It is embarrassing to realize that most pilots (and even a majority of CFIs) don’t know which flight control powers the basic turn. Through no fault of your own, you may be among this group. Spoiler alert; the ailerons and rudder are neutral in a stable, coordinated level turn. We are all victims of the … Continue reading “Clear Up Control Confusion; FREE Course!”
SAFE recently celebrated a 10th anniversary and just this spring polled #1 in an FAA national survey as the top resource for pilots and CFIs! 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. … Continue reading “Thanks to All; SAFE Surveyed #1”
Just a short blog this week, no brain strain or technical discussions. I just want to announce that SAFE has opened up registration for our SAFE CFI-PRO™ workshop in Frederick, MD. This event will be at the AOPA “Learn to Fly” facility on October 2nd and 3rd and is filling quickly. We are limited to … Continue reading “Opportunity To Grow: SAFE CFI-PRO™!”
SAFE CFI-PRO™ is all set for next week and I am overwhelmed with both the attendance and the quality of our presenters. Thanks to everyone for supporting this important safety initiative, this is exactly the mission SAFE was created to address 10 years ago. We have five National FAA GA Award winners presenting (and several … Continue reading “Thank-You! Super Stars at SAFE CFI-PRO™”
Presenting seminars at public events like Sun ‘N Fun is a fascinating opportunity to both meet people and also sample the aerodynamic understanding of our pilot (and CFI) population. Having been a DPE for many years, I often ask a lot of questions while presenting to get a sense of the understanding level of my … Continue reading “Surprising Airplane Control Facts!”
We discussed the turning stall in the last SAFEblog and revealed the (often surprising) fact that in coordinated flight, with lift equal on both wings, a stall simply falls away from the lift vector and is very benign. There is only a burble and a drop of the nose, but no rolling or sudden departure … Continue reading “Is “Cross-Controlled” Dangerous?”
NTSB Forum: “Humans and Hardware” Preventing General Aviation Inflight Loss of Control — Training Solutions Panel October 14, 2015, Washington, DC Remarks by Rich Stowell, Society of Aviation and Flight Educators https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCQF3fvxAfg&feature=youtu.be&t=1m18s The status quo in aviation education is unacceptable. Those of us who provide spin and upset recovery training see the results of our … Continue reading “Pilot Training Solutions: NTSB Testimony by Master CFI Rich Stowell”
Read more…(Improbable Turn) “Takeoff and initial climb are the most fatal phases of flight, according to the NTSB; 24% of all fatal accidents,” said St. George, who is also an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner in Upstate New York. “Professional CFIs must be ready to provide solid, safe guidance and training for pilots at all levels.” … Continue reading “E-News Read More: February 2018”
Loss of control in flight (LOC-I) is the “catch-all causal factor” for the NTSB, topping the list of fatal accident causes and the “Most Wanted List” for every year in recent memory. We are excited to have Patty Wagstaff and Rich Stowell for our live ScreenCast on November 16th unpacking this dilemma. NTSB Member Earl Weener … Continue reading “Addressing the “Loss of Control” Dilemma!”
“Between 2008 and 2014, about 47 percent of fatal fixed-wing GA accidents in the United States involved pilots losing control of their aircraft in flight, resulting in 1,210 fatalities” [full report] This sure does not help GA’s public image and certainly is not on our list of “fun flying activities.” Those who have followed this … Continue reading “Preventing Loss of Control (NTSB Most Wanted…again!)”
