Class Descriptions
A GPS Primer: Beyond the Basics
Attend this seminar to review some of the many things that your GPS is capable of doing, beyond just Going Perfectly Straight. Presented by Doug Stewart, who has been navigating with GPS since 1994, learn how to make the most effective use of your GPS, including: entering routes; getting the most from data fields; joining an airway; descent planning; flying approaches; E6B functions; and more. Regardless of whether you are a VFR or IFR pilot, using either panel mounted, or hand held equipment, there is something in this seminar for you!"Aircraft Powerplant Systems
FAA Safety Team Representative, Byron Danforth, will lead a "hands-on" discussion of powerplant systems (fuel, carburetion, ignition, vacuum, etc.) and the effects that winter and summer flight operations have upon those systems. Learn how to operate your engine systems like a pro. This seminar promises to be instructional and entertaining.Aging Pilot
FAA Safety Team Representative, Hobie Tomlinson, designed this course for the aging General Aviation (GA) pilot and their flight instructors. Issues facing the aging GA pilot will be discussed as well as helpful strategies to maintain a high level of safety and awareness.Anatomy of an Accident: The Story Behind the Lebanon, NH Learjet Accident
On Christmas Eve day, 1996, a Lear 35 crashed while making an instrument approach to Lebanon Airport, NH. The accident triggered a well-publicized major search-and-rescue attempt that proved unsuccessful. Three years later a hunter discovered the wreckage of the aircraft. The cockpit voice-recording transcript of the flight crew’s final minutes revealed some very interesting human factor issues. A review of the errors revealed in this accident might very well help prevent a re-occurrence of that tragic day. Join former FAA Safety Program Manager Bob Martens for a very informative session.Basic Aerodynamics
Does ground effect really exist? Can an aircraft be stalled during a straight-down dive? FAA Safety Team Representative, Byron Danforth, will bring his colorful and elegant style to a discussion of the science of practical, everyday aerodynamics. This seminar is guaranteed to teach and entertain.Flying in the Wind
FAA Safety Team Representative, Hobie Tomlinson, designed this course for pilots and flight instructors who wish to increase their understanding of flight operations on windy days. Techniques for dealing with various kinds of wind events in tricycle gear, conventional gear, and seaplanes will be discussed.Flying into Class B Airspace
FAA Safety Team Representative, Bob Adelizzi,
provides an overview of Class B airspace and
includes pilot/controller communication procedures
while operating within the Air Traffic Controller
(ATC) system.
From Aeronautical Decision Making to Risk Management for the Pilot
2001 National Flight Instructor of the Year and Daniel Webster Professor of Aviation, Phil Poynor, will explore why even with recent emphasis and training on aeronautical decision making, pilots continue to: continue VFR into IFR conditions; or continue until running out of gas; or continue into deteriorating conditions until the landing is made on an “out of limits” runway. He will then offer techniques in risk management that you can apply to your flying to help avoid these seductive traps. Phil is also a FAA Safety Team Representative.General Aviation Safety, An Insurance Insiders Perspective
Presented by Jim Lauerman, President, Avemco Insurance Company. Most pilots talk about aviation accidents, and some organizations try to analyze them from NTSB data, but insurance companies live in that tough world every day. Jim is the president of one of the nation's primary general aviation insurers and has been working to improve aviation safety for over a third of a century. He will share some hard data and personal observations about the accidents we are having and how we can work together to save lives and reduce insurance costs.Landings and Takeoffs Pushing the Envelope
Chief Flight Instructor and Director of Flight Education for Daniel Webster College, Aidan Seltsam-Wilps, will teach techniques and skills to improve your safety and confidence with such nasty surprises as: crosswinds, short/unimproved runways, and high density altitude conditions. Never get caught unprepared again!Loss of Control
Since the invention of the airplane pilots have been plagued by loss of control and spin accidents. What causes a pilot to lose control? What causes an airplane to spin? FAA Safety Team Counselor, Kenneth Perry, explains how loss of control accidents are not just limited to airborne aircraft. Many pilots lose control of the airplane on the ground during the takeoff or landing roll. Join us for a discussion of the factors leading to loss of control accidents - how to recognize and avoid them.Mountain Flying
Flying in mountainous terrain can promise some of the most spectacular and rewarding flights that you will make. It also presents challenges that we must be aware of, and prepared to operate in. Learn about aircraft performance, mountain weather and weather services, route planning, mountain airport operations, emergency operations, preparedness and survival. Learn how density altitude affects your flight even in freezing temperatures, and learn what common mistakes you should avoid, to make your mountain flying experience safe and enjoyable.Night Flying
Night flying can be safe and fun, but it poses its own unique challenges. Visual illusions and reduced visibility can be threats to spatial orientation, navigation, weather avoidance, obstacle clearance, takeoff & climb and approach & landing operations, and airport ground operations. Proper planning and setting personal minimums are key factors in keeping night flights from becoming apprehensive or tragic. Join us for an in-depth discussion about how to deal with night flight operations. Flight instructors are encouraged to attend with their students.
Non-Towered Airports Operations
Learn why Non-Towered does not have to mean "uncontrolled" or, even worse, "out of control". With some 13,000 non-towered airports it is critical to know proper operating procedures. Join FAA Safety Team Representative, John F. Anderson, ATP/CFII, in this informative and enjoyable back-to-basics workshop.Preventive Maintenance (IA)
So what is preventive maintenance? What preventive maintenance can an owner or operator perform to their aircraft? What are my regulatory requirements if I decide to perform preventive maintenance on my aircraft? What type of maintenance is considered preventive? These and many other important questions will be covered in the seminar.
NOTE: A hands on preventive maintenance task will be accomplished, pending an owner volunteered aircraft. If you are interested in volunteering your aircraft, contact Julie Seltsam at (781) 238-7389.
Runway Safety
In this class we will examine several recent runway incursions and surface incidents, and discuss how each one could have been prevented. In addition, we will take a look at the best practices for operating on the airport surfaces at towered and non-towered airports.Single Pilot IFR
In this seminar, Doug Stewart, the creator of the “East Coast IFR experience”, will discuss the challenges, and the risks, of flying in instrument conditions. Drawing on his wealth of experience, he will offer numerous tips on how to manage the risks, and become a safe and confident pilot not only in the IFR world, but the VFR environment as well.Sport Pilot
Join us for a brief overview of Light Sport Aircraft and the Sport Pilot. We will run through an overview of what this is all about, then we will briefly touch on operating as well as maintenance rules. There are quite a few differences from what we are all used to in "mainstream" general aviation. If there is any interest in becoming involved as a pilot or a mechanic, this will be a worthwhile presentation.
Summer Flying Weather in New England
Flying the friendly skies in New England is not just about avoiding summertime thunderstorms. Scott Reynolds, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the National Weather Service (NWS) Center Weather Service Unit at Boston ARTCC will provide a look at a variety of weather that impacts aviation interests across New England. Sea breezes, fog, icing and turbulence will be among the topics covered in this presentation. The evolution and forecasting of these and other weather phenomena will be discussed, as well as a look at the available NWS forecasts for all types of aviation weather, including how to plan for those pesky thunderstorms.Synthetic Vision for the General Aviation (GA) Aircraft
Our cockpits now offer unprecedented levels of situational awareness with GPS and the moving map. That technology was such a giant leap forward in such a short time, it leaves us wondering; “Where will navigation go next?”
Upcoming technologies in aviation seem to point toward a “forward looking view” to be used in harmony with the current “top down view” of moving maps. The two technologies to watch are synthetic vision and enhanced vision. These systems can offer the ease and safety of flying on a perfect VFR day regardless of the weather conditions.
These systems have just started becoming available for GA cockpits and it is important for pilots to be aware of the technology, the capabilities, and the limitations. Some of the points you will take away:
- How synthetic vision works, and how it is different from enhanced vision.
- How synthetic vision fits together with moving map GPS.
- Why synthetic vision allows you to fly 9 seconds ahead of the aircraft.
- Who are the players and how you can start using it.
Temporary Flight Restrictions/Air Defense Identification Zone (TFR/ADIZ) Airspace Awareness
In the last two years we have seen significant changes in the airspace structure of the country. Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) airspace have become much more commonplace. What is the purpose of this type airspace? What are the flight restrictions imposed by it? How does a pilot avoid intruding into the airspace? Where can a pilot go to download a graphic chart outlining the extent of the airspace? These questions and others will be answered in a seminar designed to address flying in the world of Special Use Airspace.Training for the Pilot Companions
Join FAA Safety Team Representatives, Don Briselden and Daniel Heeter, as you attend a ground school course designed to help you, the non-pilot, feel more comfortable with flying and to teach you how to safely handle the airplane in the event of pilot incapacitation. Companions who frequently fly can learn how to function effectively as cockpit crewmembers and assist the pilot. Pilots who fly regularly with a non-pilot should use this course to build their companions’ understanding of aviation, appreciation for flying, and confidence in the airplane. This course includes five easy to comprehend units:
- basic aircraft control
- interpreting the instruments
- radio communications
- navigation/finding an airport
- making a safe landing
