Flying isn’t just about going from A to B – it’s about navigating a complex 3D maze. Here’s how to play:

• Know your place: Always know where you are in relation to terrain, airspace, and other aircraft. Treat the air around you like a crowded pub – know who’s where, or you might bump into someone.
• Airspace ace: Keep track of airspace boundaries like they’re electric fences. Stumbling into controlled airspace unannounced is about as welcome as a fox in a chicken coop.
• Terrain tracker: Scan the ground like you’re hunting for a lost thong at the beach. The Great Dividing Range won’t sidestep for you. Good sunnies help spot mountains and missing footwear alike – both save you from a nasty surprise.

In airspace as large as ours, it important to realise how varied and at times unpredictable our weather can be. Stay ahead of it:

• Sky scanner: Keep your eyes on the sky like it’s the latest footy match. That build-up to the west might be planning an ambush faster than a drop bear. Quality sunglasses aren’t just for looking good – they’ll help you spot weather changes early.
• ATIS addict: Check weather updates more often than your social media. ATIS or for that matter an AWIS or AERIS are your inflight influencers; pay attention to what they’re saying. A noise cancelling headset will help you catch every word, even when the engine’s grumbling.
• Escape artist: Always have an out. Know your alternate aerodromes like the back of your hand. If the weather turns, you’ll have yourself to thank.

Running out of fuel is about as fun as finding a redback in your boots. Stay on top of it:

• Fuel detective: Know your fuel state better than you know your favourite pub’s happy hour times.
• Math maestro: Keep recalculating your fuel burn and range. It’s the only math that might save your life. A clear head helps with calculations, so make sure your headset fits comfortably for those long flights.
• Suspicious mind: If the numbers don’t add up, don’t pull an Elvis and say “suspicious minds.” divert and fill up. Better on the ground wishing you were in the air than the other way around.

The sky might be big, but it can get crowded. Here’s how to avoid stepping on toes:

• Ears on: Listen to radio chatter like it’s the hottest goss at the local. That Jabiru 5 miles out might be your new dance partner. A good headset is worth its weight in gold here; you don’t want to miss a call because your ears are ringing.
• Eyes out Scan the air like a bargain hunter at the Boxing Day sales: quick, thorough, and not missing a single opportunity. Your sunnies should be clean and scratch-free; you don’t want to mistake a bug smear for that approaching traffic.
• Proactive pilot: If you spot traffic, don’t wait for a formal introduction. Take action early to maintain separation.

Sometimes, your intuition is your best instrument:

• Trust your gut: If something doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t. Your subconscious may pick up on subtle cues; like a slight change in engine pitch or an unexpected weather pattern.
• Speak up: If you’re uncomfortable, say so. ATC would rather hear your concerns than your mayday call. A clear, static-free radio transmission can make all the difference, so invest in a quality headset.
• Better safe than sorry: Treat potential issues like you would a suspect weather front on the horizon. You wouldn’t fly straight into a wall of dark clouds, so don’t ignore those niggling doubts either. Taking a cautious detour is always better than pushing through and risking a storm.

Even with the best situational awareness, challenges can arise. Here’s how to handle them:

1. Aviate: Your primary focus is flying the aircraft. Maintain control and establish a safe flight configuration before addressing other issues.
2. Navigate: Determine your position and the best route to a safe outcome. While GPS is valuable, don’t underestimate the power of basic navigation skills and visual references.
3. Communicate: Don’t hesitate to call for assistance. ATC is there to help, not judge. Clear, concise communication is crucial, so ensure your radio equipment is in good working order.

• Fatigue fighter: Feeling tired? A strong flat white isn’t a substitute for sleep, and your Tecnam isn’t a good place for a kip. Know when to call it a day. A comfortable headset and staying hydrated can reduce fatigue on long flights.
• Stress Management: Leave ground-level concerns on the ground. If you find yourself preoccupied, take a moment to refocus. Remember, your aircraft responds to your inputs, not your worries.
• Maintaining Focus: Develop the concentration of a tennis player at match point. Up here, distraction is a luxury you can’t afford. Utilise your pre-flight routine to get into the right headspace, and use appropriate equipment like noise-cancelling headsets to minimise disruptions.

After completing a flight, it’s tempting to consider the job done once the aircraft is safely on the ground. However, there’s a crucial step that can significantly improve your skills and safety as a pilot: post-flight reflection.

Every flight presents unique challenges and learning opportunities. While pre-flight planning and inflight situational awareness are essential, post flight reflection allows you to assess how effectively you managed those challenges. This process isn’t just about identifying areas for improvement; it’s also about recognising and building upon successes. Regular post-flight reviews can enhance decision-making skills and improve situational awareness, contributing to safer and more efficient future flights.

1. Flight plan adherence: Compare the actual flight path to your planned route. Were there any deviations? If so, what necessitated them, and how did you manage the situation?
2. Decision making: Evaluate the decisions made during the flight. Were there instances where you needed to adjust your plan or react quickly? Consider the effectiveness of your choices and their outcomes.
3. Situational awareness: Reflect on your level of awareness throughout the flight. Were you consistently aware of your aircraft’s position, fuel state, and surrounding traffic? Were there any distractions or moments where your focus lapsed? How might you maintain better SA in future flights?
4. Physical and mental state: Assess your condition during the flight. Did fatigue or stress affect your performance at any point? Consider strategies for better managing your physical and mental state on future flights.
5. Emergency preparedness: Review your readiness for potential emergencies. Did you mentally rehearse emergency procedures before take off? How confident do you feel in your ability to handle unexpected situations?
6. Communication: Analyse your interactions with ATC, other pilots or your even your CTAF calls to anyone who may have been listening. Were your radio transmissions clear, concise, and professional? Identify any areas where communication could be improved.
7. Aircraft handling: Evaluate your proficiency in all phases of flight. Were there any moments where you felt less than fully in control? Consider which areas of your flying technique might benefit from additional practice or training.

The real value of post flight reflection lies in applying the insights gained to your future flights. After your review, consider documenting key lessons and areas for improvement. This might include adjustments to pre-flight planning procedures, skills that require refinement, or equipment that warrants more thorough inspection.

For instance, you might identify the need to:

• Improve fuel planning for flights to remote airports
• Enhance traffic scanning techniques in busy airspace
• Review and practice specific emergency procedures

Its also important to celebrate the wins, like nailing that crosswind landing.

Objective self-assessment is crucial for growth as a pilot. While external factors can contribute to challenges during a flight, taking ownership of your decisions and actions is key to continuous improvement. Regular, honest self-evaluation not only enhances safety but also fosters a mindset of lifelong learning; something that, as pilots we should be committed to.

Post-flight reflection is a valuable opportunity to learn from each flying experience and apply those lessons to future operations. By incorporating this practice into your routine, you can enhance your skills, improve safety, and contribute to a more prepared and aware aviation community.