| Passenger Briefing |
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| Liga Passenger Briefing |
Before We Go |
| Light General Aviation (GA) aircraft are very different from commercial
airliners. The noise level is much higher, so you will be wearing an
aviation headset or ear plugs during the trip, and the motion due to
turbulence may be more noticeable. There are no on-board toilets, and
once we take off we will land until we reach our destination. Please
make sure you are comfortable before we take off. |
Airfield Safety |
| Please don't stray from the pilot while you are on the restricted areas
of the airfield. Keep away from other aircraft, even if they are not
moving, especially their propellers. If you hear anyone shout “Clear!”
or “Clear prop!” it means an aircraft is about to start: be sure you are
nowhere near it. A propeller turning at speed is almost invisible, and
in any conflict it will win. It can also throw dirt in your face if you
stand too close behind an aircraft. Take care when boarding the aircraft
only to step where the pilot shows you – and use the handholds,
especially if you have just walked across a muddy field. Always climb on
and off from behind the wing. |
On Board |
Please do not smoke.
The pilot will show you how to open and close the door, adjust the seats
and use the seat-belt. Keep the belt fastened whenever the aircraft is
moving, and make sure it's tight during takeoff and landing. If you are
sitting in front, check that your seat is far enough back to allow full
movement of the controls. If you have any luggage, please stow it
securely in the back. Please don't put anything on the floor, where it
might interfere with the controls.
Once the power is switched on, you can talk to the pilot via your
headset. Adjust the microphone so it's just in front of your top lip,
and speak at a normal level. From time to time the pilot will need to
use the radio to communicate with other stations – please do not talk
when he does, or your voice will be transmitted too. Make a note of the
aircraft's call-sign, which is on a plate on the dashboard. If you hear
anyone on the radio using it, stop talking so the pilot can hear them. |
In The Air |
The pilot is in sole charge of the aircraft at all times: please do
anything he asks you at once. Don't touch any of the controls, including
the pedals in front of you, unless he asks you to. You can adjust the
air vents if you wish. Please make sure your seat is securely locked. If
it starts to slip back when the aircraft climbs, just let it go – it
will only slide a few inches. Whatever you do, don't grab anything in
front of you!
When the aircraft is climbing or descending, you may need to hold you
nose and blow gently to equalize the pressure in your ears. Unlike a
car, when an aircraft turns it leans over, and you may find this
sensation unusual at first.
Turbulence may cause the aircraft to bump
around a little. This is quite normal so please just relax and enjoy the
flight.
If you have questions about anything, please feel free to ask. If you
feel uneasy about anything, or too hot or cold, or unwell, please tell
the pilot sooner rather than later. But remember that the pilot's first
priority at all times is to fly the aircraft safely, so he may not be
able to give you his full attention immediately. |
Landing |
Before and during landing, there may be events that you were not
expecting: a surprising number of changes of direction and engine speed,
and sometimes you may feel you are leaning over, or notice that the
runway is not where you expected to see it. Sometimes, just as you are
expecting to touch down, the pilot will “go around” for another
approach. And in the final stages of landing, you may hear a buzzer
sounding. All these things are quite normal and nothing to worry about.
However, it is the period when the pilot's workload is highest, so
please don't distract him.
The flight is not over until the aircraft is parked and the engine
stopped. Don't unfasten your seatbelt or open the door until then. |
In Case of an Emergency |
The pilot has airsickness bags and other convenience items. A fire
extinguisher is between the seats and a first-aid kit is in the back of
the aircraft.
If anything unexpected happens, remember that the pilot has been trained
and tested in dealing with emergencies, so please remain calm and do
whatever the pilot tells you to do.
Our flight plan today includes allowances for diverting to a different
airfield in the event of unexpected bad weather.
In the unlikely event of engine failure, the aircraft glides gently
down, and can be safely landed in a small field. In case of an of field
landing, the pilot will provide you with instructions for a safe
landing. Most importantly, make sure that your seat belt is securely
fastened and that you comply with the pilot’s instructions. |
Common Questions |
Am I fit to fly? If in doubt, ask the pilot. It's not a good idea to fly
if you have a bad cold or sinus problems, as the changes in air pressure
can be painful if you can't “pop” your ears.
What should I wear? Wear clothes that are comfortable, but not too
bulky. Skirts and high heels are not advisable. Dress as you would for a
long journey in a small car. Sunglasses or a peaked cap are a good idea,
as it may sometimes be necessary to fly with the sun in your eyes.
Can I eat on board the aircraft? Yes, however, please be considerate of
the types of food you bring on board. Please avoid bringing food likely
to cause a mess. Also, avoid consuming large amounts of fluids as there
are no restrooms on board the aircraft. Ginger (ginger cookies, etc.)
has been shown to ease motion sickness.
Can I take photographs? Yes, but don't expect too much from the results,
and please don't bring a lot of equipment. Aircraft windows are rarely
of optical standard, and there will be a good deal of vibration from the
engine. The pilot will try to help you to get a good view, but remember
that his first priority is always to fly the aircraft safely. This may
mean not going as close as you would like to places of interest, or
approaching them from the ideal direction.
How can I help? The most useful thing you can do to help is to keep a
good lookout, and tell the pilot if you see other aircraft. Use the
“clock code” - 9 o'clock is to your left, 12 straight ahead, 3 to your
right.
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