Here’s a handy tip and some feedback from members of our new GA Safety Facebook Group!

If you’re not a member, we encourage you to join in on the discussions and post relevant GA content that makes the National Airspace System (NAS) safer.

Piping Up on Piper Predicaments

I had an issue today with a rented Piper Arrow and am wondering what is "normal." On the ground, the trim wheel turned freely and the electric trim worked fine. Once airborne, the electric trim became ineffective and the trim wheel became very difficult to turn manually. Can anyone shed light on the cause and whether or not this condition should be considered "normal?" — John

Certainly not “normal.” You should let the place you rented from know what you encountered. They may be unaware of any issues. — Bob

The airflow over the elevator makes it harder to move in flight. I use the electric trim switch and help move the trim wheel with my right hand. I agree with David, have maintenance take a look at it. — Mike

Please remember that John is renting the Piper Arrow not maintaining it. No it is absolutely not normal. If you have to ask if something is normal then it’s probably not normal. Trust your judgement and turn in the keys anytime you don’t feel comfortable with something. Your comfort level, if listened to, can save your life. — Steve

John's Reply: Thanks to all who have contributed their thoughts on this problem. I've taken your suggestions and forwarded them to the maintenance department for consideration.

Single Pilot Specifics

Susan,

I just read "You Never Roam Alone" [in the FAA Safety Briefing Nov/Dec 2019 issue], and I really enjoyed it. But I wanted to be slightly more specific.

1.) Your personal story sets the stage brilliantly and captured my attention. (It took me back to some of my earliest single pilot IMC days ...)

2.) You built a credible bridge between your story and FAA principles and documents.

3.) You link to FAA resources that are helpful for the reader.

All of those things I mentioned above stand out to me as a professional peer — someone in the business of aviation and safety as well as writing and editing. So I'm saying these things as one "critical eye" to another. Well done. — Mark

Thank you very much for the detailed feedback. I am always glad to know a particular piece has hit the mark, but you certainly went the extra mile by providing specifics.

The use of specifics in aviation is something I learned in my very first flight lesson. Starting with preflight and including pretty much everything else, my instructor would never allow me to get away with saying “that looks okay.” I was required to be quite specific about what I was inspecting or doing, why I was doing it, and what made it “okay” (or not). I have tried to use that technique myself in flight instruction as it builds critical thinking skills along with real understanding. Thank you again for the thoughtful feedback.

Let us hear from you! Send your comments, suggestions, and questions to SafetyBriefing@faa.gov. You can also reach us on Twitter @FAASafetyBrief or on Facebook facebook.com/FAA.

We may edit letters for style and/or length. Due to our publishing schedule, responses may not appear for several issues. While we do not print anonymous letters, we will withhold names or send personal replies upon request. If you have a concern with an immediate FAA operational issue, contact your local Flight Standards Office or air traffic facility.