Blog Post #2

AOPA published a safety briefing on Electrical fires in flight.  I felt that the information was very interesting, and I realized things that I hadn't know before.  One of the things that really jumped out to me was how important it is to shut everything off and then follow that up with turning things back on one at a time.  

The article addressed simple electric theory, explaining what a short circuit is.  A short circuit is when the electricity is able to jump to an unanticipated route, usually a pair of bare wires or a ground contact that wasn't   what the manufacturer built.  This can create a definite hazard, and has the potential of starting an electrical fire.

In the Seminole, (the light twin I will be doing my training in) the emergency procedures are very similar to those advised by AOPA.  As with all other emergencies, the most important reaction is to stay calm and FLY the airplane.  After doing everything possible to eliminate the source of the fire, the next thing to do is to get down as soon as possible.  

While I hope to never have to deal with an electrical (or engine) fire in-flight, I will do my best to simulate and practice emergency procedures.  Keeping calm, and realizing that the aircraft has the potential for certain emergencies will help me to react quickly and efficiently.  I will react as quickly as possible, enabling me to keep the aircraft and its passengers safe.