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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.
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AirVenture to Host Pilot Proficiency Project
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SAFE Partners with EAA, Redbird and NAFI to address Aviation Safety Issues
The Experimental Aircraft Association will be hosting the Pilot Proficiency Project during AirVenture 2012. Located in the EAA's Learn to Fly Center, the project offers pilots targeted forums and simulator training sessions that address key safety of flight topics. Topics include: angle of attack awareness, type-specific aircraft issues, glass panels, aeronautical decision making, CFIT and much more. Panels of experts will discuss transitioning to experimental aircraft, flying in instrument meteorological conditions, and questions on flight training as well. Presenters include amongst others, this year's National Flight Instructor of the Year, Hobie Tomlinson as well as past National Flight Instructors of the Year Jeff Edwards, Rich Stowell, and Doug Stewart.
Proposed by the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, the project has evolved into a cooperative effort between SAFE, EAA , REDBIRD Flight Simulations and the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). A series of four forums will be presented each day between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, followed by 20-minute simulator training sessions in Redbird FMX and Crosswind Trainer simulators. Although the number of simulator slots is limited to 21 per day, participating pilots will work with trained SAFE instructors in a number of pre-programmed scenarios that include engine failures during takeoff, overshoots on base to final, and approaches to minimums with a tailwind. Those attending Pilot Proficiency Project forums and simulator training sessions will receive WINGS credit.
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| SAFE Represented on NTSB, LOCWG, Knowledge Test ARC and FSANA Panels | |
As a continuation of SAFE Symposium initiatives, SAFE Executive Director Doug Stewart and member Robert Wright have been invited to speak at the NTSB General Aviation Safety Forum to be held in June in Washington, DC. They will be addressing the topics of "The Role of the Flight Instructor", and "Content, Quality, and Consistency of Flight Instruction."
In addition SAFE member Jeff Edwards served on the Loss of Control Working Group that has prepared a report to be submitted to the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) and Doug Stewart represented SAFE on the Knowledge Test ARC that has submitted its report to the FAA.
SAFE was also be represented by Doug Stewart at the Flight School Association of America (FSANA) convention held in Las Vegas, NV from May 1 - 4. As a member of the "Government and Industry Partners Update" panel, he spoke about the SAFE Mentoring Program and the ongoing work by the committee preparing the Aviation Educator Accreditation Program. He also reported on SAFE's role on the Knowledge TEST ARC and the LOCWG.
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| SAFE Awards | | |
Nominations due by June 21st
 Since its founding in 2009, SAFE has presented awards recognizing outstanding or unique contributions by members to the growth and promotion of our organization in particular, or to the broader aviation community as a whole. The Founders Award is presented in recognition for selfless service in support of SAFE's Mission and Vision, while the Service Award is presented in recognition for outstanding contribution and selfless service. SAFE also offers Certificates of Appreciation/Recognition. If you would like to nominate a fellow SAFE member for an award to be presented during our annual dinner-meeting at AirVenture, please submit the form provided at the bottom of the SAFE Awards & Recipients
SAFE Awards Nomination Form |
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| SAFE Responds to NPRM on ATP on Certification Requirements | | |
Focus should be on Proficiency & Airmanship Skills, not Flight Hours
The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) recently submitted a response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), "Pilot Certification and Qualification Requirements for Air Carrier Operations" (Docket No. FAA-2010-0100; Notice No. 12-01). The four-page response was formulated based on input solicited from SAFE's nearly 700 members and addresses four central questions:
1. Should all pilots who transport passengers be required to hold an air transport pilot (ATP) certificate with the appropriate aircraft category, class, and type ratings? 2. Should the FAA permit academic credit in lieu of required flight hours or experience? 3. Should the FAA establish a new commercial pilot certificate endorsement that would address concerns about the operational experience of newly hired commercial pilots, require additional flight hours, and possibly credit academic training? 4. Would an air-carrier-specific authorization on an existing pilot certificate improve safety? Although SAFE provides justifications for its position, the short answer to the above was an unequivocal "no" on issues 1, 3, and 4, and a "no" on issue 2 unless academic experience can demonstrably produce equally or more proficient pilots. The response also states that SAFE "strongly endorses the concept of continuing and expanding the focus on more meaningful check rides and recurrent training." Moreover, the organization recommends that each training period "should end with appropriate evaluations designed to determine the level of retention and integration of the material trained, as opposed to a pilot's ability to simply meet minimum criteria."
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| SAFE Member Provides AOPA President Backcountry Flight Instruction | | |
Charter SAFE Member and Master Instructor Jeanne MacPherson introduces Craig Fuller to Montana backcountry flying.
Billings, Montana. As a crow flies, Billings is over 150 nm from Jeanne's home in Helena, and even further from the mountains and backcountry airstrips she knows very well in western Montana. Her network of fellow pilots quickly came to her aid in selecting the right locations for Craig's training. Jeanne said, " I hit gold when I talked with Scott Newpower, a Billings pilot, air traffic controller, and Eastern Director of the Montana Pilot's Association (MPA). Scott mapped out sixteen airstrips that were just right for the flight. The airstrips have no markings and no wind socks. Some land uphill and takeoff downhill; others are uphill both ways! All have uneven surfaces. Among the sixteen are strips oriented in virtually every direction. The situation is perfect for training a pilot to assess unfamiliar strips: always overfly the airstrip first to determine wind direction and strength, landing pattern altitude, approach and departure path, surface conditions, and go-around options. "
To prepare herself for the training session, she twice flew her Cessna 180 to Billings to scout out these new-to-her airstrips and to locate some nearby mountainous terrain which would be suitable for introducing mountain and canyon flying skills. A bonus on these flights was finding a high elevation airport which was ideal for demonstrating the effects of density altitude.
The third part of the perfect Montana backcountry introduction was to find a Husky like the Husky that Craig flies. Again, having the support of the aviation community makes all the difference. The pilots of the Recreational Aviation Foundation and MPA were more than happy to help. Jerry Cain from Lincoln, MT, one of the founders of the RAF, flew to Helena with his Husky a few days before my flight with Craig says Jeanne. "We worked hard with me flying from the back seat landing in strong crosswinds on a short turf airstrip in Helena." For the flight with Mr. Fuller, Jon Hudson, a pilot from Bozeman and President of the MPA, made his beautiful Husky available.
Jeanne says, "I was not only privileged to spend the day flying beautiful Montana with Craig Fuller, AOPA's esteemed President, but I was also overwhelmed with the support of the Montana aviation community."
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| SAFE Board Elections are Going on Now | | |
Elections are now open (1-15 May) to fill three openings on SAFE's Board of Directors. To help prepare you for this important event, you can click here to read more about the election and statements from each of the candidates.
Remember, it's your organization. Don't forget to VOTE!
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| SAFE CFI Liability Policy | | |
We often hear this statement, "My FBO Insurance covers me while instructing, I don't need my own insurance". This may very well be true for instructing in the FBO fleet of aircraft, but may not be true for instructing in any other aircraft. Or, when instructing in other aircraft "off the FBO clock" on you're your own time, no coverage is provided. The FBO policy may exclude multi engine and LSA aircraft.
The fact is, most FBO insurance polices do not include the extra coverage for instructing in other than FBO operated aircraft. Also, this coverage is often eliminated to save on premium.
Even if the FBO policy actually provides some protection , the insurance most likely will not include the Professional Liability for the CFI. Professional Liability is actually the most important element of the SAFE CFI Policy. This coverage protects you for liability for alleged negligent instruction that results in a later accident. The SAFE CFI Policy even includes the legal expenses for defending you.
SAFE CFI Insurance Partner - Air Pros
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Recent Master Instructor Designations
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 Dario COSTA, Master CFI-Aerobatic
Bologna, Italy
Dario Costa, a 1st-time Master as well as an IAC and SAFE member, recently earned his Master CFI-Aerobatic accreditation. Dario is an aerobatic and instrument flight instructor with Aero Club Milano at Bresso Airport. He also organizes recreational aerobatic contests and coaches competitors in preparation for aerobatic competitions.
 G Alexander "Sandy" HILL, Master Instructor Emeritus
Longmont CO
Alexander Hill, a 7-time Master and charter SAFE member, was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus status in r
ecognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education. Sandy is the co-creator and administrator of the Master Instructor program. He also serves as a national FAASTeam representative and is the communications director for the General Aviation Awards program.
 Christopher John "Chris" HOPE, Master CFI
Kansas City MO
Christopher J Hope, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his MasterCFI accreditation. Chris is an independent flight instructor specializing in primary and instrument training at Lee's Summit (LXT)and Johnson County Executive (OJC) airports. He also serves as avolunteerAngel Flight pilot and is a FAASTeam Representative in the FAA's Kansas City FSDO area.
 Daniel Max "Dan" KEEN, Master CFI
Lafayette IN Daniel M Keen, a 7-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. Dan is an aviation safety inspector (ASI) and safety officer with the FAA's Indianapolis FSDO where he specializes in aviator practical tests. He also assists with the FSDO's FAASTeam activities and is a longtime volunteer in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA).  David Allen KOEHN, Master CFI & Master Ground Instructor
Tulsa OK David Koehn, a 5-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI and earned his initial Master Ground Instructor (MGI) accreditation. David is the co-owner Destinations Executive Flight Center and co-founder of Fast Forward Aviation at Tulsa's Riverside Airport (RVS). He also serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's Oklahoma City FSDO are
 John Urban "Rock" ROCKCASTLE, Master CFI
Oxford FL
John U Rockcastle, a 3-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. Rock is a simulator instructor with Simcom in Orlando and serves on the production crew at the FAA's National Resource Center in Lakeland. An Orlando FAASTeam representative and a recent recipient of the FAA's Wright Brothers Master Pilot award, he was also the 1989 Nat'l CFI of the Year.
 Col Charles Arthur "Charlie" SKELTON, Master CFI
Branford CT
Col Charles A Skelton (USMC, Ret), a 7-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. Charlie is the chief pilot for CAS Aviation and president of Yale Aviation, a flying club at Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN). Additionally, he is a recent recipient of the FAA's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's Windsor Locks FSDO area.
 Kyle Vincent THOMAS, Master CFI
Durant OK
Kyle V Thomas, a 4-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. Kyle is an aviation professor and chief flight instructor with Southeastern Oklahoma State University's aviation institute at Eaker Field (DUA). He is also a coach for the university's NIFA flight team as well as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's Oklahoma City FSDO area.
 Ludwig Joseph "Lou" WIPOTNIK, Master CFI
Mount Prospect IL
Lou Wipotnik, an 8-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. Lou is an independent Chicago-area flight instructor who also teaches with Leading Edge Flying Club at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK). The 1996 National CFI of the Year, he is also a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's DuPage FSDO area and serves in the CAP's Illinois Wing.
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Have a SAFE day!
Doug Stewart, Executive Director
Society of Aviation and Flight Educators
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Copyright SAFE, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.
SAFE, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Public Charity
Editor@SafePilots.org -- Safe@SafePilots.org -- www.SafePilots.org |
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