Kootenai Aviation recognizes some people are apprehensive about flying, particularly in small
aircraft, but aviation is among the safest of activities. This is primarily due to the incorporation of safety into every aspect of aviation operations and training. Please review the following general information.
Safety is No Accident!
This time-honored cliché/pun still holds true. Safe
aviation operations are more than just the lack of accidents – safety comes
from consistent attention to the factors in all sectors of the Aviation Safety
Triangle.
Kootenai Aviation’s safety program begins with training:
- Pilots are trained to conduct thorough mechanical inspections of the aircraft
before all flights.
- Pilots are required by KAI to utilize checklists to enhance safety.
- Recurrent training and handling of emergencies is conducted and evaluated annually
or more frequently for KAI pilots.
The superior pilot uses superior judgment to avoid the need for their superior skills.
Kootenai Aviation Emphasizes:
- Understanding weather, topographic effects, the impacts of reduced visibility and other
environmental factors is important for sound decisions.
- Knowledge of aircraft mechanical systems is integral to overall safety.
- The use of all available resources is central to safe flight, such as, radios,
avionics, charts, etc.
- Pilot self-evaluation of his/her physical and emotional condition prior to each
flight is essential.
Kootenai Aviation Only Uses Equipment in Superior Condition:
- Providing for excellent maintenance is part of KAI's culture.
- Our aircraft are thoroughly inspected at 100 hr. intervals, which is about the usage interval between oil changes in your car!
- Dave Parker of Northern Air is the primary mechanic. He is an Airframe & Power plant mechanic (A&P) and
also an Authorized Inspector (A.I.), a level above an A&P.
A Final Note on Safety: Light Aircraft are Designed to be Safe!
- Modern aircraft are inherently stable – push the
yoke and let go; the aircraft will return to level flight.
- Once the engine is started, it will continue to run even without a battery or generator/alternator.
- The engine has a dual ignition system – that is, 2 spark plugs in each cylinder with each plug fired by a separate magneto.
- Kootenai Aviation’s home office monitors radio traffic and can hear our radio communication throughout the Cabinet
Mountains.
- Kootenai Aviation’s aircraft is equipped with a satellite-linked tracking device that relays our precise location at 10 minute intervals to our home office. This device can also be used to send a “911” message that provides our exact location to emergency responders as well as our office.
- There are numerous other safety features too--ELT, dual radios, gravity-feed fuel system, to name a few!
When you combine:
- A mechanically sound aircraft.
- Knowledge of the flight environment and the ability/judgment to deal with it.
- And the wisdom to deal with any human factors that might harm performance.
The Pilot and Passengers are Able To:
SAFELY ENJOY the majesty and beauty of our homeland.
Call 406-293-9320 for more information.
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