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Society of Aviation and Flight Educators eNewsletter  
IN THIS ISSUE
Aviation Sim Time Restored
Aviation Education Symposium Rescheduled
SAFE BOD
Sun 'N Fun Report
1,000+ SAFE Members!
New Student Certificates
Winter, SAFE the Magazine
SAFE Blog
AC 61-65F
Amazon Smile Program
Recent Master Instructors
ENEWS SPONSORS
QUICK LINKS
SUBSCRIBE to eNEWS
1 May 2016

SAFE represents more than 1,000 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 developed and is now offering Regional Pilot Proficiency Projects across the U.S.

 

AVIATION "SIM" TIME RESTORED 

In a major victory for flight instructors and instrument students, the FAA announced last month it will restore credit for up to 10 additional hours spent training in flight simulation devices, for a total of 20 hours loggable toward an instrument rating.  The change was published in the Federal Register on April 12 .  
 
Restoration of 20 hours of simulator time toward an instrument rating has taken more than two years.  SAFE was the first GA organization to alert instructors in 2013 of the FAA's plan to slash the number of allowable simulator hours in half.  Since then, most other GA organizations, including AOPA, EAA and NAFI, joined SAFE in the battle to restore the loggable hours.
 
Under the new rule effective May 12, pilots training under Part 61 will be allowed to log up to 20 hours of instrument time in an approved advanced aviation training device (AATD) or up to 10 hours of time in an approved basic aviation training device (BATD). Part 141 students taking an approved instrument rating course will be allowed to accomplish up to 40 percent of their total flight training hour requirements in an aviation training device.  The new rule also eliminates the need for IFR students to wear a vision-limiting hood in a simulator.
 
The process to restore allowable simulator time to 20 hours was almost accomplished in December 2013, when the FAA issued a 'direct-to-final' rule restoring the extra 10 hours.  A 'direct-to-final' rule is commonly used when the issuing agency does not expect any adverse comments to the proposal. At the time, then-SAFE Executive Director Doug Stewart said, "We applaud the FAA for seeking the fast track on this rule change; we, like the FAA, could not foresee anyone being against this change."
 
Unfortunately, there was one pilot who objected to reinstatement of the simulator hours, killing the proposal before its implementation date of January 3, 2014.  At SAFE's urging, the FAA quickly reissued essentially the same proposal as a regular Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which is not subject to death by a single adverse comment.
 
The final victory was applauded by SAFE, with Board of Directors member David St. George calling it "a strong move in the right direction."
 
"Time with a professional educator on even a modestly priced machine can provide a wide variety of challenges unavailable in flight with much greater efficiency, economy and safety," said St. George. "SAFE has advocated continuously for greater "sim" time credit and will continue to push for other reforms that increase the efficiency and safety of flight training."

AVIATION EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM TO BE RESCHEDULED
SAFE's major Symposium for Aviation Educators, originally scheduled as part of EAA's Pilot Proficiency Center (PPC) event the week prior to AirVenture, is being rescheduled.  The PPC schedule is not affected by the change.
 
"The SAFE Symposium for Aviation Educators is shaping up to be a much larger, must-attend event than we had thought," said Donna F. Wilt, SAFE Board Chair.  "We decided to reschedule it so SAFE's full resources could be devoted to helping at this year's Pilot Proficiency Center at Oshkosh."
 
The scope and burgeoning demand for participation in the Symposium for Aviation Educators was one of the factors requiring the rescheduling.  "We wanted CFIs to be able to devote their full attention to this year's PPC before AirVenture, as well as maximize SAFE's participation in the EAA event."
 
Phillips said details on the Symposium for Aviation Educators and its new dates would be posted as soon as possible on the SAFE web site .

SAFE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION PROCESS UNDERWAY
The SAFE Governance Committee thanks those SAFE members who have inquired about running for one of the three open Board of Director positions in the June 2016 election.  Each nominee's name and his or her answer to three specific questions on the organization's path forward will appear on the SAFE website prior to the election so our membership can learn more about these nominees. 

REPORT ON SUN 'N FUN SAFE ACTIVITIES
As the 2016 version of Sun 'n Fun wrapped up on Sunday, April 10, there were happy faces around the SAFE booth in space A-059 in the exhibit hall.
 
"What an exhilarating show!" declared SAFE Board Chair Donna Wilt.  "SAFE members were busy all week, presenting forums and participating in Sun 'n Fun activities.  We had a steady flow of SAFE members and prospective members stopping by the booth and asking for information on a variety of instructional and other aviation educational topics.  Hot topics included the recent changes to the process for getting a student pilot certificate, the SAFE K-12 Teacher Grants and new products at the show."
 
SAFE membership also reached a new high with signups and renewals at the show, surpassing 1,000 by the time the show closed on Sunday.  (See related story).  Several new SAFE members signed up even on Sunday, which is traditionally a slow day for attendance.
 
SAFE members were talking about EAA's announcement of STC approvals to install Dynon's uncertified electronic flight instrument in several popular certified training aircraft.  The Garmin G5 electronic flight instrument, for the same light sport and amateur-built market, and the Lightspeed Tango wireless headset were also popular new products discussed at the SAFE booth.

SAFE MEMBERSHIP PASSES 1,000

New member signups at this year's Sun 'n Fun boosted SAFE's membership to over 1,000 aviation educators and enthusiasts worldwide, although the majority of members are in the United States.  A final count showed 1,026 on the membership rolls.
 
"For an organization that is only 7 years old, that's a remarkable accomplishment," said Donna Wilt, SAFE Board Chair.  "Our members include some of the top aviation educators in the world and those who understand the importance of quality education in aviation.  They're actively involved in all aspects of aviation, whether in the cockpit, on the maintenance floor or in classrooms."
 
SAFE was launched in 2009 to promote excellence in aviation education.  It works to create a safer aviation environment by:
  • Supporting aviation educators with mentoring opportunities, educational resources, and other benefits 
  • Inspiring professionalism through promotion and recognition of excellence and enhanced education 
  • Representing aviation educators through interaction with the aviation industry and government 
  • Promoting learning in all areas of aviation for everyone at every level.
 
SAFE member benefits include two vast resource centers, one available to the public and the other limited to SAFE members only.  Other benefits include the best CFI liability insurance available and discounts of as much as 66 percent on products and services offered by SAFE supporters.
 
You can learn more about SAFE and/or sign up through the SAFE web site .

WILT EXPLAINS NEW STUDENT CERTIFICATES, TESTING REFORM
In an interview on the Florida Aviation  (FAN) television network during last month's Sun 'n Fun event, SAFE Chair Donna Wilt and interviewer Ben Coleman discussed a wide range of topics of interest to aviation educators.
 
Wilt provided an update on implementation of the new FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS), which are gradually replacing the long-established Practical Test Standards.  The new standards for private and instrument pilot applicants will become effective June 15.  Wilt, who is on the FAA-Industry working group developing ACS standards, explained why the old PTS needed replacement and the advantages of using ACS.
 
Also covered during the more than 30-minute interview was the updated procedure for obtaining a student pilot certificate, which now requires using the IACRA system.  SAFE has a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a new student pilot certificate on SAFE's web site as well as on the organization's blog and Toolkit app .
 
The entire FAN interview is on YouTube. 

WINTER EDITION OF SAFE THE MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE
The Winter edition of SAFE The Magazine is now available. In the current issue are articles on:
 
1)       Part II of the in-depth research on stress as it applies to GA pilots by Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Sherry Knight Rossiter.
 
 
3)      A compelling discussion by Chris Hope, the 2015 National FAASTeam representative of the year, titled "Who's In Charge Here?"   regarding complicated rules for logging and acting as pilot in command.  It explains the legal reasoning behind the FAA interpretation allowing CFIs without a current medical to give flight instruction. 
 
4)     An article by SAFE member Martin Sobel about the lack of progress in reducing GA accidents caused by poor decision-making.  Among other things, he concludes that many pilots are not rational beings.
 
5)     Part 1 of DPE Larry Bothe's tale of the nine engine failures he has experienced in his 42 years and 7,500 hours of flying.   What's the most prevalent cause of engine failure?  Read the article.
 
FRESH SAFE BLOG CONTRIBUTIONS

The new SAFE Blog is rapidly gaining popularity.  In recent weeks, blog contributions from SAFE members have included:

LATEST VERSION OF AC 61-65F NOW ON SAFE TOOLKIT APP

SAFE members who use the acclaimed SAFE App on their Android or Apple smartphones or tablet devices now have instant access to the guidance in the latest version of FAA advisory circular 61-65F,   Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors.   It also contains all endorsements for CFIs and aeronautical requirements for certification of pilots.
 
The SAFE Toolkit App, introduced by SAFE two years ago, is the all-in-one GA news and reference toolkit for the professional aviation educator.  It is free to members and available in the   Google Play Store or Apple's App Store.
 
"It's a quick and easy way to raise your game as a flight educator," said David St. George, developer of the app and a member of the SAFE Board of Directors.  "Recently added are links following the around-the-world solo trip by Airbus A320 captain and SAFE member Adrian Eichhorn in his rebuilt V-tailed Bonanza."
 
Also in the latest release of the app are answers for instructors on determining if a student pilot applicant reads, speaks and understands English well enough to meet the requirements, and details on the new requirements for acquiring a new student pilot certificate, which cuts out the medical examiner and requires TSA vetting of the applicant.

ADVANCE AVIATION EDUCATION WITH SAFE'S AMAZON SMILE PROGRAM
Through the Amazon Smile program, you can support SAFE's goal of better, more effective aviation education.  Amazon pays SAFE 0.5 percent of all purchases made through the SAFE Amazon Smile program with no additional cost to you.
 
Amazon Smile is a simple and automatic way for you to support SAFE every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com , you'll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to SAFE. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.
 
To shop at Amazon Smile simply go to   smile.amazon.com   from your web browser or mobile device.  On your first visit only, simply select SAFE as the charitable organization you'd like to support, then continue shopping.  If you already have an Amazon.com account, your preference will be added to your existing account, with your shopping cart, wish list, wedding and/or baby registry and other account settings remaining the same. There are tens of millions of products eligible for such donations. You will see eligible products marked "Eligible for Amazon Smile donation" on their product detail pages.
 
You should add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com   to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at Amazon Smile and benefit SAFE.

THREE CELEBRATE 20 YEARS AS MASTER INSTRUCTORS; FOUR OTHERS EARN OR RENEW
Three SAFE charter members have earned their Master Instructor accreditation for a record tenth time.  The three are: David Faile of Fairfield, Connecticut; Lonnie Hilkemeier of Boulder, Colorado and Lou Wipotnik of Wheeling, Illinois. 

All three received embroidered MA-1 flight jackets from PilotMall.com
of Lakeland, Florida, and special Wings pins from Aviation Instruction of Camarillo, California and Specialty Flight Training of Boulder, Colorado.
 

Congratulations to these SAFE members!

Michael Christopher "Mike" DEMULLING, Master CFI   (Renew: 25Apr16) 
New Richmond  WI
Mike's e-mail:   Mike@NRAirport.com   
Michael C Demulling, an 8-time Master and a SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Mike is the chief pilot for White House Custom Colour as well as manager of New Richmond Regional Airport ( www.NRAirport.com ).  Additionally, he owns Mike Demulling Flight Training where he specializes in primary, instrument, recurrent, and Aerostar training. 

Michael Carl "Mike" JESCH, Master CFI      (Renewal:  12Apr16) 
Anaheim  CA
Mike's e-mail:    MCJesch@pacbell.net 
Michael C Jesch, a 2-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  Mike is an independent Fullerton-area flight instructor specializing in pilot proficiency, electronic navigation, and airspace issues.  Additionally, he is a B-737 captain with American Airlines while also serving as a volunteer Angel Flight West pilot as well as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's Long Beach FSDO area.


Daniel Max "Dan" KEEN, Master CFI      (Renew: 10Apr16) 
Lafayette  IN
Dan's e-mail:    DanielKeen@aol.com 
Daniel M Keen, a 9-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation.  A longtime National Intercollegiate Flying Association
 (NIFA) volunteer and judge, Dan is an operations aviation safety inspector  (ASI)  and safety officer with the FAA's Indianapolis FSDO.  He specializes in administering aviator practical tests as well as overseeing Part 135 and Part 141 operators while also assisting with the Indianapolis FSDO's FAASTeam activities.



Kyle Vincent THOMAS, Master CFI    (Renew: 31Mar16) 
Durant  OK
Kyle's e-mail:  KThomas@SE.edu 
Kyle V Thomas, a 6-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 an advisor to the local Women in Aviation chapter and a coach for the university's NIFA flight team.  In addition, he serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's Oklahoma City FSDO area.



Ludwig Joseph "Lou" WIPOTNIK, Master Instructor Emeritus       (Emeritus: 1Apr16) 
Wheeling  IL
Lou's e-mail:   Jan.Lou@comcast.net 
Lou Wipotnik, a 10-time Master and SAFE member,was recently granted Master Instructor Emeritus  (MIE)  status in recognition of his many years of commitment to excellence, professional growth, service to the aviation community, and quality aviation education.  Lou is an independent Chicago-area flight and ground instructor at Chicago Executive Airport  (PWK) .  The holder of an FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot award and the 1996 National CFI of the Year, he is also a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's DuPage FSDO area and serves in the Civil Air Patrol's Illinois Wing.
 


Fly SAFE!




Donna Wilt, Chair
Society of Aviation and Flight Educators
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