While many of us are focused on last weekend’s accident in Brownsville, Texas, it is sobering to realize that this was actually the third accident in as many weeks.
In the two weeks before the Brownsville accident, two air show aircraft and three lives were lost during ferry or cross country operations. The first aircraft was a BAC Strikemaster. The second was an A-1 Skyraider. While the details of the accidents are still unclear, the accidents themselves serve as a reminder that it is not just low altitude aerobatics that increase our risk. In fact, the majority of our flying during the show season is not at a show venue, but en route.
We all know that cross country flying is made up of bad weather, fatigue, and dehydration. Prepare for your cross country as thoroughly and professionally as you prepare for a low altitude performance. Even though you’ve been doing this for 30 years, it is worth the extra few minutes to remind yourself of all the little details that make the difference.
