(L/D)max Aviation Group

Whether investigating a large commercial aircraft accident or examining the wreckage of a light aircraft, the process for doing so is complicated on a number of levels. Yet regardless of the aircraft size, many of the techniques are the same. Still, when it comes to light aircraft accidents there is limited availability to relevant information and technical resources along with limited use of the highly developed laboratory analysis. In addition, there is a chance that some technical systems consultant may not have the experience or training of protocols necessary when it comes to an aircraft accident investigation.

In General Aviation accidents, there is a much higher probability that the owner/operator is also the pilot. This brings several maintenance and operational issues into play that are not present in the larger commercial aircraft investigations. Similarly, while a commercial operator is more inclined to participate and aid a government investigation, the private owner (or their surviving family) may not immediately appreciate the need for the impartial discovery of the facts.

(L/D)max Aviation has designed this course to provide industry investigators with detailed analysis of light aircraft design, systems, and operations in an effort to work with students to examine the man-machine relationship along with distinct issues that arise in both training and human factors. The GAAI course will address issues that often arise with recovery and security of the light aircraft wreckage. Depending on circumstances that occur, that investigation may or may not take place at the actual accident site. Tackling these issues and developing new techniques for enhancing both general aviation investigation and reporting are of the utmost important to (L/D)max Aviation.

It is well understood that all pilots begin with general aviation aircraft and operations. Therefore, the experience, training and resources available for the GA pilot are diminished and the decisions necessary are much more personal. How training addressed the circumstances of the aircraft accident is much more immediate than with experienced commercial crews.

(L/D)max Aviation has added the implementation of new technology to the routine of general aviation aircrafts and their operations to our investigation curriculum. Glass cockpits, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) have replaced round dials and VOR Navigation. GPS, in particular, may involve panel installation, hand-held equipment and non-flight tested routing in the general aviation operational environment.

Having an understanding of basic investigation technology is essential to any individuals that are either involved or planning to become involved in an aircraft accident investigation. (L/D)max Aviation has designed this course to provide this fundamental education in the technology of accident investigation.

(L/D)max Aviation has created this course in a effort to provide individuals with fundamentals and general information regarding the general aviation aircraft. Looking at and analyzing accidents involving aircrafts that are generally less than 12,500 lbs. is a key skill for investigators to obtain. In this course, students will reap the following benefits with regards to such investigations:

• Education of rules and regulations that must be employed. This is done through investigation, analysis and reporting - all of which will be discussed at length.
• Preparation for all future investigations with an in-depth understanding of the investigation process in its entirety.
• Completion of this course results in recognition by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals for Continuance of Certification Credit (key in continued education and professional development in the aviation industry).
• (L/D)max Aviation awards 3.6 CEU's to each attendee completing this course.

• Reciprocating Engines
  • Operations/Failure Analysis
  • Carburetor Ice
  • Airflow and Heating Systems
• Fuel Systems and Tank Selection
• Mid-Air Collision Investigation
• Gliders, Sailplanes and Motor-gliders
• Light Aircraft Design and Certification
  • Structures
  • Mechanical Flight Control Systems
  • Cockpit Design
• Propellers/Analysis
  • Fixed-pitch
  • Constant Speed
• Light Aircraft Maintenance Requirements
  • Inspections
  • Airworthiness Directives
  • Service Bulletins
• Human Factors, Single-Pilot Operations and GA
  • Survivability
  • General Pathology Issues for General Aviation
• Private Pilot Qualifications and Currency Requirements/Evaluation
  • Training
  • Instrument Flight
• Man-Machine Interface Issues
• Light Aircraft Instrument Systems
• Photography and Documentation
• Pre-Flight Planning and Data Sources
  • Weight and Balance
    • Pre-Flight Planning
    • Post-Accident Analysis
  • Weather and NOTAM Sources
• The Civil Investigation Process
  • Safety
  • Judicial
• International Investigation Procedures (ICAO)
• Preparing for Investigation
• Obtaining Technical Assistance for Small Aircraft Accidents
• Use of GPS (handheld or panel mounted)
  • Tools for the Investigator to use GPS Data (as close to FDR as it gets)
• Training - Flight and Maintenance Schools
  • Lesson Plans
  • Instructor and Trainee Experience
  • Culture/Setup of the Training School

This course incorporates a number of elements in an effort to provide the most comprehensive GAAI course. Incorporating lecture outlines and notes, information from a textbook, and providing additional reference materials pertinent to the topic, this 4.5 day training course will provide a wealth of new knowledge and new skills to attendees. A final certificate of completion is awarded upon conclusion of the 36 hours of classroom instruction.