CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 11 Issue 2 - 11

ASI MESSAGE
Our second most costly item to insurers is loss of directional control on the ground,
including ground loops. Although taildraggers are a strong contributor to overall
insurance payouts in this category, the issue is not exclusive to taildraggers. We lose
control on the ground in nosewheel airplanes at a surprising rate.

3. L
anding on speed. Excessive speed is frequently the catalyst for ground loops
and loss of control on the runway. We often get away with being a few knots fast,
but if we normalize the deviance, it is likely to bite us one day. Be exactly on
speed over the threshold.

Hard landings rank third. Ranking fourth in overall cost to insurers, but first in
number of incidents, is prop strikes, topping some $30,000 per occurrence. Cranking
with tow bars attached; taxiing into berms, fire extinguishers, hangars, automobiles,
other aircraft: We're creative in the items we find to strike with our propellers. A prop
strike almost always generates a complete engine teardown and rebuild.

We're in what industry experts call a "tight" insurance market. If history repeats, in a
few years the market will soften. Until then, we can focus on our circle of influence and
reduce aircraft damage claims through greater focus in the cockpit.

It surprised me that dramatic fatal accidents and liability aren't the costs dragging
down P&Ls and contributing to rate hikes. It's hull coverage, much of which can be
reduced by more focus in the cockpit in three ways:
l. C
ommitting to establishing and reinforcing our personal procedures to make sure
the gear is down, most importantly in times of distraction. The notion that there
are "those who have and those who will" is fundamentally wrong and statistically
inaccurate. Worse, it communicates a defeatist attitude that has no place in aviation.
2. P
ledging not to perform cockpit tasks while taxiing. None. Do them before
leaving the chocks, at the end of the runway, or after exiting the runway. Come to
a complete stop, perform needed checks, and then taxi.

Go fly. With focus.

Richard G. McSpadden, Jr.
Executive Director, AOPA Air Safety Institute

Richard McSpadden is a commercial pilot and CFI with more than 4,500 hours
in 30 years of flying a variety of civilian and military aircraft. He has extensive
experience in aviation safety, including ground, flight, and special event operations.
As Commander and Flight Leader of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight
demonstration team he headed the U.S. Air Force's flagship organization and led over
100 flight performances.
Email: richard.mcspadden@aopa.org

Educating pilots on improving their skills and enhancing GA safety is a core tenet of AOPA's Air Safety Institute
and its educational programs. Your contribution funds these activities and ensures we continue to address the
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CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 11 Issue 2

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 11 Issue 2