM TO BE ENOUGH TIME. I HAD BECOME USELESS TO THEM AS MY GOOD EYE WAS MOSTLY CLOSED FROM INSECT BITES, BUT CHRIS CONTINUED WITH HIS MISSION.

THE BUFFALO HAD TURNED AT THE END OF THE VALLEY AND WAS NOW HEADING BACK TOWARD US. THE SUN WAS BEHIND IT AND WE COULDN’T SEE IT. CHRIS HELD DOWN THE LOWER BRANCHES OF THE TREE WITH HIS ARMS; BENNO STUFFED ALL THE FIRE LIGHTING FUEL INTO THE BRANCHES AND LIT IT UP. THE TREE WENT UP LIKE A ROMAN CANDLE FIREWORK. WE THOUGHT WE WOULD HAVE TO RUN TO THE RIVER IN CASE THE REST OF THE FOREST WENT UP TOO.

WE STOPPED FOR A MOMENT TO WAVE OUR ARMS AT THE BUFFALO. I WAS ALMOST CERTAIN HE HAD TURNED HIS LANDING LIGHTS ON AND OFF BUT THE PLANE CONTINUED OUT WEST OF THE VALLEY.

THIS LIFTED OUR SPIRITS. WE WANTED TO BELIEVE WE HAD BEEN SPOTTED. CHRIS WASN’T SO SURE AND DECIDED WE SHOULD SET SOME MORE TREES ON FIRE TO MAKE SURE WE GOT THEIR ATTENTION.

IT SEEMED LIKE THE LONGEST TIME BUT WE COULD HEAR THE PLANE COMING FROM THE EAST AGAIN. IT WAS VERY LOW. IT’S UNDERCARRIAGE WAS DOWN AND THE PILOT WAS TURNING HIS LANDING LIGHTS ON AND OFF. THEY DROPPED A SMOKE FLARE AND WINDDRIFT STREAMERS.

WE HAD BEEN SPOTTED. WE HUGGED EACH OTHER AND EMOTIONS RAN HIGH.

THE BUFFALO CONTINUED DESCENDING AND WITHIN A SHORT TIME WE COULD HEAR THE LABRADOR RESCUE CHOPPER COMING. THEY HAD A A TOUGH TIME FINDING A SAFE SPOT TO HOVER. THE PILOT EVENTUALLY FOUND A SMALL GRASSY AREA BY THE RIVER WHERE HE HELD THE AIRCRAFT IN A HOVER SITUATION 30 FEET ABOVE THE RIVER WITH HIS BLADES MISSING THE TREES FOR AT LEAST TWENTY-FIVE MINUTES.

WE STARTED MAKING OUR WAY TOWARDS THE CHOPPER, CHRIS REALIZED THAT I HAS HAVING TROUBLE SEEING WHERE I WAS GOING SO HE AND A SEARCH AND RESCUE SERGEANT CAME BACK UP THE HILL TO HELP ME TO THE CHOPPER. THEY WINCHED US UP INTO THE HELICOPTER, GAVE US A HUG AND TOLD US IT WAS AS EXCITING FOR THEM TO HAVE SURVIVORS AS IT WAS FOR US TO BE RESCUED.

THEY TOOK US TO BLUE RIVER WHERE WE WERE TRANSFERRED TO A BUFFALO PLANE AND FLOWN TO KAMLOOPS HOSPITAL.

AT BLUE RIVER, ONE OF THE EMPLOYEES AT NORTHERN AIR ASKED ME IF I WOULD BE BUYING A LOTTO TICKET AS WE WERE SO LUCKY. MY REPLY TO HIM WAS NO, AS WE HAD JUST WON THE LOTTERY!

* * * * * * * * * * *

IN SUMMARY, SAAR HAD SEEN THE WRECKAGE ON THEIR WEST-EAST PASS UP THE VALLEY AND HAD WRITTEN IN THEIR LOG, “PLANE BURNED; MOST PROBABLY THREE CRISPIES IN IT.” IF THEY HADN’T SEEN THE FIRE AND SMOKE THEY WERE GOING TO SEND A JUMPER IN TO CONFIRM IT.

ON MONDAY 25TH, WHILE TALKING TO THE TRANSPORT SAFETY BOARD, I WAS TOLD THEY HAD CO-ORDINATES FOR THE CRASH SITE FROM THE ELT. A LADY PILOT ON A COMMERCIAL FLIGHT HAD CAUGHT THE SIGNAL FOR THE THREE MINUTES THAT IT RAN, BEFORE BURNING UP (THIS COULD OR COULD NOT BE TRUE.)

THE SEARCH AND RESCUE CREWS ON THE AIRPLANE WERE PROFESSIONAL IN THEIR JOBS BUT SHOWED FEELING TOWARD THE SURVIVORS. WE CAN ONLY OFFER THEM PRAISE FOR THEIR EFFORTS.

THE REASON FOR TELLING THIS STORY IS TO INFORM ALL THOSE INTERESTED IN THE TRUTH AND HOPEFULLY IT WILL STICK IN THE MINDS OF ANY PILOT OR CREW WHO IS TEMPTED INTO SIMILAR SITUATIONS. IF IT STOPS ONE OF YOU FROM MAKING THE MISTAKES THAT I MADE THEN THIS HAS BEEN WORTHWILE.

Mogas

Transport Canada has approved the use of automotive gasoline (mogas) in specific categories of aircraft, subject to certain limitations. Every pilot who contemplates the use of mogas should read Transport Canada’s Use of Automotive Gasoline (MOGAS) in Aviation.

There are three considerations regarding mogas: the use of mogas is not generally supported by engine manufacturers; mogas is not engineered for aviation purposes; and, in using mogas, the pilot assumes sole responsibility for quality (and therefore liability) associated with its use.

Transport Canada basically followed the process of formal approval established by the US FAA which issued Supplementary Type Certificates (STCs) for specific engines and aircraft; while these were recognized by Transport Canada, it imposed altitude and temperature restrictions in view of the unique characteristics of Canadian mogas—i.e., Canadian Aircraft were restricted to flight below 6000’, and at temperatures below 24°C. This restriction, however, has since been removed for certain category aircraft. As well, for aircraft categories, Transport Canada now provides blanket approval, meaning that STCs are not required for these aircraft.

Mogas

Operational Considerations for MOGAS Use

Material Compatibility

Transport Canada warns that mogas may be associated with the deterioration of rubbers and plastics in aircraft fuel systems.

Material Compatibility

Alcohol

Fuels containing alcohol (methanol or ethanol) other than de-icing fluids are not permitted for aircraft use, owing to the manner in which alcohol attacks rubber and plastic components in the fuel systems. Importantly, fuel manufacturers need not indicate when alcohol is present in automobile fuel. Manual alcohol testing procedures undertaken by the pilot must therefore be used. As a means of monitoring elastomers (natural or synthetic rubbers or plastics), Transport Canada additionally recommends frequent inspection of the o-rings found in fuel sump drains—the pilot should look for o-ring blockage when the drains are open, and o-ring leakage when the drains are closed. As well, the fuel filter should be checked frequently for particulate originating from deteriorated elastomers.

Alcohol

Carburettor Icing

Because mogas has higher volatility than aviation fuels, mogas absorbs more heat during air/fuel mixture process and is therefore subject to greater cooling during vaporization—the result being that ice accumulates at higher ambient temperatures, making the likelihood of carburettor icing higher while flying with mogas.

Carburettor Icing

Vapour Lock

Again, because of the increased volatility of mogas, there is increased probability of experiencing vapour lock whereby mogas vaporises in fuel lines. This is especially common in instances of shutting down aircraft immediately after running at full operating temperatures; the fuel in the lines adjacent to the engine become “heat soaked” and vaporization of the fuel occurs. Full fuel flow should be verified prior to takeoff and effort to reduce engine temperature by reducing throttle should be used if vapour lock is encountered in flight. Automotive fuel varies in volatility owing to the four seasonal grades that are produced (Aviation fuel has only one volatility grade), and special consideration should be given to avoiding winter grade fuels which have increased volatility, and therefore increased risk of vapour lock, as well as carburettor icing.

Vapour Lock

Filtering

Transport Canada recommends that all mogas be filtered using a 5-micron filter/separator, or finer; the filter should also have a “go/no-go” system, which responds to the presence of water contamination by shutting off. Makeshift filters, such as a chamois or felt material, should only be used in emergencies, owing to the possibility of fibres clogging the fuel system.

Filtering

Cross-contamination

Unlike aviation fuel, mogas is not transferred using dedicated fuel lines; there is therefore increased risk of fuel cross-contamination whereby two fuels are mixed. Transport Canada recommends that mogas vendors perform fuel-testing procedures referred to as the “Clear and Bright”, “Free Water”, and “Density” tests.

Cross-contamination

Electrostatic Discharge

Transport Canada recommends that the fuel storage container should be bonded by wire to the tank being fuelled. It notes that the hazard of fire increases substantially with the use of plastic containers, which cannot be bonded to the aircraft. Transport Canada writes: “Many accident reports have revealed that an arc was created when the [plastic jerry] can was pulled away at the end of the pour following sufficient charge accumulation. By this time the tanks are likely full and the results can be lethal.”

Electrostatic Discharge

Mogas Requirements

Of the aircraft receiving blanket mogas approval, the most common is the Cessna 150 using a Continental O-200 engine; aircraft not in this category (so called “Category 4”) require an engine and airframe STC.

To qualify, the aircraft must be approved for operating 80/87 fuel.

With all aircraft using mogas, the engine log must contain a complete record of all hours on mogas, including a record of fuel mixtures (avgas and mogas); the aircraft Journey Log shall be annotated “Mogas may be used based on the acceptance of TP 10737”. Placards should be installed at each fuel filler and in the cockpit; the flight envelope (temperature and altitude) should also be placarded.

Mogas Requirements

Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs)

The ELT is a battery-powered transmitter that will detect automatically any unusual deceleration force such as that associated with a crash and subsequently transmit a distress signal on a designated frequency.

There are currently in service two types of ELTs, the older ELTs that transmit on frequency 121.5 MHz, and the newer ELTs that transmit on 406 MHz. 121.5 ELTs used to be monitored by a dedicated satellite system, but this was phased out in 2009 and replaced by 406 ELTS, which continue to be monitored by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite systems.

If properly maintained, the ELT is designed to have sufficient power to transmit the signal (which is a wailing sound similar to a siren) for 48 hours at -20°C. A 406 ELT signal is detected by the satellites within minutes. As well, high altitude commercial and military aircraft normally monitor 121.5 MHz and can typically detect the 121.5 ELT signals within 100 miles of crash site. All aircraft should monitor 121.5 MHz when able, especially in sparsely settled areas.

An ELT signal announces your distress and enables the satellite systems to determine your approximate position. Search and Rescue systems are then alerted and use the ELT signal to home in on your location rapidly.

On every flight, ensure the ELT is armed (if practical), and ensure every passenger is aware of the ELT location and operation. ELT information should be displayed in the aircraft. After landing, if your aircraft is equipped with a 121.5 ELT, check 121.5 MHz to ensure that your ELT has not been inadvertently activated. For additional information on ELT normal procedures, see AIM SAR 3.4 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Operating Instructions (Normal Use).

In the event of an emergency you should of course, while airborne, transmit “Mayday,” squawk 7700 on the transponder, and broadcast your position. After the crash or forced landing, place the ELT function switch to “ON” immediately. Once the ELT is turned on, do not switch it off until you have been rescued. Satellites and rescue aircraft need a continuous transmission to locate the aircraft and home to its position.

An ELT signal can be improved by, if possible, removing the ELT from the aircraft and setting it vertically on the highest nearby point, ensuring that it remains connected to its antenna (raising the ELT 8-feet will increase its range by 20 to 40%. Additionally, by placing the transmitter on a piece of metal such as the aircraft wing will provide reflectivity and will extend transmission range). Always stay with the aircraft and set up a survival camp, and prepare signal fires or some other means of attracting the attention of search aircraft. The idea here is that the aircraft is far easier to see than people are. Make all efforts to make yourself visible from the air—i.e., have smoke, flares, signal fires, etc., ready to attract attention.

In the event that no emergency exists—e.g., you have conducted a precautionary landing to wait out bad weather—make attempts to contact overflying aircraft or Air Traffic Services. If not successful, switch on the ELT one-hour after the expiry of your flight plan or itinerary, as this is when the search for an overdue aircraft will begin. The ELT transmission in such cases will lesson the costs of the search and upon arrival of the search aircraft you can contact them via radio and advise of your intentions. For additional information on ELT emergency procedures, see AIM SAR 3.5 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Operating Instructions (Emergency Use).

Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs)

ELT Batteries

An ELT is only as good as the batteries. The replacement of batteries must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If properly maintained, ELT batteries are designed to continuouisly transmit a signal for a minimum of 24 hours.

ELT Batteries

Accidental ELT Transmission

To ensure unnecessary search and rescue deployment, accidental ELT activations must be immediately reported to the nearest ATS unit, or the nearest Rescue Coordination Centre, providing the details of the activation, including time and duration of signal.

Accidental ELT Transmission

ELT Testing

ELTs must be inspected every 12 months, and ELT batteries must be replaced at intervals recommended by the ELT manufacturer (CARs Standard 625 Appendix C—Out of Phase Tasks and Maintenance Requirements).

Operational tests of ELT are commonly performed by the aircraft operator—in the case of 406 ELTs, the operational tests are required by manufacturers, while 121.5 ELT operational tests are conducted at the discretion of the aircraft operator/pilot.

406 ELT testing is accomplished as per instructions provided by the manufacturer, and it is typically that these operational tests to be conducted every three months. It is important to note that 406 ELTs ARE NOT TESTED by activation. In contrast, 121.5 ELTs are typically not required by the manufacturer, but testing is still commonly performed by activation at a time, and for a duration, specified by Transport Canada. 121.5 ELTs can only be tested during the first 5 minutes of any hour, but are restricted to signal duration of not more than 5 seconds. Here are the operational testing procedures specified by Transport Canada (CARs Standard 571 Appendix G—Maintenance of Emergency Locator Transmitters [ELTs]):

Tune the aircraft or other VHF receiver in the area to 121.5 MHz;
Activate the ELT for not more than five seconds, while monitoring the VHF receiver; approximately three ELT audio sweeps are to be heard;
Reset the ELT to ARM or AUTO, as applicable, and continue to listen to 121.5 MHz for a few seconds to ensure that the ELT does not continue to transmit after the test is terminated.

ELT Testing

Medical Factors

Hypoxia—lack of oxygen in the body—the most important thing to remember is that the victim of hypoxia is not aware of his or her condition; the effects are progressive with altitude: lassitude and indifference, belligerence or euphoria, including loss of aircraft control, reduced vision, confusion, inability to concentrate, impaired judgement, slowed reflexes, and eventual loss of consciousness. Symptoms typically appear at 14000’, including the potential loss of aircraft control at 16000’, and unconsciousness at 18000’. Nevertheless, at 10000’ there is a definite but undetectable hypoxia. Prevention: fly above 10000’ for duration of less than 30 minutes, or wear oxygen. At night, hypoxia can impair vision at 5000’, so it is recommended that oxygen be worn at night above this altitude.

Hypoxia

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning—susceptibility increases with altitude; symptoms: sluggishness and warmness, intense headache, throbbing temples, ringing in ears, dizziness, dimming of vision, vomiting, and eventual death. If symptoms are noticed, turn off the heat and open a vent.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Decompression Sickness—the build-up of nitrogen bubbles in different parts of the body when they come out of solution as a result of a rapid pressure decrease. The risk is greatest in flight operations above 20000’. The formation of bubbles in the lungs or the brain could give rise to chest pain and/or collapse. If symptoms include dull, sickening pain, an immediate descent to lower altitude is required.

Decompression Sickness

Vertigo—spatial disorientation—loss of bearings or confusion of sense of position and movement that occurs with reduced visual reference (clouds, fog, snow, etc.).

Vertigo

Drugs—do not fly for 8 hours after consuming alcohol, 24 hours after taking antihistamines, 48 hours after taking sulpha drugs, 4 weeks after taking tranquillizers.

Drugs

Anaesthetics—after spinal or general anaesthetics, do not fly until your doctor says it is safe; while it is difficult to generalize about local anaesthetics, common sense requires waiting 24 hours before flying.

Anaesthetics

Blood Donation—Donation of blood disturbs body circulation for several days, which may impair flying; for this reason, active pilots should avoid blood donation; if blood has been donated, a pilot should not fly for 48 hours.

Blood Donation

Insurance

With respect to passenger liability, both commercial and private aircraft must have a minimum $300,000 per passenger; with respect to public liability, private aircraft must have a minimum of $100,000 while commercial aircraft must have a minimum of $1,000,000 (CAR 606.02)

While written proof of insurance must be carried on board private aircraft, the registration of commercial aircraft is contingent on insurance coverage and therefore written proof is not required.

Insurance

Marshalling Signals

The use of marshalling signals is typically encountered at larger or busier airports where ground crew oversee and coordinate the movement of aircraft on airport aprons. The use of signals, for example, is common at Fixed Based Operator facilities, which are the commercial suppliers of fuel and other aircraft and crew services at airports.

Marshallers normally position themselves forward of the left wingtip, within view of the pilot, and they will use illuminating lights at night. Note that the engines of multi-engine aircraft are numbered left to right (pilot’s perspective), beginning on the outer engine on the aircraft’s left wing.

The signals and meanings are depicted below, and they must be memorized.

Marshalling Signals

Additional studies for Flight Operations: For the use of the Density Altitude Koch Chart, Takeoff Performance charts, Climb Performance Charts, Cruise Performance Charts, Landing Performance Charts, and, see Airmanship in From the Ground Up.