Episode 5: Flying into Boulia Aerodrome

How long is it since you've read the pilot's operating handbook (POH) for your aircraft?

Preparing for an air safari may just be the time to re-read your POH with your undivided attention.

If you become familiar with the layout and content, your POH becomes your go-to reference for gaps in your knowledge. This is helpful to understand how your aircraft operates and how you, as the pilot, can operate it safely and efficiently.

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Know your aircraft

Don't read your POH in one go. Over time you will find reading and absorbing the main categories of the POH helps make sure you and your passengers are safe.

Key categories include:

general stats and information on the aircraft, including instrumentation and power plant
limitations
emergency procedures, including:
- operational checklists
- engine failure
- forced landings, ditching
- fires
- icing
- landing with a flat tyre
- electrical power failure.
normal procedures
performance
weight and balance
aircraft and systems descriptions
fuel burn, TAS, power settings table (if available).

Cessna aircraft

Put your knowledge to the test

Test your knowledge by asking yourself:

What are the instruments in my aircraft that may fail, and what are the implications?
In an electrical failure, what order am I going to lose which instruments?
Am I confident about loading the aircraft correctly for my weight and balance?
Do I fully understand the fuel system?
Why does the vacuum system indicate a low reading on a low power setting?
What PSI do the tyres require?

If you don't know the answer to any of these questions, check through the POH or ask your licenced aircraft maintenance engineer (LAME).

Published date: 17 October 2022