SAFE eNews - October 5, 2011

SAFE Ubiquitous at Flight Training Summit

On September 21st, AOPA convened its second Flight Training Summit to address the issues of new student pilot starts and student pilot retention. At least one-third of the approximately 150 aviation educators in attendance were SAFE members.

AOPA representatives noted that flight schools and instructors were seeking help in five main areas: Finance and Accounting; Marketing and Advertising; Management and Leadership; Sales and Customer Service; and Safety/Risk Management and Insurance. Attendees were divided into five breakout groups to brainstorm on each of these areas. SAFE Chair Doug Stewart facilitated the discussion by the Safety/Risk Management and Insurance group.

Attendees then reassembled and the five facilitators reported out on ideas and techniques that could help flight schools improve in these key areas. The general consensus was that this meeting was much more constructive than the first meeting hosted by AOPA in Long Beach, CA a year earlier. AOPA will consider the recommendations as it advances its student pilot retention initiative.

SAFE Influence Felt at Summit

Despite low ceilings and rain throughout much of Summit, spirits and enthusiasm were high. SAFE was well represented with numerous seminar presenters, all of whom enjoyed standing room only audiences. SAFE member-presenters included: Adrian Eichorn; JJ Greenway; John and Martha King; Rod Machado; Susan Parson; Judy Phelps; Doug Stewart; Max Trescott; and Ian Twombly.

Although SAFE did not have an exhibit at Summit, it was nonetheless an excellent opportunity for SAFE Chair Doug Stewart to network with many industry and FAA leaders to further our organization's mission and vision. Stewart conducted one-on-one meetings with NTSB's Earl Weener, EAA's Rod Hightower, FAA's Mike Costa, Sporty's Hal Shevers, and ASA's Mike Lorden, among others. An intimate gathering of SAFE members was also held to update members on SAFE achievements and initiatives.

With SAFE leading the way since the Pilot Training Reform Symposium in Atlanta last May, it was apparent at Summit that many in our community are getting on board this critical effort. Stewart reported that the training reform phrase, "we need to change the culture" had gained significant traction and was being used frequently as an acknowledgment that our industry desperately needs to act now to reverse the current trends in GA.

SAFE to Serve on Testing Standards and Training ARC

During his keynote speech during Summit, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt announced the formation of an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) tasked with making recommendations on the content, planning, development, production, and review of the technical information related to airman knowledge and skill tests, computer testing supplements, knowledge test guides, practical test standards, and training handbooks.

SAFE Chair Doug Stewart has been invited to serve on this committee, with Bob Wright, Training Reform Committee Chair, serving as SAFE's alternate. Meetings of this important ARC are already scheduled in October. Stay tuned for information on how SAFE members will be given opportunities to provide input into ways to improve the areas being addressed by the ARC.