The Director of Civil Aviation Keith Manch says the findings of the TAIC report(external link) released today provide learnings for pilots, instructor pilots and flight training schools.
The TAIC has identified the following lessons to be learnt from this accident:
- Pilots, especially instructor pilots, should be fully aware of the parameters prescribed by Civil Aviation Rules, including for navigating away from pre-planned and Instrument Flight Rating (IFR)- approved flight routes.
- Where possible, pilots should use and be proficient in the full capabilities of the flight instrumentation systems available to them. In this case, thorough training in the use of onboard ground-proximity conflict and warning systems, including the dimming of instrument and cockpit lights at night, would have enhanced situational awareness.
- Pilots should be aware of the consequences of, and the required validation steps (including altitude distance cross-checks) when making en-route changes to flight plans, in combination with onboard navigation systems.
- Flight training schools should ensure that their procedures for flight authorisation and supervision are sufficiently robust to ensure that students can only conduct training flights after obtaining the appropriate authorisation and supervision.
The majority of this information is available in the Civil Aviation Rules on the CAA website Part 91 - General Operating and Flight Rules (caa.govt.nz)(external link), Air Information Publications(external link) and relevant aircraft pilot operating handbooks.
The recommendations made by TAIC have been adopted by the operator.
The Director expressed his sympathy to the families and friends of the young pilots.
Contact: CAA Communications 027 2696 296 | media@caa.govt.nz
