Topics: RACCA Safety Program, Cargo Security, Caravan Icing

RACCA Launches Safety Program
Based on “best practices”, the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA) launched its new safety initiative first introduced last May at its Spring meeting. The RACCA Safety Initiative focuses on five specific areas including fatigue, initial operating experience, de- and anti-icing programs, enhanced flight following, and new cockpit technology. Draft programs covering each program are on the association’s web site www.raccaonline.org and will be modified as operators put them into effect.
Fatigue was identified as a problem in the cargo industry and RACCA’s Fatigue Education Program assists members in how, when and where crews can get effective rest. The Increased Initial Operating Experience and "Route Checks" helps operators implement a quality control program to insure that operators and crews are following good operating practices, company procedures and policies and the FARs.
Icing, one of aviation’s toughest issues, and the subject of a new certification requirement just published by the FAA, was addressed in the organization’s Approved Ground De-Icing/Anti-Icing Program which was developed with the FAA. Related Story  It incorporates best practices, allows use of holdover tables and is manageable by Part 135 cargo operators.
In addition to a flight following program, the safety initiative includes discounts on moving map displays, now being developed with Garmin, which includes terrain advisory features. RACCA is also working with S-Tec on special pricing for the S-Tec System 30 autopilot. The hardware includes a simple heading-hold/altitude-hold feature.

Cargo Security Bill in Offing
The provisions of a cargo security bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to assess general aviation airports for security vulnerabilities within a year, according RACCA. The bill, passed by Congress and awaiting Presidential signature, requires the Transportation Security Administration to determine whether a grant program would help high-risk airports strengthen security. The provision is part of a bill requiring 100 percent screening of cargo aboard commercial airliners within three years.

Caravan Icing Revisited
Now that the 2006-2007 icing season produced no accidents, Caravan operators heaved a sigh of relief that further problems did not increase pressure on the aircraft. It seems the program developed by RACCA, Caravan and the FAA last year to address the issue is working. Related Story
Now, RACCA has improved its program. In addition to the installation of a Low Airspeed Awareness System, FAA Airworthiness Directive 2007-10-15 requires the insertion of a revised supplement to the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH). Contained in the revised supplement is a requirement that a pilot in command complete training for flight into icing conditions within the preceding 12 calendar months before flying in those conditions. The required training is provided by Cessna Aircraft Company.
RACCA cited the Cessna training program for the improved Caravan safety. Training Manager Chad Martin reported to the organization that Cessna’s Winter Operations Seminars will take to the road in the U.S. and Canada in October. To tap into this offering, which includes improved visual quality to reduce the time required to complete the on-line course by up to 40 percent, contact Martin at cpmartin@cessna.textron.com.
While RACCA’s icing program satisfied FAA, Canadian officials weighed in last December with recommendations that FAA to do more to ensure safety. Related Story