Sky Soaring

All Sky Soaring Members,

Last Saturday we had the best safety meeting we have ever experienced. It was also the most important safety meeting we have ever had.

It was the most important meeting because the Soaring Safety Foundation (SSF) created a set of safety policy changes which the Sky Soaring Board of Directors has committed to implement. We believe that these changes are absolutely critical to the successful renewal of our insurance policy which expires on May 20th.

Following the safety meeting the board spent an additional 7 hours over Saturday and Sunday with the SSF representatives to finalize these changes. These changes which Sky Soaring has committed to make have been sent to Costello Insurance (our insurance broker) and will be forwarded to AIG Insurance (the underwriter) in the near future.

Here is an overview of the changes approved by the Sky Soaring Board and takes effect today;

> “SEE Something – SAY Something” – All club members at all levels of experience should immediately report any concerns to the board of directors. The board will acknowledge all concerns and let the membership know of any required corrective procedural changes that are needed.

> Spring checkout flights is required for all members without exception including instructors.

> A Ground Safety Officer (GSO) is required during every operation.  The GSO will be a rated glider pilot and will supervise all activities. Any member should report any safety issues immediately to the GSO, CFIG, Board member and/or tow pilot.

> Every member’s Flight Reviews (FR) hosted at Sky Soaring will now solely use the FAA “WINGS” recurrent training program.

> An additional mandatory Safety Meeting will be held mid-year to re-enforce our safety culture.

> Mandatory daily safety briefings will begin each flying day hosted by the GSO or another rated pilot.

There are other important items which bears repeating that are already part of our operational safety standards:

> Each member has a status sheet in the “Blue Book”.  Your sheet’s contents is used to determine if you are eligible, and legal, to fly.  Keep your status sheet up to date by working closely with an instructor.  A blank status sheet can be found in the “SSI Files/Docs” area of our web site (“Forms” folder).

> Each member must review every year the SSF wing runner course, pass the test, and submit a certification of completion. This is to be accomplished before any flying is allowed by that member.

> Each member must review every year the Sky Soaring Policies and Procedure manual.

> The tow pilot must be briefed about a given flight as to any non-standard requirements.

If you have questions as to any of the new changes, or our existing procedures, please approach an instructor, flight chairman, or any other board member, and we will get you an answer.

Remember, SAFETY FIRST!

Thank you,
Sky Soaring Board of Directors