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Safety Hub
Safety messages and practical flying reminders from the Kapiti Aero Club safety team.
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Fuel Bowser Displays
CAA has recently highlighted a change to BP fuel bowsers that is catching some pilots out. The dollar amount is now shown large at the top of the display, with the number of litres below in a smaller font.
Ground Ops8 October 20261 min read
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17 articles in Procedures & SOPs
Procedures & SOPs28 August 20261 min read
Know When Your BFR Is Due
Your BFR falls due two years from your flight test date, not your licence issue date – check your logbook; renewing within 60 days keeps the original anniversary.
Procedures & SOPs10 July 20261 min read
Take Time Over Checks on Cold Mornings
Don't rush checks to catch a weather window – complete each item properly, and on cold mornings wait for the oil temperature to reach the green before run-ups.
Procedures & SOPs19 June 20261 min read
Check the Tech Log Before Every Flight
Check every item in the tech log before flight – not just the next 100-hour check – including both hours remaining and calendar due dates.
Procedures & SOPs17 April 20261 min read
Be on the Ground 30 Minutes Before ECT
When days are shorter the 1700 booking slot sits close to ECT – plan a buffer and land 30 minutes before ECT unless you're night-current.
Procedures & SOPs27 March 20261 min read
Check the Aircraft Documents Before Flight
A pre-flight covers exterior, interior and documents – confirm all required documents, including a complete flight manual, are on board before 'preflight completed'.
Procedures & SOPs13 March 20261 min read
Checklist Discipline: Consistent, Unhurried, Verified
Use the checklist every flight without rushing, visually verify each control, and let the engine warm until oil temperature is in the green before run-ups.
Procedures & SOPs2 January 20261 min read
A Flight Plan Is Your Safety Net
Under club SOPs any flight beyond 25 NM needs a VFR flight plan – it makes sure someone knows where you are and can raise the alarm if needed.
Procedures & SOPs26 December 20251 min read
Update Your Flight Plan When You Divert
If you divert, amend your flight plan via phone, FISCOM or ATS when practicable – otherwise RCCNZ will search your original route if your SARTIME expires.
Procedures & SOPs12 December 20251 min read
File a VFR Flight Plan Beyond 25 NM
Club pilots must file a VFR flight plan when flying more than 25 NM from the departure aerodrome, keep it updated, and terminate it promptly after landing.
Procedures & SOPs5 December 20251 min read
What to Expect From a BFR
A BFR every two years is a chance to improve, not a one-shot test – practise forced landings and low flying regularly so you meet your licence standard.
Procedures & SOPs7 November 20251 min read
Cross-Country Small Things: Keys and Fuel Cards
On cross-countries, take the keys with you when you leave the aircraft, check your fuel cards are correct and current, and use the club's cross-country checklist.
Procedures & SOPs6 June 20251 min read
Don't Skip the Checklist
Slow down and use the checklist every time; in winter, wait for the oil temperature to reach the green before run-ups, even if it takes 5–10 minutes.
Procedures & SOPs9 May 20251 min read
Allow for Shorter Days on Cross-Countries
In shorter winter days the final 1700 booking slot is close to ECT – build a buffer and be on the ground 30 minutes before ECT unless night-current.
Procedures & SOPs14 September 20241 min read
Know the Civil Aviation Act 2023
The Civil Aviation Act 2023 came into effect on 5 April 2025, replacing the 1990 Act; check the CAA's implementation pages to see how it affects your flying.
Procedures & SOPs6 September 20241 min read
Always Check NOTAMs Before Flight
Never assume everything is open – check NOTAMs and AIP Supplements before every flight and assess their impact, as runway closures have caught pilots out.