Managing Risks

Risk mitigation

I gave a lot of thought about how to reduce risk while I was learning to fly my Bearhawk. Alot of this centered around learning to fly a taildragger aircraft. But it was also important for me to be cognizant of the risks during the test flying.

After finishing test flying, I was keen to venture into the backcountry - that was why I had built the Bearhawk. But having no previous experience in backcountry flying, and my previous mountain flying experience being so long ago, it was important to tread carefully and be aware of the risks there as well.

For the first flight and initial test flying I :

Became very current on another taildragger.

Flew the local area in a friends aircraft looking at forced landing areas and flying the circuit pattern on the same runway as I intended to perform the first flight from.

"Armchair flew" the first flight a few times.

Kept the fuel tanks at least half full at all times. This reduced the risk of inadvertently unporting a fuel line while I was proving the fuel system, and while I was becoming accustomed to flying the Bearhawk consistently in balance.

Performed a very thorough preflight each time.

For the first 20 hours I used grass runways that were into wind.

Used the brakes only when necessary.

I kept the flights over flat ground (plenty of landing options) until I had 20 hours and two oil filter changes on the engine.

After the first 20 hours I then :

Began practicing crosswind takeoffs and landings.

Gradually reduced my minimum fuel for landing to normal reserves as I became confident at keeping the aircraft in balance.

Began practicing different landing techniques such as a "tail low wheeler".

Began practicing normal STOL approach technique and consistently landing on the same spot.

I also used this time to explore the flight envelope thoroughly. This included stalls and slow flight.

Established the position error.

Established suitable approach speeds.

After the test flying was complete and the C of A was issued, I started venturing into the backcountry with other pilots. Flying with others who were more experienced in the backcountry was a very good way to learn. I also flew quite a number of hours in another Bearhawk, operating into some tight airstrips and gravel bars.

At this point I established a new set of "rules of thumb" to help stay safe:

Fly light - to reduce landing distance. On the shorter airstrips initially I would only carry 2 POB. Also I stopped filling the fuel tanks to the top, and took what I needed plus a sensible margin. Depending on the airstrip I sometimes I'll carry 3 POB now. But I aim for an AUW of 2200lbs wherever possible.

CG - mid or slightly forward to reduce potential for ground loop.

Light winds - less turbulent and less chance of a tailwind on takeoff or landing.

Land using a "tail low wheeler" landing (and take-off) - much less stress on the airframe by keeping the tailwheel off the ground. Visibility is greatly improved.

Good inflight visibility - I didn't want to be having to concentrate on navigating when I'm learning to fly a difficult approach.

Initially I only used airstrips that had a low density altitude.

Survival kit - I discussed this with others and made up a box of things that I'll wish I had if I get stuck.

Google earth - I regularly spend time studying an approach and doing a "flyover" to become familiar with landmarks and lining up on airstrips that are difficult to see. This means I can concentrate more on the hands on flying.

Stabized approach - always. This means having speed and flap configured appropriately.

Wind - I've learn't to always check the wind on the EFIS display when getting close to an airstrip, and on also on approach.

Practice on a large grass runway first with displaced threshold - much better to make mistakes where there is plenty of room for error and recovery.

Then practiced on a 100m x 4m mown strip on the home airf

Larger tires - recently I've ordered some 29" bush tire. This will give more ground clearance, less chance of damage to prop and tail from stones. It'll also allow me to run a lower tire pressure and should be more gentle on the airframe.