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Safety Hub
Safety messages and practical flying reminders from the Kapiti Aero Club safety team.
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Fuel Bowser Displays
CAA has recently highlighted a change to BP fuel bowsers that is catching some pilots out. The dollar amount is now shown large at the top of the display, with the number of litres below in a smaller font.
Ground Ops8 October 20261 min read
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10 articles in Airmanship
Airmanship11 September 20261 min read
Crosswind Landings: Know Your Limits
Crosswind skills fade – be honest about your limits, watch for changing winds at NZPP, use rudder and aileron correctly, and go around if it doesn't look right.
Airmanship1 August 20261 min read
Flying After a Break
After winter or any break, skills can be rusty even if you're current – consider a refresher with an instructor, plan more thoroughly and slow things down.
Airmanship10 April 20261 min read
Secure Pens, Paper and Checklists Before Flight
Loose pens, paper and checklists can shift in turbulence or an emergency – check the cockpit properly and secure anything that doesn't need to be loose.
Airmanship19 December 20251 min read
FOD in the Cockpit Can Jam the Controls
A loose item in the cockpit once jammed the flight controls after take-off, forcing a MAYDAY – account for your belongings and check the interior properly.
Airmanship5 September 20251 min read
Current Isn't Always Proficient in Crosswinds
Being current isn't the same as being proficient in strong, variable crosswinds – book a practice flight, consider diverting if beyond your comfort level, and students keep to 8 kt.
Airmanship11 July 20251 min read
Take In the Whole Aircraft Before the Walkaround
Start the pre-flight from a few steps back: check the wings are level, look for puddles, marks or anything hanging off, and spot flat tyres hidden by spats.
Airmanship20 June 20251 min read
Don't Skip the Interior Check
A member once found scissors under the pilot's seat before an aerobatic flight – always check and secure the interior as part of the pre-flight.
Airmanship4 October 20241 min read
Keep Up With Vector Magazine
The CAA's Vector magazine is published each season and is a great safety read; past issues and Vector Online articles are free on the CAA website.
Airmanship20 September 20241 min read
Build Crosswind Proficiency and Personal Limits
Crosswind skills fade without practice: set personal limits, watch for changing winds, use rudder and aileron correctly, and go around or use RWY 30 if needed.
Airmanship16 August 20241 min read
Secure or Remove Loose Items in the Cockpit
Loose items can jam controls or injure occupants – check for and remove loose or unnecessary items in every pre-flight, and strip the cockpit for aerobatics.