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Society of Aviation and Flight Educators eNewsletter 
IN THIS ISSUE
Message from Doug Stewart
SAFE at Skyport Opening
FAA Updates FIRC AC
GAO Report on Pilot Training
Recent Master Instructors
Job Opportunity
New eNews Editor
SAFE Fundraiser!

The Little Witch
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December 2011  

SAFE represents nearly 700 of the industry's top aviation educators in 49 states and nine foreign countries, including the majority of Master Instructors and numerous General Aviation Awards winners in all four awards categories. SAFE is also leading the Pilot Training Reform Initiative.

Message from Doug Stewart

Executive Director, Why the change? 

 

Many of you might be asking the question, "Why the change?" Why have I resigned as Chairman of SAFE and been appointed Executive Director?

 

During the formation of SAFE, the Interim Working Group unanimously agreed that the purpose of the Board of Directors was that of governance  -- setting policy and procedure and ensuring that the mission and vision of the organization is being fulfilled.  As the organization grew, the board had taken on a more managerial/tactical role.

 

We have now reached a stage of growth where our organization would be best served by allowing the Board to focus again on its governance and strategic planning roles, ensuring that SAFE addresses its mission statement of creating a safer aviation environment through enhanced education.  The new Executive Director position will focus on the tactical (here and now) needs of the organization, plus provides a clear path for succession planning that will guarantee the continued success of our organization.

 

Mark Adams has been elected to chair the Board of Directors. As a founding member of SAFE and a member of the initial Interim Working Group, Mark has the critical background and skill-sets needed to excel in this role.  Mark has also chaired the SAFE Governance Committee since its inception.  Additionally, Mark has been a "guiding light" and vocal advocate on the long term direction of our organization.  Mark is the ideal person to lead SAFE through our next stage of growth.

 

Not much will change for me.  As Executive Director my primary objectives will continue to be:

  • Achievement of the institution's philosophy, mission, strategy, annual objectives and goals
  • Serve as chief  spokesperson for the organization and ensure that the organization is properly presented to the public
  • Participate in fundraising from outside donors based on established strategic objectives
My responsibilities will include:
  • Managing the day-to-day operations of SAFE 
  • Informing the Board regarding the condition of SAFE and factors influencing the organization through regular reporting
  • Provide strategic guidance and input to the Board regarding the achievement of the vision, mission and goals of SAFE
I promise to do my best to provide serviced to SAFE and all of its members as together we move forward in the next exciting phase of our journey.

Thank you all for your wonderful support!
Doug

 

 

SAFE at Skyport Opening
 SAFE Executive Director, Doug Stewart, SAFE Chairman, Mark Adams along with numerous other SAFE members were present at the grand opening of Skyport -- a cutting edge Flight School, FBO, and most importantly, a flight education laboratory.  

Located in San Marcos Texas, Skyport is Redbird Flight Simulations vision of the future of flight training.  Under the leadership of Redbird's Chairman (and a true visionary) Jerry Gregoire, this state-of-the-art facility was brought from concept to fruition in less than four months -- and we thought SAFE did things quickly!

SAFE member Roger Sharp, head of the flight training program at Redbird, believes that accelerated flight training is more effective. Skyport will give Redbird the opportunity to see if their ideas will work in the "real world."  Using a curriculum that integrates intensive use of the Redbird FMX flight simulator, Skyport's goal is to have a person earn a Private Pilot Certificate in just three weeks (start to finish) and at a fixed price of $9,500.       

Jerry Gregoire said at the opening, "We're dedicated to the notion that if it isn't broken, keep fixing it until it is."  With this mentality we can all rest assured that the folks at Redbird will be leading the way in addressing many of the recommendations that came out of our Pilot Training Reform Symposium through action rather than with words.


FAA Updates CFI Renewal Clinic Guidelines
Excessive Angle of Attack is now included in one of the core topics  (Safety)
 
The FAA has updated the FIRC Advisory Circular and included excessive Angle of Attack (AOA) into one of the core topics.  Additionally, the agency streamlined the FIRC outline from 16 to 10 core topics. The new AC also states that FIRC participants must complete a test of at least 30 questions and pass with a minimum score of 70%.

Key note: specific recommendations to come out of the SAFE Pilot Training Reform Symposium held last May were incorporated into this update.

 
GAO Report on Pilot Training
Initial Pilot Training: Better Management Controls are Needed to Improve FAA Oversight
 
In response to several fatal commercial airline accidents where pilot performance was cited as a potential contributing factor, the GAO was requested by Congress to review initial pilot training.  The report discusses: 1) Types of U.S. pilot schools and how they compare, 2) key similarities and differences between U.S. and International approaches to pilot training, 3) how and what extent the FAA carries out oversight of pilot training and certification.

The GAO recommended that the FAA Administrator develop/modify/improve a comprehensive system to measure performance  and inspection requirements for FAR 141 Pilot Schools  and Pilot Examiners.  Additionally, they recommended implementing a comprehensive data systems to better understand the nature and scope of the discretionary, planned inspection of flight instructors.

SAFE Executive Director Doug Stewart and Bob Wright were interviewed by the GAO for this report. 

SAFE expects that there will be ramifications from this report that will affect much of the flight instruction we currently provide.  SAFE will keep a close eye on this issue and will let you know what transpires.

Recent Master Instructor Designations
Congratulations to these SAFE members!

Richard L "Rich" Weber, a 1st-time Master CFI.  A SAFE member, Rich recently earned his Master CFI accreditation.  Rich is the chief fixed wing and rotorcraft pilot for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit at Craig Municipal Airport (CRG).  Additionally, he operates WEBAIR Aviation Training (http://WEBAIRAviation.com/and serves as a FAASTeam representative for the FAA's Orlando FSDO area.   

 

Gregory W "Greg" Baker, a 1st-time Master CFI - Aerobatic. A member of IAC as well as SAFE, recently earned his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation.  Greg owns Rocky Mountain Airsports (http://RockyMountainAirsports.com/), an aerobatic flight school based at Meadow Lake Airport (FLY) near Colorado Springs.  A retired Army helicopter pilot and A&P mechanic, he specializes in aerobatic, upset recovery, and spin training.

 

Carol R Jensen, a 2-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed her Master CFI accreditation.  Carol serves on the board of the Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association (COPA) and is the president of Lightning Ranch Group (www.LightningRanch.net/CentralTexasFlightAcademy) at Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU).  She is also a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's San Antonio FSDO area.

 

David J "Dave" McVinnie, an 8-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Dave operates McVinnie Aviation LLC in Albuquerque and serves as national chairman of the CFI Professional Accreditation Committee.  He is also pilot examiner as well as a FAASTeam representative with the Albuquerque FSDO area.

 Fink

Edgar M "Ed" Fink, an 8-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Ed is an independent flight and ground instructor at Page Field Airport (FMY).  He also serves with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Sundowners Search & Rescue Flying Club, and was a FAASTeam representative for the FAA's Tampa FSDO area.

 

Helen D. "Pat" Knight, a 1st-time Master Ground Instructor (MGI), and a 8-time Master CFI.  PatSAFE member, recently earned her Master GI accreditation and renewed his Master CFI.  Pat is an aviation educator at DuPage Airport (DPA) where she specializes in preparing students for FAA flight checks and reexaminations.  Additionally, she serves as a pilot examiner (DPE) and a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's DuPage FSDO area.

 

FMI: Master Instructors LLC
Job Opportunity
While we don't regularly post job openings, when one comes across our desk that would be especially suited to a SAFE member, we certainly want to pass it on.
 
AOPA is looking for a Manager, Flight Training Programs.  Please see the below link for more information -- and Good Luck!
 
AOPA Manager, Flight Training Programs 
 
A Warm Welcome to our new eNews Editor
 
I would like to take this opportunity to offer a very warm welcome to our new eNews Editor, Brian Willett.  Brian is one of those people who asks "What can I do for SAFE?" rather than the other way around.  Brian brings new energy and excitement to our eNews, and I eagerly look forward as, in his words, he "shakes the stick" and takes over the controls of our electronic publication.  Yet another way that SAFE demonstrates - "... it's all about our members!"

 

Doug                                                                  
May your Holidays be Happy and SAFE!


Doug Stewart, Executive Director
Society of Aviation and Flight Educators
Copyright SAFE, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved.
SAFE, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Public Charity

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