A PFA coach recently expressed concern that some builders and owners of
home-built aircraft may not appreciate the requirement for all essential
controls to be accessible and operable by the pilot in command of the
aircraft. It follows that an instructor who is to act as P1 may not be able
to do so in an aircraft without such access. For example, if foot-operated
brakes were fitted to one side only on a Trigear with a freely-castoring
nosewheel, a pilot occupying the other seat may not have complete control of
the aircraft on the ground.
Of course, the instructor could occupy the left-hand seat, but may not then
be happy to conduct a complete checkout or conversion to type.
Those planning to include flying training, coaching or instructional flights
in their use of the aircraft should consider the accessibility from both
seats of flying controls, engine and propellor controls, brakes, trim and
PTT, and also the requirement for inter-comm. The exact definition of
"essential" is open to interpretation, and may depend on the nature of the
flight. If in doubt, this should be discussed with the coach or instructor
before the training is planned.
Fly safely
Mike
Europa Club Safety Officer
|