After the Seminar

Well, reflecting on my seminar presentation Saturday, I felt it went pretty well. The only problem we had was the room we used at the Terminal Building didn't have heat and the cold winds permeated through the spaces of the glass doors.  I felt bad for the audience, but they were real troopers and hung in there for the presentation.

Thanks, everyone who attended, for coming out and participating in an important safety seminar.

I got a lot of feedback from the folks and will utilize those ideas in future seminars. There are some really cools ideas being hatched for Wings Weekend this September.

Updates coming soon!

Countdown to Safety

Well, gang.  This Saturday, April 17th is coming up quickly.  The Safety Stand Down seminar to be held at Latrobe Airport should be informative as I have lined up those who can answer questions and enlighten us all.



Please, one of the important things that makes these safety programs work is to get pilots, who don't fly regularly and keep pace with the ever-changing rules, regulations and air spaces. Generally, the ones who participate in safety seminars aren't always the ones who are the problem.

The NTSB released preliminary accident statics for 2009 which shows the general accident rate climbing.  We need to encourage fellow pilots, who don't participate in safety seminars, to come along and get involved.

Spread the word!  See you Saturday.

Pilots, pilots everywhere

Well, I was relaxing last evening getting ready for the Safety Stand Down seminar to be held April 17th. I'd say the AOPA Safety Seminar presented by Andy Miller on Monday evening in Pittsburgh was a success. There were close to 300 attendees. For that, I want to thank those who attended. I know there are quite a few pilots who relish the camaraderie of others as well as the quest to learn more in order to be safe. I also realize that every pilot in the area can't attend due to work, travel, etc. I just hope they can get to some seminars throughout the year.

Andy put together a humorous yet informative seminar on Pilot Pet Peeves. And I know you have had those thoughts about something another pilot has done that made you just shake your head. One of MY pet peeves has been the pilot who feels that it was too time consuming to taxi down to the run up area to do a pre-takeoff run up. They'd rather do their run up on the ramp (soon to be called the 'apron'). I don't know where they learned this habit but if they think about what ugly things could happen, they may come to their senses. Reminds me of America's Funniest Videos. What did they think would happen?

So if you have that urge to do your run up on the 'ramp' at Latrobe Airport don't be surprised if you see me come out and give you dirty looks(and I'll make sure you see me doing it). I know you'll think I'm a kook but you'll know that I'm a disapproving kook.

Okay, enough of my rant. I'll behave.

Wings Program Online

I'm pretty stoked. The FAA Safety people finally put together a comprehensive, user-friendly website for the Wings Program. I hope to get more of my fellow pilots to take part in this program. It's basically a way of getting credit for going out with an instructor and by recording it on the website you get credit and a certificate for each phase of Wings you complete. The general idea is to keep up with a good safety habit and hone your flying skills.

I've been going through training on the site and I have a good understanding on the workings of the site.

Now all I need is for more of you to read my blogs. :/


www.faasafety.gov

Upcoming Seminar

Okay, folks. Set aside this date - Aprl 17th - it's a Saturday, and the FAA Safety program will be holding a four-part seminar. It's called "Safety Standown Day" and it will cover four areas where a high incidence of accidents are occurring.

Those are Maintenance; Risk Management; Approach to Landings and Surface deviations. In this area the same seminar is being held in New Castle, PA; Latrobe, PA; and Clarksburg, WV.

I'll put up more information as soon as times and locations are finalized.

News from the FAAsafety.gov World

Hello, to all safety-minded pilots and to those who will be more involved, I bring good news. The FAA Safety people have revamped the website to make it much more user-friendly. I sat through an overview webcast yesterday (yes, even though it was absolutely nice outside), I thought it would be a good thing to do. Bryan Neville of the FAASTeam showed us the new website and little tidbits we need to know as participants in the Wings Program.

I know, in the past, I've had quite a few people balk at participating in the Wings program. I realize a lot of pilots don't think it's important, but I believe that being involved with this aviation safety process is beneficial to the pilots and the reputation of the flying community as well as your wallet; especially when it comes to your aircraft insurance. I've had pilots, as well as instructors, give me all sorts of excuses why they aren't signed up - my dog ate my computer to I don't want to spend hours upon hours on the computer with this stuff.

Check out the website www.faasafety.gov. If you have questions, there's a directory of FAASTeam members in your area who will be happy to explain this program.

Fly safely!

Back from the brink

Well, the "cold from hell" turned into a four-week stint. After a doctor's visit and a diagnosis of a bronchial infection and dispensing a prescription for one of the 'cycline' family members, I'm now starting to feel better. Although, the doctor just confirmed my diagnosis and need for an antibiotic, it's interesting that even though I'm not a doctor and couldn't write up a drug store note to dispense me some healing drugs, I actually made the same diagnosis.

So I just wanted to bring up a few noteworthy items to keep in mind for this summer. Arnold Palmer Regional airport is hosting the Wings Weekend program the next three years. We met recently with the FAA and set up the weekend of September 17th, 18th and 19th, 2010. I'll provide more information in future blogs. I must add that this is a great program for pilots to get current, or proficient with CFIs who graciously volunteer their time in order to make this Program successful.

Also, Arnold Palmer Regional-Latrobe Airport is holding their Open House once again.The dates are August 14th-15th this summer. As soon as I get details on the event, I will definitely pass it on.