SAFE Partners with EAA, Others to Address Aviation Safety Issues

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) recently announced that it will host the new 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, including: 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. Presenters include this year’s National Flight Instructor of the Year, Hobie Tomlinson, as well as past National Flight Instructors of the Year Doug Stewart, Jeff Edwards, and Rich Stowell.

Proposed by the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), the project has evolved into a cooperative effort between SAFE, EAA, Redbird Flight Simulations, and the National Association of Flight Instructors. A series of four forums will be presented each day between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, followed by 20-minute 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 any one of a dozen pre-programmed scenarios that include engine failures during takeoff, overshoots during base-to-final, and approaches to minimums with a tailwind. Pilots will also have the opportunity to refine their crosswind skills in the Crosswind Trainer. Those attending Pilot Proficiency Project forums and simulator training sessions will receive WINGS credit.