Category Archives: Women In Aviation

Pilot Safety: Safety Pilots and Logging Requirements

Aviation, Women In Aviation

pilot safetySometimes it’s difficult for pilots to fully understand the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules dealing with pilot safety. Pilots are often confused about the requirements for logging hours, which also falls under pilot safety. However, there are some simple tips to follow to keep the passengers, crew and aircraft safe.

The Pilot in Command 

According to the FAA, the pilot in command (PIC) has final authority and responsibility for the operation of the flight and pilot safety. In addition, the pilot in command must hold the appropriate category, class and type rating that permits him to conduct the flight. Pilots in command are directly responsible for the operation of the aircraft, and, during an in-flight emergency, may deviate from FAA rules to the extent necessary to meet that emergency. However, a written report of the deviation must be provided to the FAA to confirm proper pilot safety procedures were followed.

Simulated Instrument Flights and Pilot Safety 

The FAA states that “no person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument flight” unless the other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot that possesses at least a private pilot certificate. The safety pilot’s certificate must be for the category and class ratings appropriate for that aircraft. In addition, the safety pilot must have adequate vision forward and to each side of the aircraft. In most cases, the aircraft must be equipped with fully functioning dual controls, although there are exceptions to this pilot safety requirement. These exceptions include a determination by the safety pilot that the flight can be conducted safely and that the person manipulating the controls has the proper private pilot certificate.

Logging Hours 

There are requirements for logging PIC hours during flight. The pilot in command must be the sole manipulator of the controls, be the sole occupant of the aircraft or be acting as pilot in command of an aircraft on which more than one pilot with similar certifications is on board. In a case where two pilots with similar certifications are flying together, one may fly the outbound flight, while the other flies the inbound flight. In such cases, one pilot acts as the safety pilot on one flight, while the roles are reversed on the second. The pilot who is not flying under instruments may log PIC time, but not cross country time. Both pilots may log Total Flight Time and SEL time equal to the PIC time. Important facts to consider are:

When flying under the hood, a pilot must write the name of the safety pilot in their logbook. It is also good practice to do the same when acting as a safety pilot for someone else.

  • The safety pilot is responsible for the safety of the flight, so if something happens, they are held accountable. Some pilots may not be comfortable with sharing pilot safety responsibilities, and may choose not to designate a safety pilot. In this case, they cannot log PIC time.

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Working Women in Aviation of World War II Changed Society’s Views – Part 1

Women In Aviation

We at Covington Aircraft want to highlight the important working women in Aviation during World War II.  We will cover from the start of the war to the end of the war and how important they were in the history of aviation during World War II.

 

Before World War II, many women worked, but in jobs that were considered “female work.”

womeninaviationPrior to the war effort, many women worked at “traditional jobs.”  In general, though, many women were discouraged from working due to the influence of the Great Depression of the 1930s.  During that time, it was believed that a working woman was taking work away from a “working man.” However, many women did work in lower paying, less important and subservient roles.  At the start of the war, women made up approximately one-fourth of the workforce (12 million workers); by the end of the war, women comprised one-third of the workforce (18 million workers).  Many “Rosie the Riveters” were women who switched from low-paying positions to the higher-paying factory jobs.

During the start of the war, many factories transitioned from automotive production to war supply production.

There were also many new factories constructed as the United States “geared up” for the effort.  As production increased and the workforce decreased due to men leaving for the service, the U.S. government launched a propaganda campaign to lure women into the workforce.  The name “Rosie the Riveter” became synonymous with working women.  Shortly after the launch, Norman Rockwell covered the front of the Saturday Evening Post’s May 29, 1943 publication with his rendition of Rosie.  Soon “Rosies” were found everywhere, including a Rosie Hicker of Eastern Aircraft Company in Tarrytown, N.Y., who became famous through the media.

Women responded differently to the call to work, depending on race, age, class, marital status and number and ages of children.

women_in__aviationUp to half of the women who took war jobs were minorities and lower class.  The call to work had to overcome the stigma of women working as well as husbands who did not want their wives to work.  Also, many women with children younger than the age of 14 were encouraged to stay home; however, as the war continued and the workforce shortage grew, the demand grew to such a point that women with children younger than age 6 were taking jobs in the war effort.  Women also had the “double duty” that most men did not see, working and maintaining the home.  Initially there was a fear that taking women away from raising their children would give rise to juvenile delinquency.

Stay tuned for part 2 later this week as we cover why it’s important for us to understand the valuable contributions of Women in World War 2! Happy Flying!

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