Many people who feel perfectly comfortable on an airline flight worry about safety on a smaller aircraft. They might worry that small planes are less able to withstand strong winds, or that they will get blown over in a heavy rainstorm. Some travellers feel more claustrophobic on a small flight. Others might not fully understand safety procedures they should follow on a small aircraft.
In this post, we'll put your mind at ease about small planes' safety. We'll talk about steps you can take to keep yourself safe, as well as how flight personnel keep you safe. The more you know about planes' safety, the more secure you'll feel while in the skies.
How to Keep Yourself Safe
You can do your part to stay safe on small planes by following the steps below:
1. Plan ahead.
No one wants to spend their business flight worrying about the plane instead of preparing for their presentation. If you know you get jittery in small planes, take the time to read safety and travel information before you leave. You can also notify our staff that you're nervous about smaller planes. They'll be able to give you tips and put your fears to rest.
2. Keep an eye on the weather.
You can always rely on your pilot to handle his or her plane well in all weather conditions. However, you might feel better knowing what weather to expect on your flight. Research the weather beforehand, and talk to your pilot or our staff about what to expect.
3. Pay attention to the safety briefing.
Before the plane takes off, a crew member will give everyone on board a safety briefing. This briefing should tell you how to use your seatbelt and what to do in an emergency. You’ll also learn where you can find these pieces of emergency equipment:
Fire extinguishers
First aid kits
Oxygen masks
Emergency exits
Pay attention to the briefing and feel free to ask any follow-up questions. Remember, a charter flight is all about giving you a personalized experience. If you have any concerns, your pilot or crew member will be happy to discuss them with you.
4. Follow takeoff and landing instructions.
When the plane takes off, you should move your seat to an upright position. Check that you've fastened your seatbelt and stowed your luggage in the appropriate places. Follow the same procedures during the landing.
As you follow these instructions, you'll do your part to ensure your safety during the flight. For more information, read Transport Canada's safety guide for passengers on charter planes. Or, talk to our helpful staff at Airco Aircraft Charters about our safety procedures and policies.
How Flight Personnel Keep You Safe
If you enjoy a safe, secure flight, you have more people to thank than just your pilot. Everyone involved in your flight works hard to ensure your safety while you fly. Here's how each member of your flight helps:
Company Aviation Safety Officer (CASO)
A CASO ensures that each flight is accident-free and as safe as possible.
Your CASO monitors all of the company's safety operations. He or she is familiar with government aviation safety regulations, as well as all of the company's safety policies. As the go-to expert on safety in the company, he or she also monitors others' safety practices and reviews and updates safety policies. Your CASO will also review and report all hazards.
CASOs understand such principles as:
Creating appropriate emergency response plans
Understanding human factors in emergency response and accidents
Utilizing Safety Management Systems (SMS), or software that regulates safety
Director of Flight Operations
The Director of Flight Operations helps plan safe flight paths. To do so, he or she observes external factors like weather conditions and wind speed and ensures that the pilot and aircraft are both fly-worthy. He or she can also make the choice to cancel, delay, or divert a flight to ensure maximum safety for everyone on the plane.
Chief Pilot
The chief pilot is the person who pilots your plane. Per Canadian regulations, he or she must have 3 or more years of experience as a pilot-in-command. A pilot must also complete various certifications, like an Airline Transport Pilot Licence. Apart from piloting the plane and making sure you arrive at your destination safely, the chief pilot also develops standard operating procedures and supervises the crew.
Fly with Confidence
Now that you know how many people are involved in making your flight a safe experience, you can charter a small plane for your next business conference with greater peace of mind. Remember to always follow safety protocol on your flight, and please do not hesitate to contact our helpful staff at Airco Aircraft Charters if you have further questions or concerns.
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