Probably the most entertaining “airshow” at Airventure is watching the arrivals! Add some nervousness to some sketchy skills, and you can get some really “cringeworthy” flying. I have published other blogs on how to practice before your “performance” at this show. This is where familiarity with your aircraft and energy management skills are essential. A good dose of “situational awareness” and a readiness to react to surprises (go-around) often saves the day too. There are many crashes every year at Airventure and that would certainly ruin your fun.
Look at this blog for “centerline slow flight,” the “real” airshow, and be ready to go-around safely if anything gets too out of your comfort zone.
Capturing the Killers: “Effective Flight Reviews”
Unfortunately, most flight reviews are a wasted opportunity for learning and refreshing. From observation and reports I have experienced, these often are little more than “lunch dates.”
One of my clients recently had an engine failure in his Saratoga at 2am over Kentucky (11K). With an almost totally failed powerplant, he was able shoot an approach and land at Hazard, Kentucky in nearly zero-zero conditions (The PA-32 airframe glides like an anvil). His safe arrival was nothing short of miraculous, but partly due to a more extensive flight review – “much more than the minimum.” This included approaches and intercepts as well as various emergency scenarios.
John Dorcey, a very experienced Master CFI, and I will present a FREE SAFE Webinar on August 10th promoting a more serious approach to the flight review. Starting with the traditional FAA Guidance and also referencing the AOPA Focused Flight Review, this is an opportunity to literally “save your life!” We often forget how luck is responsible for many of our happy hours aloft, and one surprise event (engine trouble, unforecast weather) can put us into a challenging situation in a hurry. Please register and commit to a more extensive flight review; we want you to enjoy many more years flying. Fly safely out there (and often)!
You have an amazing opportunity to hear Cpt. Michael Maya Charles (Author of Artful Flying) presenting at Airventure this year. SAFE is pleased to host him at our SAFE dinner on Thursday, July 24th: 5-8pm in the Pilot Resource Center (PRC) at OSH. You do not have to be a SAFE member to attend, but grab a ticket before they are all gone. (Catered dinner/limited seating). Join us at the show and fly safely!
