Aviation safety: it’s everybody’s business!
That’s the take-home message for travelers as we make our way through Alaska this summer. So much of the state is best accessed by air. Never mind the g-r-e-a-t flightseeing opportunities. Oh–that’s me (above) on the Taku Glacier with my Era Flightseeing helicopter pilot. I took the photo last summer. We both have our vests on. And we got the FULL safety briefing before taking off. CLICK THROUGH for the VIDEO I took of that trip.
Whether you’re taking a flightseeing trip of Misty Fjords National Monument in Ketchikan (my video here) or traveling to a remote village in Western Alaska, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Medallion Foundation want YOU to be part of the “Circle of Safety”.
What can you do? Plenty. For starters:
1. Ask for the Safety Briefing before your flight. And here’s the kicker: PAY ATTENTION while the pilot reviews the safety features of the aircraft and the emergency procedures.
2. Accept cancellations or delays. C’mon folks: nobody likes bad weather or last-minute fix jobs on the airplane. But yield to the pilot. Just like you, the pilot wants to make it back safe and sound.
3. Wear appropriate clothing. This is huge. Baggy shorts, tank top and sandals is NOT the perfect ensemble for remote flying, fashion notwithstanding. Think “layers” and sturdy, comfy shoes.
4. Don’t ask the pilot to fly lower. I know this seems like “common sense”. But even if you see wildlife or an interesting landmark, let the pilot determine the best, safest altitude.
5. Don’t ask the pilot to exceed weight limits. I know–you packed for TWO WEEKS, with a pair of shoes for each day. FORGET IT! Small aircraft are not designed for big loads. There’s no overhead bin–and every pound matters. Your air carrier will offer guidance on how much you can bring along. Don’t push it.
For more information on your role in the “Circle of Safety”, check the FAA’s page.  Check the video, below–and remember the SAFETY BRIEFING!
experience
First – I am an FAA certified pilot so I understand air safety very well. On a trip to AK in summer 2001 I flew with a pilot I considered a “hotdog” and was very glad to be safely on the ground in Juneau at the end. Sadly 3-4 days later he killed himself and four German tourists when he smucked a mountain in bad weather – after the pilot of another small plane with him turned back for safety reasons. Being stupid on your own is one thing – taking others with you is another. All the safety briefings in the world don’t help when the pilot makes bad decisions and the passengers can do nothing about it. I have probably flown in small planes in AK 50 times and all other pilots have been spot on.
Amen. The safety briefing is, of course, one important part of the matrix of aviation safety. As passengers, we put an extraordinary amount of faith in the pilot–hoping (often praying) they know what they’re doing. That they got enough sleep. That they checked the weather. That they know the terrain.