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.

Arriving at the cusp of the New Year, I have taken the time to reflect on SAFE's 2012 achievements, as well as to look forward to see what SAFE has planned for this coming year.

My greatest highlight for 2012 was the resounding success of our Pilot Proficiency Project™ (PPP) at both AirVenture and at the AOPA Summit. With the generous support of Redbird Flight Simulations, as well as the fantastic contributions of SAFE instructors and presenters, this project is providing many pilots with opportunities to increase their proficiency. Not only at the selected events, but everywhere an operator of a Redbird flight simulator has downloaded the training scenarios from the SAFE Resource Center, pilot proficiency is increased. 

As I look ahead to 2013, the PPP is already scheduled at the Women in Aviation Conference, Sun-N-Fun, and now in a separate dedicated venue at AirVenture. If you would like to become involved with this project either as an instructor or as a presenter please just let me know.

SAFE had numerous opportunities in 2012 to advocate for recommendations that came out of the SAFE chaired "Pilot Training Reform Symposium." Just some of those opportunities were: SAFE members presented at the NTSB General Aviation Forum; SAFE was represented on the Knowledge Test ARC; SAFE members continue to serve on the GAJSC Statistical Analysis Team and the Loss of Control Working Groups.  Additionally, eEight SAFE representatives now sit on the newly formed Airman Testing Standards and Training ARAC.  

SAFE members created four more new offerings in 2012 for the FAASTeam sponsored Flight Instructor Open Forum series of presentations.  All nine presentations are now available to SAFE members in the SAFE Resource Center.  And this initiative is not over... SAFE members are already working on the next four topics in the series. 

As our website has grown, including an increase in the content of both our Public and Member's Only Resource Center, so has the expense of maintaining the site. Jerry Gregoire, the owner of Redbird Flight Simulations, has generously stepped forward to provide the exclusive sponsorship of the SAFE website throughout 2013.  Redbird Flight Simulations continues helping SAFE meet our mission of providing quality educational materials and other resources.

What is in store for SAFE and it's members in 2013? 

• A new and revitalized member recruitment program will soon be launched. 
• A  top-notch quarterly eMagazine, edited by a highly regarded aviation editor will "hit the stands" in the new year.  
• A five part, landmark video presentation by Redbird Director of Flight Operations (and SAFE member), Roger Sharp, on "Transforming the Art and Craft of Flight Instruction" will be available to everyone in the public area of the Resource Center through the courtesy of Aero-News.net.  
• Plus a program to bring recognition to low time aviation educators who strive to excel will be inaugurated.  

These are but a few of the exciting things planned for the coming year.

Personally, I look forward to continuing my work, serving the SAFE membership and advancing the SAFE Mission and Vision in 2013. To those folks who have helped SAFE grow and prosper in 2012, I extend my sincerest gratitude on behalf of the organization! To those who would like to step forward to help us continue in 2013, I extend my hearty encouragement to contact me! And to each and every one of you I offer my best wishes for a Happy New Year of SAFE fulfillment and growth!

Doug Stewart, Executive Director