ABOVE: Pooleys’ Design4Pilots Pilot Controller Kit is one example of a portable carbon monoxide detector
The UK Civil Aviation Authority is launching a survey on the use of active carbon monoxide (CO) detectors for members of the General Aviation community.
Noting that “active CO detectors capable of alerting pilots via aural and/or visible warnings are a net safety benefit to pilots and their passengers,” the regulator is concerned that consumers and third parties “who may fly in piston engine aircraft on a commercial or recreational basis” may not be as aware of the risk of CO poisoning as their pilots.
Feedback gathered through the survey, set to launch to today at the three-day Aero Expo show, will be used to “help shape the future use of these devices and how they could be used in piston engine aircraft”.
Representatives from the CAA’s General Aviation Unit, Shared Service Centre and Airspace team will be in attendance at the Sywell, Northampton-based event, where active carbon monoxide detectors will be on display for visitors to learn more about.
Michael MacDonald, Co-Head of General Aviation and RPAS Unit, is encouraging all members of the GA community to engage with this survey, explaining: “We know that pilots have considered the significant safety benefits offered by flying with an active CO detector – it could not only save their life, but also their passengers’ as well”.
The survey will run until early September and can be completed here.
IMAGE: POOLEYS FLIGHT EQUIPMENT
