Friday, January 22, 2010

Is GPS Precision or Non Precision?

In the new Instrument PTS on page 7 it states that for practical exams the LPV and LNAV/VNAV approaches cannot be used to to demonstrate nonprecision approach proficiency due to the presence of a glideslope. These approaches are considered Nonprecision but oh well. Something to think about if you are doing training in plane with a WAAS GPS.

remember "regulations, they don't have to be right, fair, or make sense"

IACRA Training

From the FSDO meeting. There is a website for training on IACRA that allows you to practice inputting data into the system. You can be an applicant or recommending instructor.

http://iacratraining.faa.gov/

Try it out and let me know what you think. ABC and I were thinking about having training session for the CFIs on IACRA.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

FSDO Meeting

I just got back from a daylong meeting in OKC with the FSDO. It was a Designee Recurrent Seminar that is mandatory training for all DPE's and FSDO inspectors. It is good to see that the regs are confusing for all pilots from Stud Pilot to DPEs to FSDO folk.

Quote of the day "Regulations, they don't have to be right, be fair, or make sense."

My corollary is "I feel so much better since I gave up hope."

I will post more on what I DID learn after I get some sleep.

David

Friday, January 15, 2010

Get Your Master CFI

Thanks Mike for that shameless promotion.

The Master CFI program is something I believe is a great tool for staying involved in all facets of aviation and for promoting yourself as a Professional flight instructor.

Most active CFIs will meet some of the qualifications for the Master and need to develop a plan for meeting the rest. You can go the Master CFI links on the previous post and look at the application to see what is involved. Contact me or the Hills (Sandy or Joann) if you would like some help completing the application or developing a plan to meet the requirements.

David
My business partner, David Koehn, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation, a fantastic accomplishment. One of only 5 in the state, I am working on my certification as well.

David Allen KOEHN, Master CFI
Tulsa OK
E-mail: David@DestinationsEFC.com

David A Koehn, a 4-time Master and SAFE member, recently renewed his Master CFI accreditation. David is a co-owner of Destinations Executive Flight Center ( DestinationsEFC.com ) and co-founder of Fast Forward Aviation at Tulsa's Richard L Jones Riverside Airport (RVS). Additionally, he serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA's Oklahoma City FSDO area.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Master Instructors LLC takes great pride in announcing a significant aviation accomplishment on the part of David A Koehn, the owner Destinations Executive Flight Center and resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Recently, David's accreditation as a Master CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor) was renewed by Master Instructors LLC, the international accrediting authority for the Master Instructor designation as well as the FAA-approved "Master Instructor Continuing Education Program." He first earned this national professional accreditation in 2003, has held it continuously since then, and is one of only 55 worldwide to earn the credential four times.

To help put these achievements in their proper perspective, there are approximately 93,000 CFIs in the United States. Fewer than 700 of those aviation educators have achieved that distinction thus far. The last 14 national Flight Instructors of the Year were Master CFIs while David is one of only 8 Oklahoma teachers of flight to earn this prestigious "Master" title. In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, "The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer."

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, and must pass a rigorous evaluation by a peer Board of Review. The process parallels the continuing education regimen used by other professionals to enhance their knowledge base while increasing their professionalism. Designees are recognized as outstanding aviation educators for not only their excellence in teaching, but for their engagement in the continuous process of learning -- both their own, and their students'. The designation must be renewed biennially and significantly surpasses the FAA requirements for renewal of the candidate's flight instructor certificate.

Please feel free to disseminate this information. Questions regarding the Master Instructor program may be directed to 303-485-8136 or MasterInstrs@aol.com Additional information is available at http://www.blogger.com/www.MasterInstructors.org and at the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) website, http://www.blogger.com/www.SafePilots.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexander "Sandy" & JoAnn Hill, MCFIs

Master Instructors LLC, Longmont CO

Cells: 303-475-6008 (S) / 303-709-6862 (J)

Phone: 303-485-8136

http://www.blogger.com/www.MasterInstructors.org

Saturday, January 9, 2010

The Blogging Has Begun


The blogging has begun. Resisting change is a challenge if not somewhat enjoyable. But alas, the world moves on, and so must I.

DestinationsEFC Executive Flight Center is still flying, regardless of the freezeing temps. It seems the weather always presents new challenges for training. Low cloud ceilings, high winds, turbulence, rain, thunderstorms, snow, icing, scorching heat, and now below zero temps!

This simply confirms why Destinations was started. In addition to the wx, we have been finding that the RedBird FMX Full-Motion AATD Flight Simulator is a fantastic trainer for both the Private Pilot student as well as the Instrument Student. While we knew it would be a fantastic Instrument trainer, Emergency Procedures, Crosswind Landings, Basic Attitude Instrument Training, and Cross Country Navigation are all being taught in the sim to the Private Pilot students.



The latest training tool at DestinationsEFC is the new module for a Seminole, a twin engine Piper airplane. With multi-engine rates starting around $175/hr + tax, the savings for multi-engine students is huge! In addition to the $ savings, the time compression utilizing the sim makes it a slam dunk decision for students.



December brought us our first checkride in the Redbird. It was a great success! We were happy, the examiner was happy, and of course the student was elated!




A different client was preparing for an interview for a job flying a DC-9. We flew instrument approaches to LAX. He got the job! This is the real measure of the sim training. He has now referred a friend. We love referrals.


2010 is going to be a great year!