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ABCD
and CHAOTIC |
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(a
reminder) |
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23-Mar-14 |
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| Back
in 2011, the GFA issued an Operations Directive
(mandatory) for adoption of new standard GFA
pre-flight checks. These
relate to ABCD pre-boarding, and CHAOTIC
post-boarding. They may differ from those contained
in the copies of Basic Gliding Knowledge, the
Instructors Handbook and/or the Pilots Log Book that
are still held/used by some CGC members. |
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Operations
Directive 1-11 dated 14 April 2011 ... |
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Pre-takeoff
check ABCD-CHAOTIC
This
Operations Directive mandates the GFA standard
pre-takeoff check list as follows:
Pre-boarding
A
- AIRFRAME (walk around check for damage and/or
defects. Maintenance release checked, including DI
validity).
B
- BALLAST (glider loading is within placarded
limitations and trim ballast, if required, secure).
C
- CONTROLS (check controls, including airbrakes and
flaps, for correct sense and full deflections).
D
- DOLLIES (all dollies and ground handling equipment
removed).
Post-boarding
C
- CONTROL ACCESS (Seat adjustments secure and
positioned to allow for comfortable access to all
flight controls, panel switches/knobs and the tow
release. Rudder pedals adjusted for reach if
applicable).
H
- HARNESS (secure, lap belt low on hips, both
pilots),
A
- AIRBRAKES and FLAPS (airbrakes cycled and set for
launch, or closed and locked. Flaps set),
O
- OUTSIDE (airspace and take-off path clear. Wind
velocity checked. Sufficient competent ground crew
available).
-
OPTIONS (evaluate emergency plan in case of launch
failure).
T
-
TRIM (ballast confirmed. Trim set as required)
I
-
INSTRUMENTS (altimeter set, other instruments
reading normally, no apparent damage. Radio on and
correct frequency)
C
- CANOPY (closed, locked and clean)
-
CARRIAGE (undercarriage locked down)
-
CONTROLS (checked for full and free movement) |
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The
biggest changes are as follows:
ABCD
- C CONTROLS
- this now includes external checks of sense and
full deflections of all controls including airbrakes
and flaps, outside the aircraft.
CHAOTIC
- C CONTROL ACCESS
- this first check is now about reach and accessibility
of all controls, pedal adjustments,
knobs and switches and tow release.
CONTROLS
full and free is now checked at the final
C in CHAOTIC
T-TRIM
includes ballast (noting that it is configured
correctly in ABCD)
O-OUTSIDE
is now OUTSIDE
and OPTIONS.
Obstructions is implicit in the first part of OUTSIDE,
airspace and take-off path clear. |
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There
was however also some good news in the Notes,
respecting the law of common sense: |
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Notes:
1.
It is not uncommon for pilots to conduct successive
flights without the need to alight from the glider.
In such circumstances the pilot may assume that the
pre-boarding ABCD components of the checks conducted
before the previous flight (or first flight) remain
valid, if it is considered there is no likelihood
that any changes will have occurred. In respect of
two-seater successive flights it is not uncommon for
the pilot combination to change and if so the pilot
in command must consider the cockpit loading
requirements and must be satisfied that cockpit
loading compliance remains valid.
2. It is acceptable for clubs and pilots to add to
the standard GFA check lists in consideration of
particular priorities and/or circumstances. However,
the standard published check lists are the minimum
requirements and must not be reduced in any way. |
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| David
Higgs |
| Chief
Flying Instructor |
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