Returning to flying with caution
News of 1 March 2021. Last updated on 3 March 2021: some information may have changed. Latest safety news
This year, the return to flying began under once again unusual conditions, with a lockdown at the end of last year and a sense of an unfinished year, and all this has caused frustration for many pilots. The pseudo-freedom regained at the end of December 2020, and the guarantees given by the various insurers, may have created a certain eagerness to resume flying. Do not hesitate to fly with an instructor as part of ReV!
Unfortunately, this year has started rather badly for our accident record, with three fatal accidents in a very short time. The investigations are under way, so let us leave it to the specialists to tell us their conclusions, without extrapolating and without setting ourselves up as lecturers. This week another tragedy was also narrowly avoided; it is only down to the quality of the machines involved and the composure of the pilots and the instructor that the human toll was not dramatic. We have to acknowledge that, sadly, the causes are recurring: manoeuvres not necessary for the flight, failure on take-off, collision avoidance not ensured. Every year the BEA draws the same lessons from these accidents, which tarnish the image of our activity and bring pain and suffering to all the families affected.
Return to Flying, scheme renewed in 2021
At the start of this season, it seems to us once again important to recall the fundamentals of flying. Setting your ego aside and not hesitating to get back into flying with an instructor is not a sign of weakness, but a safe and responsible approach and a sign of great maturity in a pilot. The ReV scheme, in place for 3 years, is made for this, so do not hesitate.
All the information on Return to Flying is available here.
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The latest accident, a mid-air collision, shows once again that looking out in flight, and even more so when joining an aerodrome circuit, is paramount. Knowledge of procedures should be recalled during briefings, and if in doubt your instructor will be able to point you to good local practice. Radio is a component of safety as long as procedures are respected and applied to the letter.
Our sport is wonderful, many envy us for it, but we will keep it in this form only if each of us knows how to remain responsible for ourselves.
Fly well, fly safe, and enjoy your microlighting.
