Aviation Safety
Northern Air recognizes that some people are apprehensive about flying, particularly in small aircraft. While no activity is free of risk, aviation is among the safest. This is primarily due to the inclusion of safety into every aspect of aviation operations and training. It is not taught as a single training segment or added in as an afterthought.
We encourage potential customers, students and their families & friends to review this information.
Safety is No Accident!
This time honored cliché/pun still holds true. Safe aviation operations are more than just the lack of accidents – safety comes from consistent attention to the factors in all sectors of the Aviation Safety Triangle.
Northern Air’s safety program begins with training:
● Pilots are trained to conduct effective preflight mechanical inspections of the aircraft starting with the
first introductory flight.
● Emergency situation management training and drills are constant during initial pilot training.
● Pilot training includes utilizing checklists to enhance safety.
● Recurrent training, including handling of emergencies, is required every 2 years for private pilots and at
least annually for commercial pilots and instructors.
The superior pilot uses superior judgment to avoid the need for their superior skills.
Northern Air Emphasizes:
● Aviation decision making is a vital part of all training. Initial students must show consistently good
decision making skills prior to solo flight.
● Understanding weather, topographic effects, the impacts of reduced visibility and other environmental
factors is important for sound decisions.
● Knowledge of aircraft mechanical systems is integral to overall safety.
● The use of all available resources, such as, radios, avionics, chart, ect.is central to a safe flight.
● Pilot evaluation of their own physical and emotional condition prior to each flight is essential to the
successful outcome of the flight.
Northern Air Only Provides Equipment in Superior Condition:
● Providing excellent maintenance is part of our culture.
● We have a spacious, clean, well lit and heated hangar to work in.
● Our aircraft are thoroughly inspected at 100 hr. (100 hr./annual inspection page) intervals, which
is about the usage interval between oil changes in your car!
● Dave Parker (Biography) is an Airframe & Power plant mechanic (A&P) and also an Authorized
Inspector (A.I.), a level above an A&P.
A Final Note on Safety: Light Aircraft are Designed to be Safe!
● Modern aircraft are built to be stable – push the yoke and let go; the aircraft will return to level flight
without any further pilot intervention.
● Once the engine is started, it will continue to run even without a battery or generator/alternator.
● The engine has a dual ignition system – that is, 2 spark plugs in each cylinder with each plug fired by a
separate magneto.
● There are numerous other safety features too!
When you combine:
● Basic flying skills.
● A mechanically sound aircraft.
● Knowledge of the flight environment and the ability/judgment to deal with it.
● The wisdom to recognize any personal factors that might harm performance.
The Pilot and Passengers are Able To:
SAFELY ENJOY the majesty and beauty of our homeland, as well as -
SAFELY UTILIZE our services for travel and transportation.
Call 208-267-4359 for more information.
