Happy 2020 End, SAFE Members!
A Report On SAFE's 10 Year Anniversary
|
|
By David St George
SAFE Executive Director
At this special time of year, we offer sincere thanks to all the amazing people who have worked so hard throughout these years to enable SAFE’s growth and ultimate success.
SAFE has been the “scrappy underdog,” since our founding. We've been frugal and struggling, supported entirely by donations and lots of “sweat equity” from generous volunteers and industry sponsors. SAFE endured some tough financial times through the years, but we've had some amazing “home runs” as we claimed the #1 position this year. For instance:
SAFE's Pilot Reform Symposium in 2011 led directly to the new FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS). At that event, then-FAA Administrator Randy Babbit said, "SAFE members are the movers and shakers of the flight training community."
SAFE's CFI insurance program for CFIs continues as the best value for working CFIs and DPEs. (Yes, SAFE counts more than 100 FAA DPEs among our 3,100+ members).
SAFE at NTSB on numerous occasions, providing testimony critical to aviation safety. And ongoing participation in FAA national working groups and forums affecting CFIs; a constant force for positive industry change.
SAFE's Free ToolKit App, introduced in 2015, is used by thousands of CFIs every day. The app for both Android and Apple has virtually every resource a CFI needs. The ToolKit spawned the SAFE Blog and in-person initiatives like live two-day SAFE CFI-PRO™ workshops which are on hold due to coronavirus. When resumed, they will be available to flight schools and universities.
SAFE's Free "Checkride Ready!™" written by SAFE DPEs, dramatically reduces the chance of a nasty surprise on checkride day for your learner. SAFE added it to ToolKit this summer.
The SAFE Blog is a compendium of high-level instructional wisdom, bringing attention to other advanced CFI topics and resources in the highly acclaimed SAFE Members-Only Resource Center on the SAFE web site.
Finally, the full NEW SAFE website, featuring much better access to SAFE resources, should be completed by January 2021. We apologize for the endless delay migrating our membership database from the old provider to the new.
|
|
Members can now test-drive the SAFE ToolKit without adding that program to their phone, using a free real-time emulator from SAFE supporter SavvyCFI.com. The SAFE ToolKit is a virtual CFI Handbook with answers for nearly every instructional question.
To join the test drive, scan the QR code (adjacent) that will take you to the SavvyCFI site, where another QR code will allow installation of the no-load SAFE ToolKit emulator on your phone. It works on both Android and Apple operating systems.
|
|
The latest SAFE ToolKit includes the just-introduced member benefit SAFE "Checkride Ready!™" checklists for private and instrument practical exams. Written by SAFE DPEs, it helps minimize the chance of a nasty surprise for your student at the check ride. The SAFE ToolKit also includes recommended endorsements, the new ACS failure codes, full text of most standard aviation training manuals, training syllabi from several schools, ACS requirements and older PTS publications.
"It has almost every aviation reference a CFI could ever need," averred SAFE Executive Director David St George. "Better yet, it's free from SAFE."
|
|
Real World Airspace
FAA Flight Check Pilot Tells All
|
|
A webinar on the mysteries of the National Airspace System, as explained by an FAA flight check pilot, is available Thursday, December 3 at 7 PM eastern time. A signup for the seminar is here.
"What CFI hasn't been bewildered by airspace at some point?" asked Kevin D Murphy, SAFE Communications Director. "Do you know why your favorite home airport instrument approach is constructed the way it is? This hour-long webinar is hosted by FAA Flight Check Pilot James Herrington, and ought to be extremely helpful to CFIs."
Most ASI seminars are free, including this one, and available to all pilots.
|
|
CFI Shortage Returning, CAE Says
Keep Your CFI Ticket, SAFE Urges
|
|
The 2020-2029 Pilot Demand Outlook, published last month by large flight training provider CAE, forecasts return to the pre-pandemic need for pilots by 2022 but says that the need for high-quality instructors "will pose a challenge for years to come."
"Granted, this forecast is by a major flight training provider, but their forecast methodology appears sound," said SAFE Executive Director David St George, renewing SAFE's advice against letting a CFI certificate expire as pilots pursue careers elsewhere.
"Letting your CFI ticket expire just because you're not using it right now is doubly bad these days," he said. "This forecast shows a continuing strong market for qualified professional CFIs in both ab initio and advanced instruction."
SAFE works to improve aviation safety by encouraging professionalism in flight instruction. It offers vast resources specifically for CFIs, including an unparalleled members-only library of video, audio, written and other instructional-related material from many of the nation's top CFIs.
|
|
Pilot Brains Are Different
"I Knew It!" Say Pilot Spouses Worldwide
|
|
Your spouse may already know this, but a Chinese study indicates that your pilot brain works differently from brains belonging to non-pilots, but that's mostly a good thing, explains Russ Niles in the November 15 AvWeb. It enables pilots to make sense of the cockpit environment and remain aware of diverse conditions and dangerous situations.
The researchers determined that pilot brains have more and stronger connections between what they call the central executive network, which makes sense of various bits of information by relying on the parts of the brain supplying the raw data, Niles wrote.
SAFE Executive Director David St George noted that the Chinese study was very small, with only 14 flight instructors at the Civil Aviation Flight University of China and 12 first officers from Chinese airlines, and cautioned against reading too much into the study.
|
|
Emily Flies The Tumblewing
SAFE Member Creates STEM Unit
|
|
SAFE co-founder Rich Stowell’s eponymously named Rich Stowell Consulting Service has introduced the four-lesson “Emily Flies the Tumblewing,” an aviation-themed STEM teaching unit for both formal and informal instructional settings.
The aviation-based teaching unit asks the essential question, “what’s the difference between falling and flying?” Students ages 10-13 work through the exercises that include STEM subjects such as Newton’s Laws, the Magnus Effect and engineering design.
|
|
Never heard of a tumblewing? This 8.5 minute 2011 video on YouTube explains one version with full directions on building your own. |
|
The easy DIY tumbling wings can be used by CFIs struggling to explain some aspects of aerodynamics to flight learners.
Stowell is a nationally-recognized Master Flight Instructor. He is known for his work in unusual attitude training.
A tumblewing glider.
|
|
G1000 NXi Training Online
Garmin Training For FW and Rotary
|
|
Garmin International announced two new e-learning courses for their G1000 NXi, one for fixed wing aircraft and one for helicopters with G1000H NXi integrated flight decks.
The online, scenario-based training allows pilots to learn at their own pace, and cost $74.95 or $145.95, depending on the aircraft and the expected operating environment.
The company has been building its courseware explaining operation of various Garmin navigation products, and also offers tuition-based G1000 NXi pilot training as day-long webinars that are currently scheduled into June.
|
|
Dreaming Of CFI Fame?
Glory? Respect?
"Best CFI" Deadline Now December 31
|
|
The deadline for submitting nominations and/or your own application for the prestigious 2021 CFI Of The Year Award has been extended to the end of this month.
National CFI Of The Year for 2020 was SAFE Member Catherine Cavagnaro (right), a mathematician who owns and operates Ace Aerobatic School in Sewanee TN and is known for her work training pilots in unusual flight attitudes.
SAFE Executive Director David St George attributed the paucity of applications to the tumultuous world that was aviation in 2020. "But if you're qualified, put together your entry using these forms and details from the General Aviation Awards Program and the FAA," he said.
The national CFI Of The Year receives an all-expense-paid trip to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. At AirVenture, they will be recognized by the then-FAA Administrator and other high-ranking officials and will have their names added to the perpetual plaque in the EAA Museum. Later during AirVenture, an awards luncheon will shower the winner with gifts donated by industry supporters.
The yearly contest also names "the best of the best" maintenance technician and FAASTeam Representative.
|
|
CFI Insurance Explained
Industry Veteran Has A Fresh Look
|
|
The true value of CFI insurance dawned on the 10-year insurance veteran after she won her own CFI certificate in October. "By endorsing a student’s logbook for solo, (I'm) stating that the student has been properly trained and prepared," she said. "Unfortunately, accidents can happen and that can come back on the flight instructor for negligent instruction."
|
|
The video is primarily a sales tool, and does not compare the AIR CFI policy directly with others available. However, it points out that the SAFE AIR CFI policy has limits of up to $1 million and $200,000 for physical damage to non-owned aircraft. AIR's policy also includes coverage for experimental, restricted category, and light sport aircraft, as well as single-engine seaplanes and multiengine land craft.
SAFE members get an instant 5% discount; no claims history cuts another 5% and there is a 10% discount for recent FAA WINGS activity, making a possible 20% off the policy cost. In addition, AIR CFI insurance is available by the month, rather than yearly only.
|
|
New Frasca Sim Hits Road
Frasca RTD In Texas This Month
|
|
The simulator builder Frasca International, long a significant presence in the flight school simulator market, is hitting the road with its lowest-cost AATD, the Reconfigurable Training Device (RTD).
The new RTD is configurable as a Cessna 172, a Piper Seminole, a Piper Archer or a Diamond DA-40, all with either steam or glass panels. It is installed in an air-conditioned, comfortable two-axle trailer.
The fully tricked-out demo will visit the Texas cities of Waco, Killeen, Georgetown, San Marcos and Houston in December. After that, company officials say, its travels will depend on the number of requests from pilots and local flight schools in an area. An inquiry form is on Frasca's web site.
|
|
The steam gauge RTD's start at $50,000 but can rise to $120,000 for a "maximum realism" version. The high end is a Garmin G1000 NXi-equipped aircraft with multiple aircraft on-screen, several video channels, a command console, extension, enclosure and a comfortable captain's chair.
"From a training standpoint, an approved AATD is a solid balance point between cost and training value," said SAFE Communications Director Kevin D Murphy, noting dryly that FAA-approved Level B-D Full Flight Simulators start at $5 million.
|
|
Oldest Tuskegee CFI
Honored Online
LucasFilms Documentary Is Free
|
|
Most of today's pilots are aware of the contributions of Black airmen during World War II by the Tuskegee Airmen. For those who aren't, a feature-length Lucasfilms documentary titled " Double Victory: The Tuskegee Airmen At War" is now available free in two versions, one 66 minutes and one 90 minutes.
It includes stories from former Tuskegee CFI Charles McGee, was honored with a promotion to Brigadier General, on his 100th birthday. He is recognized as the oldest living Tuskegee Airmen CFI.
Lucasfilm's 2012 action film "Red Tails," which told the story of Tuskegee Airmen who overcame the nearly impossible odds of a disfavored skin color and fought bravely and decisively in World War II. The struggles of the Red Tails helped lead to integration of the armed forces starting during the Korean War, in 1951, and eventually wider integration in American society.
|
|
Need Career Advice, CFI?
AOPA's Professional Pilot Career Edition
Focuses On Getting A Flying Job
|
|
SAFE is applauding AOPA's release of a second edition in an aviation career advice series, this one focusing on getting a flying job. It includes industry leader advice, tips on resume writing, stories of what a professional pilot's day is like and more.
The two editions published to date are free.
"These first two offerings can be invaluable for new pilots, including CFIs who are building time toward a corporate jet or airline career," said Kevin D Murphy, SAFE Communications Director. "AOPA, specifically their Flight Training Magazine staff, has put a lot of work into this series and the quality of the advice is excellent. And the price is undeniably right."
The first edition of the aviation career series, published earlier this year, was specifically for flight training career advice, particularly strategies for continuing training while coping with the Covid pandemic. |
|
CFI Is Good. CFI-T Is Not.
FAA Safety Magazine Nov-Dec Has CFIT Wisdom
|
|
The November-December 2020 FAASafety Magazine, the reimagined version of the old FAA Aviation News, surfaces the many Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) related resources and technological tools available to pilots, as well as numerous strategies, tips, and best practices that can help keep CFIT at bay.
|
|
Shopping Online?
Support SAFE w/SMILE!
|
It costs nothing to login to Amazon SMILE and contribute a percentage of your shopping sale to SAFE. This is a FREE utility on the Amazon website.
Just look for "SMILE" in the settings. "We made enough on this little widget to fund another STEM scholarship last year, " said SAFE Executive Director David St George.
|
|
|
|
The Real Stall Threat Is...
High Nose/High Power,
Not Turn To Final: SAFE Blog
|
This year, SAFE founding member Tom Turner of the American Bonanza Society researched the long-held belief that the base to final turn is a virtual Bermuda Triangle of stalls for pilots who haven't yet mastered coordinated flight.
Bottom line: he found it's not, and thinks CFIs shouldn't keep propagating that myth.
A 2017 Air Safety Institute report on 2,015 stall accidents between 2000 and 2014 found that the dreaded base-to-final turn is one of the LEAST likely places to stall an airplane, accounting for less than 4% of NTSB-reported stall events.
"It's not that you shouldn't teach proper respect for coordinated turns in the pattern, especially the base-to-final turn, but claiming it's a high-risk area isn't true, since only 3.8% of all NTSB-studied stalls occur there," said SAFE Communications Director and all-around good guy Kevin D Murphy. "The real stall danger is during takeoffs and go-arounds, which both involve full power and usually more aggressive rudder use." Just under 20% of the stalls were attributed specifically to go-arounds, a common weak area of pilot competence.
Turner's analysis, which is based on a 2017 Air Safety Institute report of 2,015 stall accidents between 2000 and 2014, also reveals small but fascinating details of stall safety. "The Real Threat" is on the SAFE Blog. |
"Yes We Can" New
Flight School Says
KRDG Reviving Training
|
The 2020 covid emergency was cited as a factor in the death of many small businesses this year, including Reading Flite Academy, which was the only flight school at Reading Regional Airport in Pennsylvania.
But Christina Muller-Levan, co-owner and President of FBO Reading Jet Center, says she wants to help keep GA in this part of the Delaware Valley alive with a new flight school and maintenance department. More than 400,000 people live in the KRDG area.
"Yes we can!" she declared. "The demand is there, so we'll be offering Part 61 courses for private, instrument and commercial." SAFE member Jorge Ubilluz, a CFII and MEI who now works for Jet Center, is expected to be named the new school's chief instructor.
Christina says she's hoping for a March 1 official launch for the flight school.
|
|
|
|
"The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer."
FAA Administrator Jane Garvey
|
|
Master Instructor Achievements |
|
The Master Instructor designation is a national FAA-recognized professional accreditation and parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to increase their professionalism. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate's flight instructor certificate. Of the 101,000 flight instructors in the US, fewer than 800 have earned the Master Instructor designation, and most are SAFE members. |
|
Master Instructors is pleased to announce the designation of Mike Dowty as a Master CFI-Aerobatic for the first time.
Mike, of Navarre, Florida, is a UPRT Instructor Pilot for Aviation Performance Solutions. He holds a Flight Instructor certificate for Instrument, Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Land and Sea.
A former Navy Instructor and Evaluator in the A-6E, TA-4J and T-2C aircraft, he holds a Air Medal with Combat V. During his time in Navy career he served in numerous aviation training and safety roles.
The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth and service to the aviation community, as well as a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. To learn more, go to Master Instructors.
|
|
SAFE member Kent Fitch of Wylie TX renewed his Master CFI designation last month, marking four years as an MCFI. An MCFI expires every two years but renewal also revalidates the underlying FAA CFI certificate.
Kent specializes in private, instrument and commercial flight instruction. He is an FAA Gold Seal CFI and has instructor ratings including ASMEL for land and sea and rotorcraft.
Candidates for a Master CFI must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to excellence, professional growth and service to the aviation community. They must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels other professional continuing education regimens. To learn more about the Master Instructor program, go to Master Instructors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
