TEN COMMANDMENTS For Safe Flying

[Wayne T Mathews]

From the PIPER CUB Special J3C-65 OWNER'S MANUAL, dated MAY 15 1946.

 

TEN COMMANDMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Safe Flying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. THOU SHALT NOT BECOME AIRBORNE WITHOUT CHECKING THY FUEL SUPPLY: It only takes a few minutes to gas up… it may save you a forced landing.

 

2. THOU SHALT NOT TAXI WITH CARELESSNESS: Taxi slowly and make S turns to clear the area in front of the nose. Know the proper use of the controls for taxiing in strong winds.

 

3. THOU SHALT EVER TAKE HEED UNTO AIR TRAFFIC RULES: Keep a constant lookout for other aircraft. Follow the rules so that pilots of other planes will know what you are going to do.

 

4. THOU SHALT NOT MAKE FLAT TURNS: This is particularly important when making power-off turns. You steer with the ailerons, not the rudder.

 

5. THOU SHALT MAINTAIN THY SPEED LEST THE EARTH ARISE AND SMITE THEE: Don’t be fooled by the increase in ground speed resulting from a downwind turn. Keep sufficient airspeed.

 

6. THOU SHALT NOT LET THY CONFIDENCE EXCEED THY ABILITY: Don’t attempt instrument flying in adverse weather conditions unless you have the proper training and the necessary instruments. Instrument flying is a highly developed science. Don’t pioneer.

 

7. THOU SHALT MAKE USE OF THY CARBURETOR HEATER; The carburettor heater is your friend. Know when to use it. Remember that it’s easier to prevent ice in the carburettor than to eliminate it after it has formed.

 

8. THOU SHALT NOT PERFORM AEROBATICS AT LOW ALTITUDES: Aerobatics started near the ground may be completed six feet under the ground. There’s safety in altitude.

 

9. THOU SHALT NOT ALLOW INDECISION IN THY JUDGEMENT: Be certain! You can’t afford to make errors of judgement. “I think I can make it” is on the list of famous last words.

 

10. THOU SHALT KNOW ALWAYS -- THE GOOD PILOT IS THE SAFE PILOT: It’s better to be an old pilot than a bold pilot.

 

Courtesy of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Piper Aircraft Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lock Haven, Penna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[eightyknots]

I like it. I'm currently training in a Piper Cub so I had better take special notice.

 

 

[Suitman]

Thanks Wayne...

 

Amazing that this was in an aircraft's owners manual from 1946!

 

Peter