As aircraft have become safer over the years, a lot of lessons were learned along the way about what are the most cost-effective methods for improving flight safety. Now, experts are urgently recommending that newly manufactured general aviation aircraft should be installed with two basic improvements:
- Loss of control safety enhancements, and
- System component failure and powerplant safety enhancements.
Loss of Control Upgrades Are Essential for Improving Safety
Labeled one of NTSB’s “most wanted” enhancements, loss of control is the overriding reason for pilot-caused mishaps. One inexpensive upgrade that makes a substantial difference is supplementing stall alerts with angle of attack warning systems. This helps pilots choose a proper corrective action and better appreciate the circumstances of the problem.
For instance, pilots who are in a stall often panic and do the worst possible action – increase angle of attack. Stick shakers don’t do any good if they worsen the problem. In addition to angle of attack alerts, pilots are now also being required to fully train in stall simulations along with upset and recovery training.
System Component and Powerplant Failure Also Plague General Aviation
The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee has determined that component failure is a major precipitating cause of general aviation mishaps. Improper torquing is recognized as a leading cause of failure, and there’s a variety of strategies used to prevent this. One of the simplest is direct tension indicator washers, which are single-use devices to show that the ideal torque has been applied.
Smart cockpit technology is also being recommended for both new manufacturing and retrofitting. Among other things, it can alert a pilot to developing emergencies more quickly and identify the root causes more precisely. It will also prompt them to use the most appropriate remedy based on the other parameters of the flight and provide a real-time checklist for emergency reactions.
Some of these changes are being mandated as well. Starting in January 2020, operators are required to equip the ADS-B Out, which is part of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance System that is expected to eventually replace radar worldwide. When installed in individual aircraft, it communicates its position, altitude and velocity to other aircraft and ATC for maximum situational awareness and required vehicle spacing.
All of this generates electronic waste and possibly hazardous materials as well when systems are replaced and old parts are shelved. Techwaste can handle all or your e-waste needs at absolutely no cost to you. They’re certified by the EPA and work closely with many aviation manufacturers, providing free pickup of their old electronics, data destruction for full information security and IT disposition reports as needed to fulfill contracts with the government or large companies.
TechWaste Recycling directly services all of Southern California and provides pickup services to its facilities from nationwide locations. Visit TechWaste Recycling’s website at www.techwasterecycling.com to schedule a pickup that works for your convenience and schedule.
Learn more about TechWaste’s aircraft controls and avionics decommissioning process here: Avionics Equipment Recycling Services
Contact Info:
Richard Steffens
1940 E. Occidental street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 866-637-8469
