MSC Instructor Panel Notices
To:- All Pilots, including Private Owners - SEASON
CHECK FLIGHTS 2001
To fly at MSC every pilot must have a check flight with an instructor and have his logbook endorsed by the instructor. The standard MSC check sheet is to be filled out by the instructor and handed to the CFI.
To fly as an instructor, or to carry passengers, a pilot must have made five take-offs and five landings as pilot in command in the six months period prior to the intended passenger flight. Alternatively he must have performed two take-offs and two landings with an instructor. For each of the two flights the pilotís logbook is to be endorsed by the instructor and the standard MSC check sheet is to be filled out by the instructor and handed to the CFI.
Instructors are requested to check the logbooks of all pilots who intend
to carry a passenger to ensure that the pilot satisfies either one of the
above requirements.
REQUIREMENTS TO FLY THE L-23 SUPER BLANIK
The L-23 is a replacement for the Krosno that was lost last year. Students will therefore have priority to fly it and flight duration is to be limited to thirty minutes.
Pilots who are already checked out on the L-13 Blanik are authorized
to fly the L-23, subject to passing an oral examination given by an instructor
who will endorse the pilotís log-book.
LAKE PLACID WAVE CAMP
Please note that MSC will maintain its policy of not carrying US passengers
in the USA.
DAILY INSPECTIONS.
The MSC Daily Inspection procedure was written up a few years ago and there are copies (in red folders) in the clubhouse, hangar, and flight line trailer. It is recommended that all members should read it again and it should certainly be brought to the attention of anyone who is being shown how to do a DI. It has been noted that one special requirement that is part of the procedure is being overlooked. The particular paragraph is repeated following.
ìThere is, however, one special case of DI that must be mentioned. This
special case exists when a glider has been derigged since its last use.
Immediately after assembly, and before installation of any access panels,
the inspector/assembler must find a second competent person, who is familiar
with the glider type, to carry out a dual check on the assembly, particularly
the control hook-ups. This second person's inspection must include a visual
check of the hook-ups and that they are safety locked. (using a mirror
where necessary). All the control checks listed in the preceding DI procedure
must then be carried out. All wing and tailplane attachments, and
their locking, should also be inspected by the second party. The
entry in the glider DI book must include the annotation "Glider rigged
and dual control checks carried out" and both persons must sign.î
WALK-AROUND INSPECTIONS. (Terry Beasley)
(Authorís note. At the last Instructorsí Panel meeting walk-around inspections were discussed. It was mentioned that some members almost repeat the DI, and there is too much unnecessary handling of control surfaces. As a result of the discussion I was tasked to write a note on the requirements for the walk-around).
In the MSC Daily Inspection procedure document it is explained that the DI is a part of a continuous inspection process to ensure that the glider manufacturerís design standard is maintained. The walk-around is simply another link in that chain of events. The DI showed that the glider was serviceable at the start of the dayís operations, so why do a walk-around? The objective is to determine that nothing has happened since the DI that could invalidate it. Therefore the depth of the walk-around should depend on the pilotís knowledge of what has happened to the glider since its last flight. If it has just made a good landing on the runway it does not need the same degree of inspection that may be required if it has been parked for a few hours in the parking area, where you do not know if inexperienced visitors have been messing about with it.
After a good landing the walk-around can be just that. Walk around
the glider to see that the wheel is not clogged with mud or grass, that
there is no grass picked up in the aileron to wing gaps, and that the tail
dolly is not still on. There is no need at all to touch the control
surfaces. In fact, this can do far more harm than good, as they are
not designed for point load applications. The cockpit check will
be quite adequate to see that they still have full and free movement.
In the case where the glider has been parked for some time it is wise
to make a more thorough visual check of the gliderís exterior, particularly
the vulnerable trailing edges of wings and control surfaces. The
best way to do this is to have the wing at eye level and look along it
from the tip. Any damage will be apparent. Again, there is
no need to handle the control surfaces.
There is an additional item to check on the Blanik. It has a castoring
tailwheel, so if the glider has been turned to line it up with the runway
the tailwheel can easily be at ninety degrees to the intended take-off
path. In this position it makes quite a good brake! So, in
the case of the Blanik walk-around look at the tailwheel, if it is not
lined up then simply lift the rear fuselage and let the centering spring
bring the wheel back into line.
INCIDENT REPORTS
Walter Ekiert, our safety officer, wishes to remind us that blank incident
reports have been placed in the new racks located in the flight line trailer.
Updated - April 27, 2003