AIRCRAFT DRIFT

 

All pictures : courtesy Internet

 

Aircraft drift is the unintentional sideways movement of an aircraft from its intended path, caused by factors like crosswinds, wind shear, or pilot error. Several factors can contribute to aircraft drift from the runway during takeoff or landing.

 

 

Crosswinds. Strong crosswinds can push the aircraft off course, especially during landing when the aircraft is near the ground.

 

 

Wind Shear. Sudden changes in wind speed and direction, known as wind shear, can cause the aircraft to drift unexpectedly.

 

 

Pilot Error. Incorrect control inputs or misjudgment of the aircraft’s position relative to the runway can lead to drift.

 

 

Runway Conditions. Wet or contaminated runways can reduce traction, affecting the aircraft’s ability to maintain the desired track.

 

 

Aircraft Performance. Mechanical issues or aircraft performance limitations, such as engine power or control surfaces, can contribute to drift.

 

 

Weight and Balance. Improper distribution of weight or balance within the aircraft can affect its stability and handling characteristics.

 

 

Environmental Factors. Visibility issues, such as fog or glare, can make it challenging for pilots to maintain alignment with the runway.

 

 

Air Traffic Control Instructions. Miscommunication or misunderstanding of instructions from air traffic control can result in deviations from the intended flight path. 

 

Addressing these factors requires a combination of pilot skill, aircraft performance capabilities, proper maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols and procedures.

 

Coming Up:- A detailed article on the subject.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Pictures: Courtesy Internet.

 

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from sources deemed reliable and accurate. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for purposes of wider dissemination.

 

INTERNATIONAL AEROSPACE SAFETY CONFERENCE 2022 (IASCON-22)

 

 

The international aerospace conference was conducted by the Indian Air Force recently. There were three sessions at the conference and the themes were as follows:

 

  • Session 1: Human error
  • Session 2: Maintenance safety
  • Session 3: Damage due to foreign objects and bird/animal strike.

 

I was lucky to be associated with the conference and it had lots of takeaways. The link to the video on excerpts is below:

 

 

For selective viewing click on the links below:

 

  • Summarising talk on FOD
    • Engine withdrawals
    • FOD prevention equipment becoming FOD source.
    • FOD at production agencies.
    • Alertness by everyone is essential.
  • Summarising talk on bird/animal strike.
    • Six verticals of anti-bird measures (habitat, exclusion, harassment, hard measures, platform features, and procedural)
    • Hazards due to reptiles and rodents.
    • Birds get used to the measures – need for constant change of measures.
    • Each airfield has its own peculiarities – it is not a one solution fits all.
    • Need for BIRDTAMS.
    • Environment control around the airfields.
    • Aircraft designs to prevent injury due to shattering of the canopy due to bird strike.
  • Q and A Session
    • Application of threat and error management concept to bird strike control.
    • Myth or reality – Birds fold their wings and dive down when threatened of collision.
  • Suggestions post-session 1 on Human error.
    • Importance of “ownership” in the flight safety culture (example of mother and child).
    • “It is my job – I will do it well and I will do it safely”.
    • CFIT – “Superior skill is required to avoid getting into dangerous situations rather than getting out of them”.
    • Review of carrot and stick policy of safety implementation.
    • Periodic assessment of “Risk Profile and Emotional Quotient” of the crew.
  • Suggestions post-session 2 on Maintenance safety
    • Increase of Flight safety element and weightage in the professional categorization tests.
    • Adverse effects of over monitoring.
    • Rules of delegation – “Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself”.

 

Bottom Line

Aerospace safety is everyone’s responsibility.

 

Question

Why do human beings insist on making their own mistakes rather than learning from others?

 

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