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Small, private aircraft are the only way to reach some remote parts of Alaska, and they are often much safer than driving an automobile hundreds of miles, especially in the winter. However, due to their small size, these planes are more vulnerable to turbulence and other conditions, which means that severe injuries can sometimes occur to passengers even if the pilot is able to successfully land. If you are a pilot or passenger on a small aircraft, personal injury attorneys urge you to follow the safety tips below.

Passengers

For your safety, you must understand the differences between large commercial airliners and small private planes or small planes used by commercial air charter services.  These smaller planes may only seat two to six people. Also, these small aircraft are often not pressurized like commercial jets, which means something as simple as a can of soda can lead to a small explosion. The escaping liquid can damage the controls, and the sound may startle the pilot, so it is best to avoid opening any carbonated beverages during the flight unless the pilot confirms that it is safe to do so.

personal injury attorneyAdditionally, on your first flight, you may be excited and curious about the controls, which may be visible and within reach. With the pilot directly in front of you, you may naturally want to talk to to him or her and ask questions. While this may not be a problem once you have reached altitude, talking during takeoff and landing can be a dangerous distraction. This is why the FAA prohibits commercial pilots from having unnecessary conversations below 10,000 feet of every flight.

Pilots

If you are a pilot, safety should always be your first concern, which is why you should use your pre-flight checklist before every flight. Skipping even a single step can put your passengers at risk of serious injuries, for which you may be held personally responsible. For this reason, it is also crucial to keep up with preventative maintenance and avoid flying a plane with mechanical problems.

Pilots flying over remote wilderness areas should also be adept at navigating without the aid of GPS. If your device fails, knowing how to navigate could be the key to getting you and your passengers back on the ground safely.

 

If you’ve been injured on a small aircraft, the personal injury attorneys at Burglin & Doxey, PC in Fairbanks have the experience and resources to ensure you’re fairly compensated. They’ve served clients throughout the state of Alaska, achieving positive results in even the most difficult situations. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (907) 456-4020 to consult with a personal injury attorney today.

This article is for discussion purposes only. If you’re seeking legal advice, contact Burglin & Doxey.

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