Operational Safety and Transparency

Introduction:

At Popasul Zburătorilor association, safety and transparency are the main pillars of our operations. This page details our commitment to flight safety, compliance with EASA regulations, and the essential tools used to prevent incidents and ensure a professional aviation environment. This ensures a safe and transparent environment for passengers and pilots alike.

Section 1: What are cost-shared flights?

Cost-shared flights offer passengers the opportunity to experience general aviation by sharing direct costs with private pilots. According to European Regulation (EU) No. 965/2012, these flights operate on the following principles:

  • Non-profit cost sharing:
    • Pilots and passengers share direct costs (fuel, airport taxes, aircraft rental, maintenance) without a profit element.
  • Pilot authority:
    • All decisions related to the safety and conduct of the flight rest solely with the pilot.
  • Acceptable risk level:
    • The risks associated with these flights are higher than those in commercial transport, but are managed through high safety standards. Risk management is supported by rigorous pilot training, aircraft maintenance programs, and adherence to established safety protocols.

Section 2: Codes of Conduct for Pilots and Passengers

To maintain a high level of safety, all participants must adhere to the following rules:

  • For Pilots:
    • The pilot-in-command (PIC) is responsible for the operational safety of the flight.
    • Decisions regarding weather, aircraft balance, and passenger safety are final and binding.
    • All operations must strictly comply with EASA regulations and be carried out on a non-commercial basis.
    • Pilots must provide passengers with a mandatory safety briefing before each flight.
  • For Passengers:
    • Passengers must comply with the pilot's instructions and decisions.
    • Body and baggage weight must be declared correctly to maintain aircraft safety.
    • The possibility of flight cancellation due to weather or technical reasons must be accepted.
    • Passengers must refrain from interfering with the aircraft controls and avoid behaviors which may distract the pilot.

Section 3: Safety Management Tools

To ensure operational safety, we provide the following essential tools:

  • Pre-flight Checklist:
    • Purpose: Complete check of the aircraft, equipment and documentation before take-off.
    • Content:
      • Visual inspection of the aircraft structure.
      • Confirming fuel and oil levels.
      • Checking the functionality of navigation and communications instruments.
      • Includes pilot self-assessment tools, such as the IMSAFE model, to assess flying fitness.
    • The lists are available for download and adapted to each type of aircraft.
  • Passenger Guides:
    • Purpose: Educating passengers about safety rules and appropriate behavior in flight.
    • Content:
      • Correct use of seat belts.
      • Reactions in case of turbulence or other minor incidents.
      • Understanding emergency exits and communicating during emergencies.
    • The guidelines are given as part of the mandatory pre-flight briefing.
  • Emergency Procedures:
    • Purpose: Effective management of unforeseen situations.
    • Content:
      • Coordinated evacuation under the guidance of the pilot.
      • Reactions in case of technical malfunctions or adverse weather conditions.
    • Procedures are reviewed periodically to reflect the latest international standards.

Section 4: Additional Documentation

For more details on our requirements and procedures, download the full document from the downloads section. The documents include checklist and pre-flight templates, safety briefing materials, and codes of conduct for pilots and passengers.

Conclusion:

We are committed to actively collaborating with EASA to constantly update our operational procedures, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations and promoting best practices in general aviation. Through this partnership, we aim to continuously improve processes and guarantee the highest level of safety and transparency for all participants. Together we ensure that every flight with the Popasul Zburatorilor Association is a step towards safer skies.