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Safety Hub
Safety messages and practical flying reminders from the Kapiti Aero Club safety team.
Latest
When the Weather Closes In
CAA found that pilots who press on below VFR minima are far more likely to end up in trouble — set your own go/no-go limits and turn back early.
Weather16 October 20261 min read
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7 articles in Emergencies
Emergencies29 May 20261 min read
Managing an Alternator Failure
If the alternator fails and can't be reset per the POH, shed electrical load, land as soon as practicable, and use radio-failure procedures or a phone if needed.
Emergencies28 November 20251 min read
Why We Wear Life Vests Over Water
Wear a life vest whenever flying over water, as putting one on in a cramped cockpit in an emergency is unrealistic; keep the inflation tag easy to reach.
Emergencies18 July 20251 min read
Wear Your Life Jacket From Start-Up to Shutdown
Wear your life jacket for the whole flight over water with the inflation tag visible – a local pilot who ditched survived an hour in the sea thanks to his.
Emergencies1 June 20251 min read
Engine Fire During Start: Prevent and Respond
Avoid over-priming, which commonly causes start-up fires, and know your aircraft's engine-fire-during-start procedure – the C152 example is outlined.
Emergencies26 December 20241 min read
Prepare for Engine Failure and Ditching
Practise forced landings regularly and know your aircraft's ditching procedure – the C152 flight manual procedure is listed step by step.
Emergencies9 August 20242 min read
Report Laser Strikes
If hit by a laser, look away, don't rub your eyes and tell ATC; then report it to the CAA (rules 12.55 and 12.57) via 0508 4 SAFETY and the CAA800 form.
Emergencies26 July 20241 min read
Surviving a Forced Landing in the Bush
A Vector story about a pilot who flew into the wrong valley in deteriorating weather and survived a bush forced landing; read the full article for the lessons.