About Operation Cross-Check
Operation Cross-Check is a program started by individual members of the Canadian ultralight
aircraft community. It seeks to improve the safety of flying owner-maintained aircraft of all types
by encouraging owners and pilots to inspect each others' aircraft and submit them for inspection.
There are at present no membership lists, no dues, and there's no money changing hands. There's nothing to join, but you can participate. All you have to do is:
- Ask a knowledgeable friend to inspect your aircraft every time you do maintenance, and as part of your scheduled inspections.
- Inspect other peoples’ planes if they ask you to.
- Commit to fixing the snags you find in each others’ planes before you take off again.
The program began as the result of two tragic and avoidable crashes in 2004 which were caused by maintenance errors. We all make the kinds of mistakes that caused those accidents. When we've pre-flighted the same aircraft a few dozen or a few hundred times we stop noticing things, we stop paying complete attention. We take it for granted, whether we mean to or not, that the bolts are tightened and the rivets are secure. We sometimes make changes without realizing all of their consequences. Operation Cross-Check is a simple protocol for making sure that a second pair of eyes - one less habituated to inspecting your particular aircraft - takes a critical look.
This program is a volunteer effort and is still in its very early stages. The Operation Cross-Check volunteers hope to promote a habit of cross-inspection within flying organizations, among friends, and particularly in type clubs. We will be asking manufacturers of kit planes and light sport aircraft to promote this aspect of aviation safety. We also hope to help create incentive programs and sponsor events so that flyers will have organized opportunities to get their planes checked.
Please browse our articles and visit our partners. If you would like information on how you can participate, as a pilot or club or aviation-related business, please contact us using the information on the Contact Us link at the top of this page or send email to info@cross-check.org.
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