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Flysafe · 13 December 2008, 11:40 AM

Flying WWI aircraft in displays is a whole other risk management exercise. Having done so for 20+ years and worked with knowledgeable people to develop display routines I can assure you that this is the highest risk type of flying we do.

So what are some points to consider when displaying WWI aircraft:

First the fundamental principles:

1. Safety first, when in doubt don't depart, land or don't try the maneuver.
2. The majority of your audience are thrilled just to see the aircraft in the air and you are not a member of the Red Arrows so fly within the limits of your aircraft performance and flying ability.
3. Respect weather limits for wind and ceiling/vis and when in doubt modify the routine or don't fly.
4. Respect the crowd safety lines. Injuring yourself is one thing, but hurting a member of the audience is a disaster.

Now to making a safe display:

1. Develop a structured display routine from takeoff to touchdown. The routine needs to be written down and should have diagrams.
2. Define separation (vertical/lateral) rules for aircraft in the routine for collision avoidance.
3. Develop a display that is within the aircraft and pilot capabilities for each aircraft/pilot combination.
4. Simpler is always better.
5. Keep the action in front of the crowd and not too low.
6. Do not fly too close in formation it increases risk of collision and makes it harder for the crowd to see the aircraft.
7. Have a series of backup plans for the routines if one or more of the aircraft is unserviceable.
8. Practice the routine several before flying in front of a crowd for the first time and during the display season. Start at higher altitudes and work down and make the lowest altitude flown 300 ft.
9. Run a site-specific flight briefing with all pilots prior to each display.
10. Review emergency procedures for events during departure the dispaly and recovery.
11. Carry out a thorough pre-flight inspection, especially if the lublic has been around toucing the aircaft. You wouldbe amazed at what they can do.
12. Make sure you use good checklis discipline.
13. Check engine health carefully prior to flight.

These are just the basics and each display is a unique event that requires a good team lead that can work with all the pilots to identify site-specific and day-of-flight risks.

13 December 2008, 11:40 AM	#27 (permalink)
Flysafe Observer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada Posts: 58	Flying WWI aircraft in displays is a whole other risk management exercise. Having done so for 20+ years and worked with knowledgeable people to develop display routines I can assure you that this is the highest risk type of flying we do. So what are some points to consider when displaying WWI aircraft: First the fundamental principles: 1. Safety first, when in doubt don't depart, land or don't try the maneuver. 2. The majority of your audience are thrilled just to see the aircraft in the air and you are not a member of the Red Arrows so fly within the limits of your aircraft performance and flying ability. 3. Respect weather limits for wind and ceiling/vis and when in doubt modify the routine or don't fly. 4. Respect the crowd safety lines. Injuring yourself is one thing, but hurting a member of the audience is a disaster. Now to making a safe display: 1. Develop a structured display routine from takeoff to touchdown. The routine needs to be written down and should have diagrams. 2. Define separation (vertical/lateral) rules for aircraft in the routine for collision avoidance. 3. Develop a display that is within the aircraft and pilot capabilities for each aircraft/pilot combination. 4. Simpler is always better. 5. Keep the action in front of the crowd and not too low. 6. Do not fly too close in formation it increases risk of collision and makes it harder for the crowd to see the aircraft. 7. Have a series of backup plans for the routines if one or more of the aircraft is unserviceable. 8. Practice the routine several before flying in front of a crowd for the first time and during the display season. Start at higher altitudes and work down and make the lowest altitude flown 300 ft. 9. Run a site-specific flight briefing with all pilots prior to each display. 10. Review emergency procedures for events during departure the dispaly and recovery. 11. Carry out a thorough pre-flight inspection, especially if the lublic has been around toucing the aircaft. You wouldbe amazed at what they can do. 12. Make sure you use good checklis discipline. 13. Check engine health carefully prior to flight. These are just the basics and each display is a unique event that requires a good team lead that can work with all the pilots to identify site-specific and day-of-flight risks.