UPDATE - SAFETY NEWS FLASH - The heatwave returns

To complement this safety news flash on the heatwave (below), written by Jean Christophe Gibert, our head of the Training and Flight Safety committees, find a presentation by Michel Marti (Flight Safety Officer - Occitanie) on the effects of heat and altitude on our aircraft.

Click here to get the presentation

The first heatwave is forecast for the start of next week. The welcoming blue sky that comes with it tempts us to fly, which is entirely understandable after a rather gloomy spring.

This is not without its traps: we all know that great heat has a harmful effect on the performance of our machines, with a loss of power and lift. These effects are felt in a longer take-off distance and a reduced rate of climb. One consequence may be getting behind the power curve, more quickly than usual.

So anticipate the take-off distance, check your machine’s weight, and take, as far as possible, a climb gradient at the best compromise between vario and speed. One solution may be to postpone the flight if conditions are fully unfavourable.

Think of yourself too and of your passenger: hydration, ventilation, sun protection must be stepped up during these periods of great heat.

Do not forget either that these weather situations are conducive to “witch” type phenomena, (Ulm info June 2019) and to very localised storms late in the day that can stop you getting back to your airfield.

Happy flying to everyone!

Jean Christophe Gibert

Head of Training - Flight Safety Committees