Site Surveys Presented by Burt Compton Concept of

Site Surveys Presented by Burt Compton

Concept of the Soaring Site Survey. . . Based on the Swedish Soaring Federation mandatory Site Survey program which resulted in a decrease in the glider accident rate in Sweden by more than 50%.

Soaring Site Survey. . . • You must invite the Soaring Safety Foundation to conduct a survey. • A soaring site cannot “fail” a site survey - it is a observation of glider operations. • A one-day visit includes an evening Safety Seminar to discuss concerns with all of the club members.

Benefits • • • Independent, third-person observations. Generates a confidential verbal report. A basis to modify your “Safety Culture”. Reinforces your commitment to safety. Refreshes CFIG teaching techniques. Identifies your “Good Ideas”, to be shared.

Beyond The Bottom Line • Save lives, prevent injuries. • Reduce damage to aircraft and property. • Save your club, and your soaring site.

Corrective Actions After the Site Survey, club managers begin: • Reviewing Ops Procedures • Updating Manuals • Giving Authority to the Safety Officer • Strengthening Club Management • Periodic Self-Evaluation

26 Site Surveys in 18 States 2002 – 2005 CA (3) TX NM CO (3) TN FL IL (2) MI (2) WI MN (2) IA NY VT (2) NH MA VA PA AZ

Site Survey Checklist • • Club Member Concerns Recent Incidents Current Operational Aspects Management Structure

Site Survey Checklist • • • Managers Safety Officer Flight Instructors Tow Pilots Line Crew

Site Survey Checklist • Airspace • Airport • Aircraft - Gliders - Towplanes

Site Survey Checklist • • • Ground Handling Launch Point Organization Takeoff Procedures Aerotow and Release Procedures Landing Patterns

Modifying the Safety Culture • “We’ve always done it this way. ” • Avoid operating in a bubble. • Compliance with safety procedures by pilots of privately owned gliders • Attitudes about risk management • Consistency in training / periodic checkouts • Instructor Recertification • Safety Meetings

Sharing The Good Ideas!

Common Observations • Launch Point Organization Ground handling & securing of gliders. People & equipment along the takeoff line. • Club Instructors – Inconsistent training: no syllabus no student progress checks / pilot records different checklists different landing pattern shapes different stall/spin recognition training CFIG renewal by non-glider method

Common Observations • Towpilots – Diving after glider release, aggressive flying, rope management, taxi routes. • Club Management Poor record keeping, especially pilot currency. Not establishing authority of a Safety Officer. • Rescue Equipment / Emergency Plan

Common Observations • Strange checklists, if any. • Flying high above the towplane wake. • Flying “square” patterns in relation to landmarks on the ground. • Lack of awareness of new procedures / sources of training and safety information. Insisting on doing it the “old way”.

Crew Resource Management • Glider Pilot • Towpilot • Wing Runner

Burt’s Triangle Safety Fun The Bottom Line

Don’t Lose Sight of Safety! Fun Safety The Bottom Line

Invite the SSF Soaring Site Survey Flight Instructor Recertification Clinic (FIRC) Speak at your Soaring Safety Seminar www. SOARINGSAFETY. org

Contact the Soaring Safety Foundation www. SOARINGSAFETY. org SSF Trustees: Rich Carlson (Chairman) Bernald Smith Gene Hammond Bob Wander Burt Compton