FAA Safety Briefing — September/October 2017

FAA Safety Briefing is the FAA safety policy voice of non-commercial general aviation.

The September/October 2017 issue of FAA Safety Briefing explores the critical role flight instructors play in keeping the National Airspace System safe.

Feature articles focus on flight instructor requirements and best practices as well as the many tools and educational resources that can help sharpen your teaching skills.

Features

7 Compliance Philosophy for Flight Instructors A Look at Regulations and Safety Management by Jeffrey Smith 10 Getting the Gouge Ten Things Instructors Need to Know About Using the ACS by Susan Parson 14 Flight Instructor Resources Your Guide to Lifelong Learning by Jennifer Caron 18 Teaching Technology Instilling the Right Aptitudes and Attitudes for Safety by Susan Parson 22 Renewing Your “Lease” Options for Flight Instructor Certification Renewal by Tom Hoffmann 26 Shifting Gears Tips for Tackling Transition Training by Susan Parson 29 A Different World The Transition from Military to Civilian Flight Instructor by James Williams

Departments

1 Jumpseat – an executive policy perspective 2 ATIS – GA news and current events 5 Aeromedical Advisory – a checkup on all things aeromedical 6 Ask Medical Certification – Q&A on medical certification issues 17 Checklist – FAA resources and safety reminders 31 Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons – GA maintenance issues 33 Angle of Attack – GA safety strategies 34 Vertically Speaking – safety issues for rotorcraft pilots 35 Flight Forum – letters from the Safety Briefing mailbag 36 Postflight – an editor’s perspective Inside back cover FAA Faces – FAA employee profile

JOHN DUNC A N

Jumpseat E X ECU T I V E DIREC TOR, F L IGH T S TA NDA RDS SER V ICE

The Right Stuff

A few months ago, I spotted an Air Facts Journal Mr. Ewing approached his instructor role in exactly article with an eye-catching title: “I Was John Glenn’s the same way. He naturally treated his distinguished Flight Instructor.” Of course I stopped to read the client with great respect, but he did not confuse piece, which is author Kent Ewing’s account of flying respect for the person and his many aviation accom - with the late Senator Glenn during eight Bonanza plishments with his obligations as a flight instructor Pilot Proficiency Program (BPPP) clinics in Colum - — that is, to provide a thorough and appropriately bus, Ohio. Mr. Ewing’s BPPP sessions with Senator challenging training session, and to give candid Glenn started when the former astronaut was 82, and feedback during both the actual flights and the post - continued until he was 90. flight briefing sessions.

I commend the article to you (see URL at the end Another lesson from the article is the way that of this column) if only for what the author modestly Mr. Ewing worked to target training experiences to characterizes as “a few observations and cockpit and align with the kind of flying Senator Glenn typically hangar flying stories.” More fundamentally, though, I did. I’ll let you read the article to get the details, but think this piece has several important lessons for not the point is clear: an instructor owes it to each pilot just flight instructors, but for everyone who flies. and, indeed, to everyone else in the National Air - space System (NAS), to tailor the training program A good pilot is always learning to specific individual needs and requirements.

Senator Glenn owned a 1986 58P Baron until A good instructor has the right stuff about five years before his passing. When Mr.

Ewing once inquired as to why he was attend - It’s a common view that one of the most chal - ing the BPPP clinic, the response was: “It doesn’t lenging aviation tasks is passing the practical test matter who you are. When you reach your 80s, for an initial flight instructor certificate. Let me state the insurance industry wants you to complete a clearly that the certification process cannot and formal training course annually.” Even if insurance should not be a “gotcha” exercise. Through FAA/ company requirements were the catalyst for recur - industry effort on the rent training, Mr. Ewing’s account makes it clear Airman Certification He did not confuse respect for the person that Senator Glenn was a conscientious pilot. He Standards (ACS) proj - and his many aviation accomplishments recognized not only the need to practice traditional ect, we are working hard with his obligations as a flight instructor.

maneuvers like partial panel flying, but also the to eradicate any hint need to learn new things, such as using a handheld of “gotcha” from both the knowledge exam and the GPS moving map navigator. Mr. Ewing’s article practical test for airman certificates and ratings. That clearly conveys the humility that Senator Glenn said, I make no apology for an appropriately chal - (“always a gentleman”) demonstrated during lenging flight instructor certification process. You recurrent training. He never assumed he knew don’t have to be an astronaut like Senator Glenn to everything. He prepared for his flights; he came to instruct, but in order to do the job as it must be done, clinics with questions and goals; and he sought to you do have to have the proverbial “right stuff.” gain the most from each flight and each clinic.

Learn More A good instructor is always prepared airfactsjournal.com/2016/12/john-glenns-flight-instructor I suspect that most of us might be a tad intimi - dated to find ourselves assigned to instruct someone as illustrious as a former astronaut. While few of us are likely to have that particular experience, I imagine that every instructor has — or eventually will have — at least one story about flying with a pilot with impressive credentials and/or far greater experience. Here again, Mr. Ewing’s experience is, so to speak, instructive. Senator Glenn approached his John Glenn’s Baron recurrent training with humility and discipline, and September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 1

ATIS AV I AT ION NE WS ROUNDUP

FAA Aircraft Certification Service New VFR Flight Plan Services Transformed Leidos Flight Service’s new EasyActivate , EasyClose , and Close Reminder services will auto - The FAA’s Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) is matically be turned on for all registered users of comprised of more than 1,300 engineers, scientists, www.1800wxbrief.com. These services let you inspectors, test pilots, and other experts responsi - activate or close a VFR flight plan simply by click - ble for the design and production approval, airwor - ing a link in an email or text message that’s sent to thiness certification, and continued airworthiness you 30 minutes before departure and arrival. These programs of all U.S. civil aviation products. As part actions are recorded and included in your pilot his - of the FAA’s efforts to improve its responsiveness tory. Reminders are sent when a VFR flight plan is to the U.S. aviation industry as it certificates new not closed within 20 minutes of the expected arrival products, the agency is refreshing its certifica - time. These services will be automatically applied tion strategy, investing in management systems to all of your VFR flight plans, regardless of whether to improve performance, and the organization.

you file via phone call or online.

Streamlining its regulations and policies will help Initially, the service will be turned on for the industry move products to market faster and email delivery, but you can change it to, or add, retain competitiveness.

text message delivery. Click on the EasyActivate/ On July 23, AIR implemented a new, function - EasyClose link at the top of the Pilot Dashboard at ally-aligned organizational structure to execute the www.1800wxbrief.com.

certification strategy. Realignment, the first visible There are other options for electronically activat - phase of this approach, groups similar organiza - ing and closing VFR flight plans. You can activate on tions together to create the functional divisions www.1800wxbrief.com from the Pilot Dashboard, while maintaining existing sub-division organiza - including assumed departures up to 30 minutes from tional structures. During this phase, the existing current time. You can close VFR flight plans from the industry points of contact will be retained to ensure website as well. Also, several of the flight planning seamless relationship management and to facilitate and electronic flight bag (EFB) vendors that have inte - contact with the appropriate FAA employees. As an grated with Leidos Flight Service provide VFR activa - outcome of realignment, the directorate structure tion and closure directly in their apps or websites.

will cease to exist.

FAA Administrator Huerta Addresses AirVenture Audience In a bittersweet farewell at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisc., FAA Administrator Michael Huerta emphasized the importance of government and industry partnerships to bolster GA safety and efficiency.

“We need to have a meaningful discussion about how we can improve the services we deliver today — while preparing for an increasingly complex and growing set of users in the future,” he said. “Some day in the not too distant future, your planes will still be sharing airspace with jumbo jets and heli - copters – but also commercial space rockets, package deliv - ery drones, aerial taxis, and other technologies that haven’t even been dreamed up yet. … At the end of the day, the FAA wants to deliver the traveling public and all airspace users a safe and efficient air traffic system that is second to none.” FAA Administrator Michael Huerta with EAA Go to bit.ly/2uWWNrB to read the entire speech.

CEO/Chairman Jack Pelton at AirVenture.

2 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 SAIB Stresses Inspection of Cessna Main Landing Gear Actuator Assembly On June 9, 2017, the FAA issued a Special Air - worthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) for Cessna Models 172RG, R182, TR182, FR182, and all vari - PIREPs to Fly Faster ants of 210/T210/P210-series airplanes with the exception of the Models 210 and 210A airplanes.

In response to NTSB recommendations outlined The SAIB emphasizes the importance of inspecting in a recent report, the FAA’s Flight Service is focusing main landing gear actuator assemblies for cracks on efforts to reduce the time specialists keep pilots following Textron Aviation Inc. supplemental on frequency to obtain Pilot Weather Report (PIREP) inspection documents (SIDs) applicable to each information, increase the submission window to model to prevent gear extension and retraction more than one hour, and develop guidance for malfunctions. To view the SAIB and all related SIDs, PIREP solicitation and dissemination.

go to go.usa.gov/xNVE7.

PIREPs are brief weather reports describing inflight weather conditions. They are an important source of information used to verify or amend Amended AD Issued for Piper Oil Cooler aviation forecast and advisory products, and they Hose Assemblies play a vital role in supporting flight safety for all Last July, the FAA superseded airworthiness aircraft operations. PIREP end users include other directive (AD) 95-26-13 for certain Piper PA-28 and pilots, company flight-handling personnel such as PA-32 models equipped with oil cooler hose assem - dispatchers and flight coordinators, air traffic con - blies that do not meet certain technical standard trollers, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorolo - order (TSO) requirements and which could rupture gists, and weather researchers.

or fail. The superseded AD retains all of the require - Leidos Flight Service (formerly Lockheed ments of the original AD and adds language to clarify Martin Flight Service ) instituted an internal its applicability and compliance requirements. The practice to read back all PIREPs to ensure infor - FAA estimates that this AD affects 23,643 airplanes mation is captured correctly. As an unintended of U.S. registry but that the revision will not increase consequence, pilots often remain on frequency the economic burden or the scope of the AD for any longer to complete the report. To achieve the goal operator. For more details, go to bit.ly/2sR28NR.

of reducing the amount of time spent by pilots on PIREPs to Fly Faster

Safety Enhancement Topics

September: October: Survival Flight Training after Period of Inactivity Explore the scope and safety benefits of survival Be prepared when returning to the skies. training and equipage.

Please visit www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing for more information on these and other topics.

September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 3 frequency while maintaining accuracy, a test will U.S. Department modify the mandatory readback practice, which of Transportation will allow specialists to use their best judgment if Federal Aviation uncertain about the data received.

Administration In the past, PIREPs, considered current weather and appended to current conditions at ISSN: 1057-9648 FAA Safety Briefing the nearest reporting station, were not useful more September/October 2017 than one hour after occurrence because the infor - Volume 56/Number 5 mation disappeared with the next hourly report.

Elaine L. Chao Secretary of Transportation With advanced computer technology, data storage Michael P. Huerta Administrator is no longer an issue. PIREPs provide valuable Ali Bahrami Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety John Duncan Executive Director, Flight Standards Service information used to fill in observation gaps for Susan Parson Editor sophisticated forecast models.

Tom Hoffmann Managing Editor James Williams Associate Editor / Photo Editor The NWS stated that the data could help to Jennifer Caron Assistant Editor improve forecasts even if they are three hours old.

Paul Cianciolo Assistant Editor PIREPs filed after landing are still beneficial if the John Mitrione Art Director time and location of the weather phenomena are Published six times a year, FAA Safety Briefing, formerly FAA Aviation News, pro - motes aviation safety by discussing current technical, regulatory, and procedural accurate. Flight Service is working with its service aspects affecting the safe operation and maintenance of aircraft. Although based providers to open the window of PIREP submission on current FAA policy and rule interpretations, all material is advisory or infor - mational in nature and should not be construed to have regulatory effect. Certain to capture more data, and pass it through the system.

details of accidents described herein may have been altered to protect the privacy The PIREP process is complex with its many of those involved.

The FAA does not officially endorse any goods, services, materials, or products of stakeholders including the FAA, National Air Traffic manufacturers that may be referred to in an article. All brands, product names, Controllers Association, NWS, and the pilot com - company names, trademarks, and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

munity. Flight Service will engage stakeholders to The Office of Management and Budget has approved the use of public funds for develop best practices, increase the quantity and printing FAA Safety Briefing .

quality of PIREPs, and ensure data moves quickly from pilots to end users. CONTACT INFORMATION The magazine is available on the Internet at: http://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing Drone ID Aviation Rulemaking Committee Comments or questions should be directed to the staff by: Update ● ● Emailing: SafetyBriefing@faa.gov The first meeting of the UAS Identification and ● ● Writing: Editor, FAA Safety Briefing , Federal Aviation Administration, Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on AFS-920, 800 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20591 June 21-23 advanced key policies of concern to the ● ● Calling: (202) 267-1100 FAA, industry, and law enforcement.

● ● Twitter: @FAASafetyBrief During this initial meeting, the ARC considered issues such as existing regulations applicable to SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION drone identification and tracking, air traffic manage - The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office, sells FAA Safety Briefing on subscription and mails up to four renewal notices.

ment for drones, concerns and authorities of local For New Orders: Subscribe via the Internet at https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/ law enforcement, and potential legal considerations.

faa-safety-briefing, telephone (202) 512-1800 or toll-free 1-866-512-1800, or use the The group developed some preliminary questions self-mailer form in the center of this magazine and send to Superintendent of Docu - ments, U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9371.

and identification parameters, and reviewed a Subscription Problems/Change of Address: Send your mailing label with your sample of existing identification technologies.

comments/request to Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publish - ing Office, Contact Center, Washington, DC 20408-9375. You can also call (202) The group’s membership represents a diverse 512-1800 or 1-866-512-1800 and ask for Customer Service, or fax your information variety of stakeholders, including the unmanned to (202) 512-2104.

aircraft industry, the aviation community and industry member organizations, manufacturers, researchers, standards groups, local law enforce - ment and other officials.

The ARC will continue to meet as necessary to develop solutions that function at federal, state, and local levels.

4 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017

MICH A E L BE R R Y, M .D.

Aeromedical Advisory F EDE R A L A IR SURGEON

Course Correction

It’s no secret that substance abuse and depen - What is HIMS?

dence is a real problem in the modern world. Like it HIMS was originally designed for airline pilots, or not, that also means that substance abuse is a real but is now available to be used by pilots with all problem in aviation as we are an integral part of that classes of medical certificates. In fact, over the last 10 world. Our post-accident toxicology reports have years the number of third-class medical certificates confirmed this. For obvious reasons, substance use issued under the HIMS process has accounted for and dependence don’t mix with flying. That’s why almost a third of the total airmen in the program. The both are considered disqualifying. But while use of a goal of HIMS is to get airmen treated and into recov - substance can be temporary and does not preclude ery, and then allow them to rejoin the aviation world a return to flight provided the proper wait times are under supervision.

heeded, substance abuse and dependence is another HIMS is a multi-step process that is designed story. How do you deal with a chronic relapsing dis - to be tailored to each individual, but there are a few ease like substance dependence?

milestones. First, the pilot must attend either a resi - dential or acceptable intensive outpatient treatment A New Path center. Next, in consultation with a HIMS AME, the Until 1974, there were no options available to pilot must be active in a group aftercare program to a pilot with a diagnosis of substance dependence continue recovery after initial treatment. The FAA other than to stop flying forever. That’s when Air Line also expects pilots to engage with a peer pilot, usu - Pilots Association (ALPA), in cooperation with the ally one that’s in recovery as well, and in other sup - FAA and funded by the National Institute for Alco - port programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous, to help hol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) implemented reinforce the structured aftercare. The goal of this a study, the Human Intervention Motivation Study phase is to establish a supportive network between (HIMS). In the years before this, ALPA and the FAA aftercare, peer support, and the HIMS AME. The FAA were looking for a way to get pilots in recovery back also requires monitoring via random alcohol and into the cockpit without compromising safety. This drug testing, which can occur daily in some cases.

was around the time the medical community and we The HIMS AME helps design a recovery pro - in the medical certification business were beginning gram that best fits the pilot’s individual needs.

to approach substance dependence as what it is, a When reviewing cases as a HIMS AME, I always chronic disease. Our goal was to treat the disease, looked for an “aha!” moment in the records from not punish the airman.

the pilot’s initial treatment. This evidence of accep - With this shift in thinking, we started to look at tance of the disease is critical to the success of long- what kind of program we might need to treat this term recovery.

disease in a way that would allow the FAA to autho - So what happens if a pilot relapses? Like any rize a special issuance medical certificate to those chronic disease, the first step is to treat the under - pilots who were in satisfactory recovery, and allow lying cause of the disease. The HIMS AME will them to fly again. The HIMS program not only did consider the circumstances and make changes to that, but also became the gold standard for such pro - the HIMS program to address the relapse. While grams worldwide. In the private sector, a treatment repeated relapses may require a more stringent pro - program would be considered good if it achieved a gram, there is no maximum limit to the number of success rate of 25-30 percent. The HIMS success rate relapses allowed.

is 85 percent. I’m quite familiar with this program Here’s the bottom line: If an airman is willing to as I was a HIMS Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) do the work to get better, we’re willing to help. HIMS for 25 years before I joined the FAA. Having seen may not be the easiest program to return to flying, what HIMS has accomplished on both an individual but it is one of the most effective when it comes to pilot as well as an industry level, has made me quite substance abuse and dependence.

proud of the program.

September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 5

P E NN Y GIOVA NE T T I, D.O.

M A N AGER, A EROSPACE MEDIC A L

Ask Medical Certification SP ECI A LT IES DI V ISION

taking medication nightly in the form of eye

Q1. During the process of selective serotonin

drops. I get an examination yearly coupled with reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) certification for the the field of vision. I am pleased to report all is well first time, can a pilot update his status if he has optically. I have been getting the 2nd class medi - elected to stop using the SSRI after 60 days? How cal which requires all the test results to be sent to should the FAA be updated?

the Aeromedical Branch in OK City. In the future

A1. The choice to discontinue use of any prescribed

I will be flying on a 3rd class medical. Will the medication should be made in conjunction with medical requirements for my eyes change from your physician. Assuming you were not taking the the 2nd to 3rd class medical?

SSRI for a diagnosis of recurrent depression, we need

A4. Sounds like you are taking good care of this

a letter from your treating physician addressing your condition. The visual acuity standards will relax diagnosis, the date you stopped the medication, cur - some with third-class, but the medical follow up rent status, and prognosis.

should not change. Everyone has the same respon - sibility to see and avoid. The effects of glaucoma can

Q2. What is the full word on relaxing “Sleep

be subtle and unrecognized if not followed carefully.

Apnea” requirements? Can my AME observe me, without having a new sleep study completed or

Q5. What is the process and requirements to

reading some card from a CPAP?

renew a 3rd class medical after a stroke?

A2. All the requirements for renewal of your special

A5. Not all strokes are created equal and certifi -

issuance for obstructive sleep apnea should be in cation decisions depend heavily on the type and your authorization letter. Normally a new sleep location of the stroke, as well as recovery of nerve study is not required unless something about your and cognitive function. Usually, there is a two-year condition has changed. Compliance trend data from waiting period before medical certification can be your CPAP machine usually is required, as well as an considered because this is the highest risk time for Airman Compliance with Treatment form signed by another stroke or stroke related seizures. We would you, and a current status report from your treating need to review all medical records and imaging physician annually.

studies from the stroke event and follow up. Current thorough neurology and neuropsychology evalua -

Q3. What exactly is to be included in a letter from

tions, as well as MRA or CTA of the head and neck, my GI doctor to my FAA medical examiner in are required for all types of stroke. Carotid artery regard to my IBS?

ultrasound, cardiovascular evaluation, and follow- up MRI or CT may be required.

A3. We need either clinic notes or a letter from your

GI doc that tells us the diagnosis (IBS); the severity, how long you have had it, any complications (such Penny Giovanetti, D.O., received a bachelor’s degree from Stanford, a mas - as a GI bleed, hospitalization, or recent surgery) or ter’s in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine from the University symptoms and what medications you take for this of Iowa and doctorate from Des Moines University. She completed a 27-year condition. A good place to start is the CACI Colitis career as an Air Force flight surgeon. She is board certified in aerospace medicine, occupational medicine and physical medicine/rehabilitation. She Worksheet which can be found at faa.gov/go/caci. If is also a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association and a private pilot.

your condition is more severe than what is required under CACI, you may still qualify under the Special Issuance process.

Send your questions to SafetyBriefing@faa.gov . We’ll forward them to the Aerospace Medical Certification

Q4. I have mild glaucoma in each eye and am

Division, without your name, and publish the answer being treated for it by an MD. At present, I am in an upcoming issue.

6 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017

J E F F R E Y S M I T H

Compliance Philosophy for Flight Instructors

Photos by Chris Morris

A Look at Regulations and Safety Management

s every instructor knows, the regulations are an • is designed to manage risk through integral part of flying and therefore an integral identification and control of existing or A part of flight and ground instruction. For exam - emerging safety issues, ple, prior to a cross-country flight under visual flight • places emphasis on effective compliance by rules (VFR), a discussion on regulatory requirements focusing on how participants in the National pertaining to weather minimums, recent experience, Airspace System (NAS) ensure compliance, and fuel requirements is both typical and appropri - • fosters an open exchange of information ate. Looking back to my occupation as a full-time between the FAA and the aviation community flight instructor, I recall generally framing the regula - to allow safety problems to be understood and tions as something that had to be done to avoid a appropriately addressed, potential punitive response on the part of the FAA.

• encourages a problem solving approach to While it is true that deviating from the regulations finding and fixing problems in the NAS, and may invoke FAA action, I really missed an opportu - • expects NAS participants to utilize safety man - nity to discuss the regulations with safety consider - agement system constructs to identify risks.

ations as the main focus.

The FAA’s Compliance Philosophy provides a Taking Control good foundation as to how we should approach While it may be easy to teach the regulations as the regulations. In this article, we’ll discuss the simply something that must be followed, I encourage regulations as risk controls, incorporating safety you to take it a step further; consider the regulations management principles, and expectations during an as risk controls. This makes sense considering the investigation. We’ll explore what these topics mean FAA generally takes rulemaking action to address to pilots — and how they should be approached by those risks that are common to all or large portions flight and ground instructors — so you don’t miss of participants in the NAS. When conditions are the same opportunities I did.

identified in the NAS that present an unacceptable Quick Overview risk — generally with input from the aviation com - Before we get into the details, let’s review some munity — the FAA may propose new regulations of the high-level points. The Compliance Philosophy: through the public rulemaking process.

• requires and expects compliance with the Nearly all regulations address situations with the regulations, September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 7 Yes Action Appropriate?

Enforcement Appropriate Compliance No Action Taken Action Applied Is the Problem Fixed?

Yes potential for significant damage or harm. The objec - individuals and organizations have the primary tive of most regulations is to reduce the likelihood of responsibility for safety performance. Good safety - Problem / Resolution Documented hazard(s) resulting in a negative outcome (such as management practices are expected of all pilots. We -Any Necessary Follow-Up Planned an accident). If the regulation is not met, the level of must proactively identify and manage risks that are risk should be considered uncontrolled. This means applicable to our flying. For individuals, this may be as there is no level of noncompliance with the regula - simple as setting personal minimums, use of memory tions that can be considered acceptable. aids, pre-flight preparation checklists, or adopting In order for the risk controls in regulations to be good personal habits. For organizations, safety man - effective, we must take actions to apply the regula - agement may involve more complex strategies, such tions to our operations. The actions for effective as specialized training or procedural tools like formal compliance can be broken down as follows: hazard identification and risk assessments.

You may have seen the graphic depicted in • Determine what regulations are applicable to Figure 1 in previous editions of FAA Safety Briefing .

the flight This diagram is useful in visualizing the steps pilots • Consider the hazards addressed in those can use for their own safety management.

applicable regulations, and • Decide what action(s) to take to conform to the regulations in a manner that effectively controls the risk Identify Hazards Consider Assess Risk & Analyze Risk Operation/ Situation Using the cross-country as an example, you would likely determine that Title 14 Code of Federal Monitor and Monitor Develop Verify Control(s) for New Hazards Control(s) Regulations (14 CFR) section 91.155(a) — part of the basic VFR weather minimums — is applicable. The Revise Control as Necessary hazards being addressed by this regulation include clouds and restrictions to flight visibility. One of the Figure 1. Safety Management Overview risks involved with not adhering to this regulation is the potential for a mid-air collision. You and your student review the weather forecast and plan to fly The FAA has developed a document contain - ing elective lesson materials for Flight Instructor at an altitude that will keep you below the bottom cloud layer. You also plan to check weather at nearby Refresher Course (FIRC) providers who wish to offer airports during the flight to make sure the cloud instruction concerning the Compliance Philosophy.

heights and visibility remain as forecasted. You also This document offers an expanded description of the diagram in Figure 1. See the additional resources remind your student of the importance to visually scan for other aircraft throughout the flight. listed at the end of this article for the link.

Developing rules for every possible situation is What about Enforcement?

ineffective — if not impossible. Although compliance You may be thinking that the FAA’s Compliance with the regulations remains the minimum expecta - Philosophy is to address situations where regulatory tion, experience has shown that simple compliance violations have occurred. While that’s true, it’s not with regulations does not guarantee safety. Some the whole story. Instructors have the ability to make risks are not common to all NAS participants; rather, sure that those we train understand both the risks they are unique to individual persons. This may be involved with flying and how to employ good safety due to specialized equipment, the environment or management principles to address those risks. This other conditions, or the type of operation. So while includes practices that focus on how we comply with some situations are not addressed directly by the the regulations. In this way, the Compliance Philoso - regulations, the risks are still present and therefore phy promotes continued compliance to prevent a must be proactively identified and managed.

deviation as well as how to address a deviation once Safety Management it has occurred.

So how can we address the risks that are not As noted in this issue’s Checklist department covered by the regulations or other safety standards? (“Communicating the Concept of Compliance”), the FAA recognizes that should a regulatory devia - The answer is safety management. Basically, safety tion occur, it likely results from a lack of training or management is a problem-solving approach where 8 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 knowledge, diminished skills, and/or flawed proce - can promote the safety practices discussed in this dures. Such deviations can most often be addressed article (additional details can be found in the FIRC with non-enforcement means — called Compliance lesson referenced earlier in the article): Actions — that include on-the-spot corrections, • Help your students develop safety counseling, and remedial training.

management principles, including personal If you or your students become the subject of an minimums, checklists, and memory aids such FAA investigation, do not panic. Keep in mind that the as IMSAFE and PAVE.

objective of the FAA is to determine whether or not a • Encourage your students to seek recurrent regulatory deviation or other safety issue is present.

training above the minimum required by the If so, the FAA will seek to work with you through an regulations.

exchange of information to determine the root cause • Strive to provide comprehensive flight reviews and the best course of action to fix the problem. Part and instrument proficiency checks.

of the FAA’s analysis is whether the person(s) involved • Encourage those whom you fly with to are willing and able to return to, and remain in, com - seek proficiency training when their skills/ pliance. By instilling good principles in those you knowledge may have diminished, or if they are train, you are giving them the solid foundational tools flying in a different aircraft or environment to maintain their compliance with safety standards.

from what they are used to.

In all cases, you should encourage your students to take steps on their own to address any known • Advocate staying engaged with updates safety risks. This may involve avoiding flying, or affecting general aviation. One way to do this at least that kind of operation, until the problem is to share with your students the resources is fixed. Of course, this is prudent whether or not that you use to stay current.

someone is being investigated by the FAA. For exam - ple, if a pilot is involved in a deviation due to misun - Jeffrey Smith is the manager of the FAA’s Airman Training and Certification derstanding an IFR clearance, it would be sensible Branch, currently on detail to the Flight Standards Compliance Philosophy to avoid further IFR flights until they obtained recur - Focus Team. He holds an ATP certificate, is a flight and ground instructor, and rent training on IFR procedures. The FAA’s Flight is certificated as an A&P mechanic.

Standards Service Compliance and Enforcement Policy requires Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) to resolve a regulatory deviation with a Compliance Learn More Action unless enforcement is necessary. ASIs are FAA Compliance Philosophy able to take into account corrective actions that have faa.gov/go/cp been initiated or completed by the persons involved.

FIRC Elective Lesson Materials on Compliance Philosophy Instructional Tools go.usa.gov/xRjTe As an instructor, you have a great opportunity Reach out to your local FAASTeam Program to discuss risk controls and safety management in Manager (FPM) order to empower those you instruct to remain in go.usa.gov/xRjbr compliance with the regulations and other safety standards. Below are some highlights as to how you September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 9

S U S A N PA R S O N photo courtesy of Civil Air Patrol

Gettin g the Gouge

Ten Things Instructors Need to Know about Using the ACS

y now, you probably know the most basic facts version of the Commercial Pilot-Airplane ACS, on the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), along with revised versions of the ACS for B which first began to replace the practical test the Private Pilot-Airplane certificate and the standards (PTS) in June 2016. Just to recap: Instrument-Airplane rating.

• The ACS is an enhanced version of the PTS Now let’s look at some specific questions.

that adds task-specific knowledge and risk 1. I’m an instructor. How do I use the ACS?

management elements to the skill elements You do need to carefully read the entire in each PTS Area of Operation and task. It document (including the ACS Introduction and the provides a single-source set of standards for appendices) to understand how it all works together.

what an applicant must know , consider , and In general, though, you use the ACS just as you used do to pass both the knowledge exam and the the PTS, but the ACS provides more information. The practical test.

ACS guides you in teaching and training an applicant • The ACS results from six years of extensive and on everything he or she must know, consider, and continuing collaborative work by FAA Flight do to pass the knowledge test and the practical test.

Standards employees and a diverse group of The presentation of risk management elements will aviation industry training experts.

help you better develop and deepen the applicant’s • In June 2016, the FAA replaced the PTS for understanding of how knowledge, risk management, Private Pilot-Airplane and the Instrument- and skill elements work together for safe perfor - Airplane rating with the corresponding ACS.

mance of each task, both for the certification tests In June 2017, the FAA published the first and during “real-world” operation later on.

10 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 The PTS also required evaluation of these 2. How does the ACS affect the way I teach items, but it offered little more than a statement ground school?

of the requirement and, in the case of “Special If you are using the ACS as a guide to your syllabus Emphasis” items, a list of subjects the DPE must and curriculum content, anyone you teach in a ground evaluate. The ACS provides better guidance because school course will be very well prepared to pass the it provides specific risk management and Aeronau - knowledge test. If your applicants have taken the FAA tical Decision-Making procedures and behaviors knowledge test for the Private Pilot Airplane certificate, associated with each task, and it incorporates Spe - the Commercial Airplane certificate, or the Instrument cial Emphasis items in the risk management section Airplane rating in the last year, they have actually taken of the appropriate Area of Operation/Task. This pre - an “ACS knowledge test,” because the FAA has already sentation helps instructors make stick and rudder aligned all active knowledge test questions for these skills more meaningful by teaching them in the airman qualifications with the corresponding ACS.

context of what the applicant must know and con - When you are preparing an applicant for the sider while demonstrating flight skills. On the prac - knowledge test, be sure to cover all the elements — tical test, it allows the evaluator to see and assess an knowledge, risk management, and skill. While the applicant’s judgment and decision making in the knowledge test is primarily focused on elements in context of actual flight operations.

the “K” and “R” sections, there are also questions For the knowledge exam, both the FAA and that ask an applicant to “calculate” or “determine” the industry ACS Working Group members have some value. The FAA assigns a skill (“S”) code to reviewed ACS task elements to ensure that the questions of this nature.

FAA has guidance to support them, and the FAA is 3. How does the ACS change the way I conduct careful to verify that the agency has an appropriate flight training?

reference for each knowledge test question that we In most cases, the ACS does not change the review or develop.

expectations or values for acceptable performance of 5. What’s the story on ACS codes?

PTS skills tasks and maneuvers. You should use the The ACS assigns a unique code to each knowl - knowledge and risk management elements in each edge, risk management, and skill task element. These task to ensure that the applicant fully understands codes provide the means to correlate the tasks in the each maneuver but, since the ACS does not change ACS with guidance and testing, and to keep them the expectations or values for acceptable perfor - aligned going forward. As soon as the technical mance of PTS skills, tasks, and maneuvers in most capability comes online, the ACS codes will super - cases, there will be no major change in how you sede the current system of “PLT” Learning Statement teach stick and rudder skills.

Codes (LSC).

The exception is in the Slow Flight and Stalls Area The ACS coding system has four elements that of Operation of the ACS for Private Pilot Airplane are anchored in the ACS (i.e., in the standard itself, and Commercial Pilot Airplane, so please pay special not in reference documents like the current LSCs).

attention to these tasks. You should also be familiar with FAA Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 17009, PA.I.E.K2: Airman Certification Standards (ACS): Slow Flight and PA = Applicable ACS (Private Pilot - Airplane) Stalls (go.usa.gov/xN6WP) .

I = Area of Operation (Preflight Preparation) E = Task (National Airspace System) 4. How does the FAA keep the testing of risk K2 = Task element [knowledge (K), risk man - management items from being subjective?

agement (R), skill (S)] (Charting symbology) Risk management is unique to each and every The limitations of today’s knowledge test man - individual, but the ACS defines the circumstances, agement system do not permit the FAA to print ACS conditions, or risks applicable to each task, not to the codes in lieu of the Learning Statement, or PLT, specific operator. Applicants will thus be tested on codes. The agency is contracting for a test manage - their awareness and mitigation of the risks associated ment services system that will include this capability.

with the task at hand, which includes consideration In the initial ACS implementation phase, applicants, of these elements in the context of the maneuver itself instructors, and evaluators continue to see PLT plus the pilot’s experience and ability, the aircraft used, codes on the airman knowledge test report.

and the operating environment.

September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 11 • PLT 161 Aircraft systems / avionics / 6. If I can’t see ACS codes on the applicant’s transponder / airspace / publications / AFD / Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR), how do I conduct remedial training? transponder operations You can still use the ACS for more efficient • PLT 162 Airspace requirements, operations retraining and retesting. Each ACS code is unique to • PLT 163 Airspace requirements, visibility / a knowledge, risk management, or skill element in cloud clearance the standard. All active knowledge test questions for • PLT 376 Airspace, special use, TFRs the Private Pilot Airplane certificate, the Commercial • PLT 393 Airspace, regulations / restrictions Pilot Airplane certificate, and the Instrument Airplane rating have been aligned with the applicable ACS.

The PLT codes are tied to references, and the The PLT codes on your applicant’s airman knowledge scope for retraining and retesting is very broad. The test report will help you with more efficient retrain - ACS enables an instructor to narrow the scope and ing, because you can use them to zero in on a smaller retrain an applicant whose Airman Knowledge Test number of ACS tasks rather than going through multi - Report includes one of these codes in the context of ple references in an attempt to find the specific subject specific ACS tasks. For example, you can: in which the applicant is deficient.

• Ask about airspace in the context of planning a For example, there are at least six Learning State - cross-country flight (PA.I.D.K1) ment (PLT) codes that refer to airspace: • Ask about airspace as part of preflight • PLT 040 Airspace classes, charts, diagrams preparation (PA.I.E.K1) Photo by Crystal Chatham • Ask about airspace as part of preflight assessment (PA.II.A.R3) • Ask about airspace as part of ground reference maneuvers evaluation (PA.V.B.S1) 7. What is the difference between the ACS and a training syllabus?

The ACS defines what the applicant must know, consider, and do to earn an airman certificate or rating.

A training syllabus defines how (where, when, and why) these standards are met.

8. Does the ACS require scenario-based train - ing and evaluation?

Yes. As stated in the ACS introduction, for appro - priate items “the evaluator will assess the applicant’s understanding by providing a scenario that requires the applicant to appropriately apply and/or corre - late knowledge, experience, and information to the circumstances of the given scenario.” In support of this requirement, the ACS presents specific elements of knowledge and risk management in the context of each skill task. To further assist the community in this area, industry members of the ACS project team drafted guidance for both FAA inspectors and external evaluators to provide clarity on the ‘plan of action’ and use of scenarios. See go.usa.gov/xN6Zm for details.

9. When is the FAA going to expand the ACS Palm Springs Flying School flight instructor Brian Carr gives a to other certificates and ratings?

flight lesson to Rudy Gonzalez, 18, at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Through the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Airport in Thermal, Cal. The lesson, which was conducted in a 1961 Committee (ARAC), the FAA originally asked Cessna Skyhawk 172B, was the teenager’s third.

12 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 industry to develop ACS documents for the Private analyze and correct simulated common errors Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instructor, and Airline drawn from the Knowledge section.

Transport Pilot certificates and the Instrument In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this Rating, all in the airplane category. In December approach, the FAA will support the ACS Working 2015, the FAA added the Aircraft Mechanic Certifi - Group’s plans for “tabletop prototype” review of the cate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings to draft beginning in autumn 2017. Stay tuned!

the ACS Working Group’s charter.

The ACS will eventually replace the PTS for all Susan Parson (susan.parson@faa.gov, or @avi8rix for Twitter fans) is editor of categories and classes. The next phase is to finish the FAA Safety Briefing . She is an active general aviation pilot and flight instructor.

ATP, the instructor (all in the airplane category), and the Aircraft Mechanic ACS by the end of December 2018. We will confer with our industry partners to To receive ACS updates, please subscribe to prioritize development work beyond this point.

the FAA website’s Airman Testing page ( www.faa.

gov/training_testing/testing ) by clicking on the 10. What can you tell us about the Instructor “subscribe” link in the upper right hand corner.

ACS?

As of summer 2017, the industry members Do you have a question not addressed on the of the ACS Working Group are wrapping up work Airman Testing page? Do you have suggestions for on an initial draft for the Instructor certificate improving the ACS? If so, please contact the ACS Focus Team at 9-AVS-ACS-Focus-Team@faa.gov .

(airplane category). The construction of this docu - ment should be familiar to anyone who has used the existing ACS documents, but the Instructor ACS does have some important differences. For maneuvers that the applicant is expected to be able to teach: • The Knowledge section requires the applicant to demonstrate instructional knowledge by describing and explaining the elements of the Task as stated in the “foundational” ACS (e.g., Private Pilot Airplane or Commercial Pilot Airplane), along with common errors related to that task.

¡ The Instructor ACS thus refers to, but does not directly incorporate, Areas of Operation or tasks that the applicant is expected to teach from one of the “founda - tional” ACS documents.

• The Risk Management section requires the applicant to demonstrate the ability to both teach the risks arising from the elements of the referenced task in the foundational ACS, as well as manage the “instructional risks” arising from the specific training activity. (Note: An ongoing revision to the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9A) will address risk management, both in terms of teaching these concepts to applicants and in terms of managing the risks inherent in flight training.

• The Skill section requires the applicant to exhibit the ability to demonstrate and simultaneously explain the task, as well as to

Photo by Paul Cianciolo

Flight

Instructor

Resources

Your Guide to Lifelong Learning

J E N N I F E R C A R O N ho has the most important job in aviation? test standards, and reference handbooks. Topics that Many would argue it’s the flight instructor. contain new and revised material are featured in the W He or she has the leading responsibility to “What’s New and Upcoming in Airman Testing” sec - impart the knowledge, skills, and attitudes fledgling tion, located at the bottom of the page. Subscribe to pilots will need in order to operate safety in the receive email notifications, updates to new informa - National Airspace System (NAS). tion and material, and much more.

Knowledge in particular is a hugely dynamic The WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program thing in the aviation industry — nothing stays the Reviewing and refreshing your knowledge is same for very long. In order to provide learners with just as important as actual flying. The WINGS Pilot both (a) the up-to-date knowledge, skills, and abili - Proficiency Program is designed on the premise that ties, and (b) the desire and aptitude to be the lifelong pilots who maintain currency and proficiency in the learners that they must be, the instructor has to set basics of flight will enjoy a safer and more stress-free the example by being a lifelong learner as well.

flying experience. Participation provides opportuni - Keeping up may seem daunting, but this article ties to help improve your skills and knowledge with presents some resources for you and the pilots you online courses, seminars, and webinars.

teach.

Encourage pilots you train to participate in the program and take advantage of the wealth of infor - FAA Resources mation and proficiency training available. They can Airman Testing also benefit from the on-going training programs that The FAA’s Airman Testing page (www.faa.gov/ provide opportunities for pilots-in-training to fly with training_testing/testing) is an online resource for a flight instructor. Many third party activities, such as certification requirements and airman knowledge those offered by pilot groups and organizations, qual - testing. There you can find testing resources such as ify for WINGS credit. Check out the WINGS program the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), practical at the FAA Safety Team’s website, faasafety.gov.

14 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 to learn more about the specific airplane you’re Professional Organizations using for flight instruction. Point your pilots to this Flight instructor organizations are great resource as well to pick up additional skills in the resources for continuing education, access to new aircraft they’re flying now, or to find information flight training information, accreditation programs, about transitioning to another airplane.

resources and techniques for flight instruction, and the ability to network with flight training peers.

Guiding Principles for Instructors Notable organizations geared to support the profes - The Aviators Model Code of Conduct advocates sional development of both independent and flight safer operating practices for instructors, and the school-based instructors include the National Asso - entire aviation community. Visit their website at ciation of Flight Instructors (NAFI), nafinet.org, and secureav.com.

the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), safepilots.org. New and Updated Regulations Pilot organizations such as the Aircraft Owners Keep up to date with the evolution of GA, new and Pilots Association (AOPA), aopa.org, and the information, and updates to existing regulations in Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), eaa.org, the NAS. Visit faa.gov/ bring like-minded aviators together for information regulations_policies and resources, and the promotion of general avia - In order to provide learners with both (a) the often for new and tion. These and many other organizations provide revised regulations, up-to-date knowledge, skills, and abilities, instructors and pilots-in-training with access to and subscribe to and (b) the desire and aptitude to be the speakers and aviation experts, workshops, and webi - updates on Airworthi - lifelong learners that they must be, the nars. Some also offer discounts on trade publications ness Directives (ADs) instructor has to set the example by being a to keep you up to date on the latest pilot techniques, and Special Airworthi - lifelong learner as well.

tips, and advances in aviation technology.

ness Information Bul - Groups like the EAA/IMC and EAA/VMC letins (SAIBs) at service.govdelivery.com/accounts/ Clubs provide opportunities for instructors and USFAARGL/subscriber/new. Pass the information pilots from a wide range of aviation interests and along to your pilots as well.

backgrounds to share knowledge, learn and discuss Here’s some important information, updates, different ways to approach flight scenarios, pro - and new regulations you need to know.

mote safety, and improve decision-making skills New English Language Proficiency Standards in both IMC and VMC flight conditions. The club’s Just released on June 2, 2017, Advisory Circular founder, Radek Wyrzykowski, is an instrument and (AC) 60-28B changes the English language proficiency multi-engine flight instructor who started the clubs testing procedures for student pilots. English language as an opportunity for pilots to exchange practical proficiency, as per the new FAA Aviation English experience and knowledge in a group setting. Mem - Language Standards (AELS) must be evaluated before bers bring real-life, in-flight scenarios for group any student pilot applications, endorsements, or addi - discussion and input on new ways to approach tional ratings are issued. These changes resulted, in unexpected events during flight.

part, in response to findings that poor communication “These scenarios are not what you’d read about is often a contributing and causal factor in aviation in any book,” explains Wyrzykowski. “It’s an exercise accidents. Visit go.usa.gov/xN7RP to take a look at the to develop a thinking process — everyone learns requirements in AC 60-28B.

from group interaction. It also provides a great opportunity for pilots to promote safety and build BasicMed — An Alternative to the Third-Class Medical Certificate proficiency in instrument and visual flying,” says Wyrzykowski. Located at GA airports throughout the Pilots can exercise student, recreational, and United States, these clubs are EAA proficiency pro - private pilot privileges in certain small aircraft with - grams that you can find at eaa.org/imcclub.

out holding a current medical certificate. AC 68-1A outlines the required medical education course, Type Clubs medical requirements, and aircraft and operating Type clubs enable instructors, pilots, and restrictions that pilots must meet to act as pilot in pilots-in-training to connect with professionals and command (PIC) for most Title 14 part 91 operations.

enthusiasts interested in a particular type or brand See faa.gov.go/BasicMed for all the details.

of aircraft. If available, consider joining a type club September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 15 Photo by Jeff Smith Update to Currency Requirements and Guidance National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency The NTSB conducts independent investigations Check of all civil transportation accidents, and is also an An update to AC 61-98C, the flight review guid - excellent source of information on the leading causes ance, is due out later this year — keep a look out for it of GA accidents. The NTSB’s aviation accident reports at faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars. In are available online at go.usa.gov/xRbgW. After an the meantime, check out the helpful job aides found aviation accident investigation is complete, a final at the end of the AC in Appendices 2 through 9. description of the accident and its probable cause, along with its associated safety recommendations, Guidance for Transition to Unfamiliar Aircraft are added to the report.

AC 90-109A provides guidance on the transi - The NTSB also issues Safety Alerts to GA pilots tion to any unfamiliar fixed-wing airplanes, includ - and mechanics to highlight safety issues identified ing type-certificated and/or experimental aircraft, in recent accident investigations. You can find these and provides information to flight instructors who important text and video alerts at go.usa.gov/xRbgK.

teach in these airplanes. This AC can also help pilots develop the necessary skills and knowledge when Lifelong Learning transitioning aircraft types.

Sharpen your own skills — pursue new certifi - cates, ratings, or endorsements. Hangar flying is good Lessons Learned from Civil Aviation — talk to other instructors, other pilots, and remember Accidents that you can also learn from your students. Being an Knowing the cause of an accident can help you, effective lifelong learner is the key to enhance skills as well as the pilots you teach, to mitigate unneces - and proficiency for yourself and for the pilots you train.

sary risk. The FAA’s Aviation Safety Information You, the flight instructor, have the most important Analysis and Sharing System (ASIAS), go.usa.gov/ job in aviation. By inspiring, motivating, and educating xRbg4, allows users to search an extensive ware - fellow pilots to be the best they can be, you help provide house of safety information compiled from accident a foundation for the safety of all users in the NAS.

and incident data. Click on the “Lessons Learned” tab to view the library of small airplane accidents, Jennifer Caron is an assistant editor for FAA Safety Briefing . She is a certi - along with key safety information resulting from fied technical writer-editor, and is currently pursuing a Sport Pilot Certificate.

those aviation events.

16 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017

Checklist SUS A N PA R SON

Communicating the Concept of Compliance

If you are an active flight instructor, regulations able to comply, which includes open communica - are among the many subjects the FAA expects you tion and cooperating in taking the steps necessary to teach to candidates for a certificate or rating, and to get back to compliance, the best way to meet our to review with pilots who hire you for a flight review safety goal is to use tools like training, education, or or an instrument proficiency check. Of course it’s better procedures.

important to cover the applicable regulations in 14 The FAA reserves the enforcement tool for cases CFR parts 61 and 91. Ideally, you teach this mate - involving someone who is unwilling or unable to rial by engaging the pilot with realistic scenarios comply. A pilot who is unwilling is someone who rather than requiring a chapter-and-verse recital of knowingly violates regulations, one who takes inap - the regulations themselves. Either way, though, you propriate risk, and/or one who does not cooperate or can’t check the box and call it done until you have collaborate in the effort to find the problem and fix also covered the topic of compliance. it in a sustainable way. A pilot who is unable is one This magazine has provided extensive coverage who fundamentally lacks the skills or qualifications of the FAA’s Compliance Philosophy. Regular read - needed to comply with the rules.

ers have also seen us discuss it frequently in terms Enforcement is a means to rehabilitate and bring of how Compliance Philosophy is now incorporated those individuals or operators back into compliance into everything the FAA does (e.g., BasicMed). For a — back into the category of those who are both will - quick refresher, though, here’s a summary of the key ing and able to meet standards. If a pilot continues compliance concepts. to be unwilling or unable, though, we use stronger enforcement to move that person out of the NAS.

Bottom Line Up Front Expectations Compliance is expected and required of every - one who operates in the National Airspace System The Compliance Philosophy approach includes (NAS). Compliance means following the rules, but it the expectation and appreciation for self-disclosure also requires taking proactive measures to find prob - of errors, and a recognition that compliance means lems before they cause an accident or incident, use operating according to both the letter and the spirit the most effective means to fix them, and monitor to of the law.

ensure they stay fixed. The Learn More section below offers links to some of the resources that we encourage you to use Core Premises and share in your instructional activities.

The FAA believes that most people want to operate in compliance with the rules. Pilots don’t Susan Parson (susan.parson@faa.gov, or @avi8rix for Twitter fans) is editor of approach the airplane trying to think of ways to FAA Safety Briefing . She is an active general aviation pilot and flight instructor.

break the rules; they intend to comply and they make efforts to do so.

Best intentions notwithstanding, human beings Learn More make mistakes. The FAA therefore recognizes that FAA Safety Briefing’s Compliance Philosophy issue, failure to comply most often arises from things like Jan/Feb 2016 lack of training, lack of knowledge, diminished skills, go.usa.gov/xNsH8 or procedures not working well.

Compliance Philosophy brochure Some errors can have serious consequences, go.usa.gov/xNsHN but the greatest safety risk in the NAS does not arise Administrator Huerta’s October 21, 2015 Aero Club from a specific event or its outcome. Instead, the Speech, Embracing New Thinking greatest risk comes from an operator who is unwill - go.usa.gov/xNsHR ing or unable to comply with rules and best prac - FAA Safety Briefing’s PAVEing the Way to Safety issue, tices for safety.

Jan/Feb 2017 That means that the FAA evaluates risk based go.usa.gov/xNsHQ on the pilot’s willingness and ability to comply with safety standards. When a pilot is both willing and September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 17

S U S A N PA R S O N Photo by Susan Parson

TeachingTechnology

Instilling the

Right Aptitudes and Attitudes

for Safety

oday’s pilots benefit from an astounding array of technology, both portable and installed equipment, that vastly simplifies the

T process of flight management from start to finish. In the preflight

arena, technology gives us all kinds of new tools for weather, perfor - mance, and route planning. These and other apps and gadgets can vastly enhance en route situational awareness of changing weather, planned-versus-actual performance, airspace and, through Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) In, or Traffic Information Service-Broadcast (TIS-B) traffic. At the end of a flight, apps and other new tools provide new ways to not just log time, but also to thor - oughly document both pilot and airplane performance.

18 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 Technology and automation applied to an Next comes the knowledge check. Before you go actively-managed flight can magnify its safety and to the airplane, be sure that you both know how to efficiency, but when applied to a non-managed navigate the mechanical structure (aka the “knobol - flight, they can very efficiently get you into very big ogy”) and the library structure — that is, how to trouble. That’s because regardless of how good they efficiently find and display the information you need are, today’s avionics and handheld devices do not for any given phase of flight. You and the pilot you have sufficient intelligence to do more than exactly are training need to know the gadget’s normal and what we command them to do. If we issue the wrong abnormal operations, so you can avoid those pesky commands because of inattention or incomplete and potentially dangerous “what’s it doing now” understanding of the technology, the flight will situations. You need to know what the technology potentially go off track in every possible way. can do for you and, equally important, what func - With that in mind, it is clear that flight instructors tions are simply beyond its capability.

have a critical role to play in teaching pilots — both Another preflight tip is to clearly establish your first-time applicants for a certificate or rating, and game plan. As the instructor, you need to have, and recurrent training clients — on how to make safe and brief, an instructional plan of action for the tech - appropriate use of the technology at our disposal. nology you intend to teach — activities, exercises, locations, etc. While you might improvise in later Knowledge is Key stages of training, skip the surprise factor for a pilot Improper understanding and/or poor man - just starting.

agement of technology can quickly get a pilot into It’s also important to have some version of what trouble. I learned this lesson several years ago when our military friends brief as “knock-it-off,” which my GPS programming mistake was about to com - is a phrase that anyone in the exercise can use to mand the autopilot into a 180 degree course change immediately stop the action and reset. If you find and a 1,000 nm deviation from the intended flight yourself baffled, confused, or in any way uncertain path. It seems I had wrongly selected the identi - about what the technology is doing, it’s time to fier for my intended destination, Augusta, Georgia knock it off by turning it off to reorient yourself. That (AGS), by accepting the system’s presentation of certainly applies to the autopilot, but it also includes AUG, which is the identifier for Augusta, Maine. The panel-mount, hand-held, GPS didn’t know the difference. The autopilot would or tablet-based navigators Flight instructors have a critical role to have obediently pointed the nose in the opposite if you don’t understand direction. I would have found myself confused and play in teaching pilots — both first-time where they are taking you, disoriented — “what’s it doing?!” — while also doing applicants for a certificate or rating or if you have any doubts some serious ‘splainin’ to an equally befuddled air and recurrent training clients — how about the safety of the traffic controller.

suggested course. Never to make safe and appropriate use of the Knowledge and experience with each specific forget that the magenta technology at our disposal.

device is the key to avoiding this particular tech - line, especially if coupled nology pitfall. A flight instructor is responsible for to an autopilot, can guide you direct to anywhere … teaching not only the technology itself, but also including direct through regulatory obstacles such for teaching the risks associated with its use while as restricted/prohibited/controlled airspace, man- actively managing the risk inherent in instructional made obstacles, or natural ones such as terrain.

activity (especially one that involves any significant Another tip: Even if you don’t have cause to “heads down” time — more on that topic later). That trigger your knock-it-off plan, consider creating means that both you and the pilots you teach need to one so as to firmly instill this concept in the pilot know the equipment cold.

you are training. An ancillary benefit to this tech - This process starts well before you climb into the nique is giving the pilot opportunities to hand fly, airplane. When you teach the use of GPS moving map and to quickly resume control of the aircraft in navigators, for example, consider assigning “box famil - unexpected situations and circumstances, such as iarization” homework that you will discuss during the a missed approach.

preflight briefing. That homework should include both Heads Up; Eyes Outside the manual and, if available, online simulators. Unless you already know the specific technology well, you I’ve heard moving maps described as both an need to do the same homework yourself. eyeball vacuum and a time warp. From personal September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 19 experience, I can attest that both are true. Several years ago, I had just finished an enjoyable GA glass cockpit flight with an FAA colleague. During the postflight discussion, he made the following obser - vation. “When it comes to programming the avion - ics, you know these systems as well as anybody I’ve seen. But you probably don’t have any idea how much time you spent heads-down. There was a lot of traffic out there today.” That got my attention, which had admittedly been sucked into the vortex of the shiny multi- colored, whiz-bang gadgetry at my disposal.

Never let the airplane or its on-board It was sobering to realize technology do anything you don’t know that, without even notic - about, or take you to any place your brain ing, I had allowed all the pretty toys in the panel to hasn’t already passed through.

HAL 9000 distract my attention far too much and for far too long from the serious busi - Let’s start with control. If you have ever watched ness of see and avoid. I’ve never forgotten the lesson, 2001: A Space Odysse y, you will remember the story nor have I ceased to mentally replay my colleague’s of the spacecraft’s domineering computer, HAL 9000.

cautionary comment whenever I fly.

HAL asserts that he is “foolproof and incapable of As I began to instruct more frequently in glass error.” At least initially, the crew is content to believe cockpit aircraft, I noticed that the eyeball and atten - in HAL’s infallibility and let their computer run the tion vacuum effect of the glass panel technology was show. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you can not unique to me. My fellow pilots similarly fixate probably guess that this decision leads to a bad end.

not just on periodic programming requirements, but There is certainly astonishing capability and also on monitoring the myriad bits and bytes of flight reliability in today’s technology. Tablet flight information on the various glass cockpit displays.

management apps and panel-mount GPS moving In an effort to offer them the kind of aware - map navigators provide an enormous range of ness my colleague gave me, I sometimes used a information. Even the most modest GA autopilots stopwatch to provide very specific feedback on how can often manage stick and rudder duties far more long they really spend in the technological time smoothly than many human pilots. The problem warp. The attraction to technological distractions is is that we humans can be so beguiled by our elec - even greater now that so many of us have acquired tronic tools that we expect them to compensate for extremely capable tablets stocked with equally capa - functions that we cannot, or choose not, to per - ble flight planning, managing, and monitoring apps.

form. We expect the technology to do not just the Yes, TIS-B and the growing proliferation of work, but also the thinking.

ADS-B equipped aircraft will certainly help with traf - When we relinquish command and control fic spotting. Still, please don’t allow pilots you train functions to our on-board technologies, we implic - to lose the see-and-avoid habit.

itly delegate our PIC authority, and entrust our very Who’s In Charge Here? lives, to mere machines. For that reason, one of the most important things to impart when you are Our highly capable gadgets tempt us to shirk teaching technology is that delegating the PIC role not only our see-and-avoid responsibilities, but also to on-board equipment provides a VFR-direct path a vast swath of the flight management work. They to loss of situational awareness. As the instructor, lull us away from the discipline of critical thinking you thus need to stress how both safety and good and true situational awareness, a term that implies airmanship require the pilot to retain the role of PIC, far more than a position check on the moving map.

and keep the technology under firm control. Never When teaching technology, therefore, instructors let the airplane or any of the on-board technology do need to instill habits that will keep pilots in control anything you don’t know about, and — as the cliché and in the loop.

20 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017

EQUIP NOW!

reminds — never let the airplane or any of its high- tech equipment take you to any place your brain

faa.gov/go/equipadsb

hasn’t already passed through.

Now let’s talk about staying in the loop.

To me, one of the great ironies of today’s techno - logical capability is that pilots can often be less aware

DON’T

of position than ever before. Here’s why. When I was a student pilot making my solo cross-country flights in a C152 with only a single nav/com radio, my fear

GET

of getting lost motivated a near maniacal focus on positional and situational awareness. In addition to double-, triple-, and quadruple-checking the VOR

LEFT IN THE

frequencies and courses, I used pilotage to ensure that I could constantly match features on the ground passing below me to the proper location on my well- worn paper sectional chart.

GPS provides a much more precise position

HANGAR

indication than anything I could have calculated in the pre-moving map Stone Age. Ironically, though, the advent of at-a-glance position awareness capa - bility has sharply diminished the “where-am-I-now” discipline that was the hallmark of being in the loop.

By January 1, 2020, you must be

When you don’t have to put any mental effort into ascertaining positional awareness or, if you use an

equipped with ADS-B Out to

autopilot, actually flying the airplane, it’s easy to stop fly in most controlled airspace.

paying attention.

As the instructor, you therefore need to teach techniques to help pilots stay in the loop. The act of speaking and writing bolsters awareness, so you might require them to do things like consistently

Experience a new level of

use callouts to maintain positional awareness (e.g., “crossing WITTO intersection, next waypoint is situational awareness: MITER intersection”); annunciate changes to head - ing, altitude, and frequency; record those changes

G Weather G TFRs

in an abbreviated navigation log; annunciate any change to navigation source (e.g., “switching from

G Traffic G NOTAMs

GPS to VLOC”) and autopilot modes; and read each item on the autopilot status display aloud every time there is a change, stating which modes are armed and which modes are engaged.

See and be seen.

Today’s technology provides the foundation for an unprecedented level of situational awareness. For

#ADSB

everyone’s benefit, please teach your pilots to use it wisely and well.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT

Susan Parson ( susan.parson@faa.gov , or @avi8rix for Twitter fans) is editor of

faa.gov/go/equipadsb

FAA Safety Briefing . She is an active general aviation pilot and flight instructor.

EQUIP NOW!

faa.gov/go/equipadsb

Photo by John Steuernagle T O M H O F F M A N N

Renewing Y our

“ Leas e ”

Options for Flight Instructor Certification Renewal

hether you pursue the noble profession of there are several options to help you renew your cer - flight instruction full time, or have been an tificate (and refresh your aeronautical knowledge).

W aviation educator sometime earlier in your This article will explain each one in detail.

career, every flight instructor is keenly aware of the The Regs intrinsic value of the flight instructor certificate.

To learn more about the renewal requirements Not only can it be an invaluable asset towards accu - for flight instructor certification, the best place to mulating flight time, aeronautical experience, and start is with Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 personal income, it’s also considered (at least anec - CFR) section 61.197. This regulation lists five meth - dotally) one of the most challenging practical exams ods you can use to renew your flight instructor cer - to pass. However, there is another key difference tificate if it has not expired. These five methods must that sets this certificate apart from other airman cer - be accomplished during the preceding 24 calendar tificates earned — an expiration date.

months of expiration. In summary, they are: Unlike a private pilot certificate, for example, 1. Pass a practical test for a new instructor a flight instructor certificate is valid only for 24 rating or for any rating on your current flight calendar months after an initial certification ride instructor certificate; or renewal. In order to retain your flight instructor privileges, you must keep that certificate current and 2. Endorse at least five students for a practical continue to renew, or else take another practical test test, with 80 percent passing on the first try; unless you simply choose to let it expire. Thankfully, 22 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 3. Show that you are in a position to regularly graduation certificate within three calendar months evaluate pilots or served as a company check preceding the month of expiration. That gives you pilot, chief flight instructor, company check some breathing room leading up to your expiration airman, or flight instructor with a part 121 or month to schedule and attend a FIRC.

135 operator; To offer an example, if a person whose current flight instructor certificate expires on October 31, 4. Successfully complete an approved flight 2017, seeks to renew his or her certificate through a instructor refresher course (FIRC); or, FIRC and obtain a new expiration date of October 31, 5. Pass an official U.S. Armed Forces military 2019, that person must present the FIRC graduation instructor pilot proficiency check.

certificate to an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) on One important point worth reinforcing before or after July 1, 2017. Submitting before that date will we get into the details: a person cannot renew a result in an expiration date calculated from the date flight instructor certificate that is already expired.

you completed that FIRC.

So if your 24-calendar month eligibility window has Note that the three-calendar-month window elapsed, your only option to reinstate your certificate is computed from the first day rather than the last is to pass a practical test.

day of the expiration month of the current flight instructor certificate. Therefore, if a person’s flight FIRC-gettaboudit instructor certificate expires on October 31, 2017, For a majority of flight instructors who are inside the three-calendar-month window is computed that 24-calendar month window, the FIRC route to from October 1, 2017.

renewal is by far the most popular. In fact, it’s esti - mated that 70 percent of the roughly 30,000 active Aviator Evaluator flight instructors use this option to renew. The reasons For flight instructors who have regular students, for a FIRC’s popularity vary, but most cite convenience or whose position allows them to regularly evaluate and education quality as draws. Some FIRC providers other pilots, renewal options 2 or 3 from the earlier have received authorization to provide their content list (listed as (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) in the 61.197 online — an attractive feature for some who may live regulation) will likely be your go-to choice. For the in more remote areas or whose schedule conflicts with latter, the FAA has updated the typical weekend classroom offering times.

the regulation to expand the Regardless of the format, FIRCs are held to a Unlike a private pilot certificate, a renewal provisions and pro - strict set of criteria that includes at least 16 hours of flight instructor certificate is valid vide more clarity on the role of course curriculum, testing standards, and a series flight instructors who are “in a only for 24 calendar months after an of required core topics that all providers must cover.

position involving the regular initial certification ride or renewal.

According to Advisory Circular 61-83H, Nation - evaluation of pilots.” This list ally Scheduled FAA-Approved, Industry Conducted includes company check pilots, chief flight instruc - Flight Instructor Refresher Course , FIRC programs tors, company check airmen, or flight instructors should aspire to “challenge, motivate, and inspire in a part 121 or part 135 operation. The FAA further attendees” as well as present meaningful informa - acknowledges that PICs who regularly evaluate pilots tion designed to help CFIs carry out their role more have the same option. Eligible PICs may include: effectively. Recent updates to the AC helped clarify • A PIC of a multiple pilot flightcrew aircraft these standards further and have added a vital new under part 135, core topic, loss of control.

• Corporate PICs of a multiple pilot flightcrew To view AC 61-83H, follow the link in the Learn aircraft under part 125 or part 133, More section of this article. It covers everything • U.S. military pilots who are PICs of a multiple you’ll want to know about a FIRC. I also recommend pilot flightcrew aircraft, reviewing the article, “FIRC: A New Look at a Famil - iar Program” in the September/October 2012 issue of • U.S. military instructor pilots and examiners this magazine at http://1.usa.gov/Ob30H7 .

who regularly evaluate pilots.

One last pointer about using FIRCs: you can use them to renew anytime during your 24-month cur - Practically Speaking rency window. To keep your same calendar month Another renewal option for flight instructors is expiration date, though, you need to submit the FIRC to pass a practical test for a new instructor rating or September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 23 for a rating already on your flight instructor certifi - FAA’s 8900.1 Order (specifically Volume 5, Chapter cate. To add another rating to your flight instructor 2, Section 11), which covers certification of pilots certificate, you must have the category and class and flight instructors. One option allows current rating on your pilot certificate. This option, although flight instructors to renew if they serve as a flight not as popular as some of the other renewal meth - instructor in the FAA’s WINGS Pilot Proficiency ods, is sometimes misinterpreted. For starters, to Program and meet certain program criteria, such have a practical test renew your flight instructor cer - as evaluation of at least 15 WINGS-accredited tification, it has to be with a rating already listed on flight activities with at least five different pilots your flight instructor ticket, or towards an additional within the 24 months preceding certificate expira - instructor rating. tion. AC 61-91J contains more on these require - For example, if you do not have an airplane ments and is available at go.usa.gov/xNsF2.

category multi-engine class rating on your flight Another option in the 8900.1 guidance docu - instructor ticket and pilot certificate, then pass - ment allows a current flight instructor to renew ing an airplane category multi-engine class rating his or her certificate once designated as a Master practical test for your pilot certificate would not Certificated Flight Instructor by the National Asso - renew your instructor ciation of Flight Instructors (NAFI). To view more certificate — although, details, you can reference the 8900.1 Order directly Regardless of the format, FIRCs are held incidentally, this would at https://go.usa.gov/xNsMD.

to a strict set of criteria that includes at satisfy your flight Covering Ground least 16 hours of course curriculum, testing review requirements in We’ve talked thus far about options flight 14 CFR section 61.56.

standards, and a series of required core instructors can use to renew their certification, but It’s important to also topics that all providers must cover.

how about ground instructors? A ground instructor note that taking a prac - certificate does not expire, but to perform ground tical test for any one rating on your instructor certifi - instructor duties, you must meet certain recent expe - cate or adding a rating to that certificate, renews all rience requirements, some of which overlap from the of your instructor ratings. Similarly, if your instruc - flight instructor realm. According to 14 CFR section tor certificate has expired, taking a flight instructor 61.217, a ground instructor can remain current if certification checkride for any one rating held on they show one of the following occurred in the pre - your certificate will also reinstate all ratings on your ceding 12 calendar months: instructor certificate (see 14 CFR section 61.199).

• Employment or activity as a ground instructor Previous regulatory language in each of these areas giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground may have given the impression that an applicant instructor ground training; had to take a practical test for each of the ratings listed on their flight instructor certificate to either • Employment or activity as a flight instructor renew or reinstate. Happily, that is not the case.

giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground Flight instructors renewing by practical test instructor ground or flight training; should also be aware that the test may be accom - • Completion of an approved FIRC and receipt plished in a flight simulator or flight training device, of a graduation certificate for that course; or, provided it’s done in accordance with an approved • An endorsement from an authorized course conducted by a part 142 certificated training instructor certifying that the person has center (see section 61.197 (c)). Finally, for those who demonstrated knowledge in the subject areas go the military route to renew with a military instruc - prescribed for ground instructor eligibility tor pilot proficiency check, the process is pretty requirements (14 CFR section 61.213(a)(3) and straightforward. It’s a good idea however, to make (a)(4)) as appropriate.

sure you have documentation that is acceptable to the FAA to facilitate your renewal.

The Certificate’s in the Mail Spread Your WINGS So now that you’ve met the renewal require - ments for your flight instructor certificate, how do Although not listed in 14 CFR section 61.197, you go about processing your new certificate? There there are a couple additional methods flight are several options, but the one you use is most likely instructors can use to renew their certificates. The driven by the renewal method chosen. For example, reference for these is the guidance contained in 24 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 Photo by Paul Cianciolo at many in-person FIRCs, an Airman Certification the regulations. It involves being actively involved Representative will be available on-site to process in the aviation community and striving for a better your graduation certificate for a fee, submit your understanding of, well, everything! It should also renewal application online, and in some cases, offer behoove a flight instructor, especially one actively you a temporary flight instructor certificate. Desig - instructing, to stay informed and up to date with nated Pilot Examiners can also process your appli - regulation changes or technological innovations, as cation after a successful practical test. Candidates well as better methods of inspiring and motivating for flight instructor renewal may also visit the local students to learn.

Flight Standards District Office or simply submit the application via U.S. Mail.

Tom Hoffmann is the managing editor of FAA Safety Briefing . He is a com - If you choose to mail it in, be sure to follow mercial pilot and holds an A&P certificate.

the guidelines contained in paragraph 5-504 of the aforementioned 8900.1 Order. Special require - Learn More ments for mail-ins include submitting your perma - nent flight instructor certificate and, if applicable, Advisory Circular 61-83H, Nationally Scheduled FAA-Approved, Industry Conducted Flight Instructor notarizing any relevant training records. A copy of Refresher Course your old instructor certificate will suffice until your go.usa.gov/xNsug new one arrives.

AC 61-91J, WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program Above and Beyond go.usa.gov/xNsF2 Suffice it to say, being a good flight instructor goes beyond just staying current in accordance with September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 25

S U S A N PA R S O N

Shifting Gears

Photo by Tom Hoffmann

Tips for Tackling Transition Training

(Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared didn’t have enough room on the school’s standard in the Mar/Apr 2014 issue of FAA Safety Briefing checkout sheet to list all of his. My total time was a magazine. We offer an updated version in this very modest three-digit number. His was somewhere instructor-focused issue.) north of 20,000 hours. Sure, most of that flight time, and all of his most recent hours, were logged in n the flight school where I worked as a part-time heavy metal. Still, he and I both approached his sin - instructor some years ago, it was common to gle-engine Cessna checkout with more than a little of

I assign newly-certificated instructors to flights

the “how-hard-can-it-be” mentality.

deemed less challenging than training for a cer - You know where this story is going, right? The tificate or rating. Intuitively, it made sense. Rather sight picture, speeds, and power settings that had than pairing a completely novice instructor with a become second-nature from his long airline career completely novice trainee, the school would initially simply did not work in a light GA aircraft. Suffice it to assign flight-seeing jaunts, introductory flights, flight say that he and I were both surprised and humbled reviews, and rental checkouts to newbies in order by the experience. The first landing qualified as to give us an opportunity to get accustomed to the “great” only because we were both able to walk away right-seat role.

from an airplane that could be flown again without a That’s why on one fine autumn day, I was on visit to maintenance.

the schedule to conduct an aircraft rental checkout in one of the school’s single-engine Cessna aircraft.

Up, Down, or Over?

The client was a genial, recently-retired airline pilot As you might imagine, this early experience anxious to get back in the sky.

taught me several important lessons. The most His credentials and qualifications were impres - important was to never, ever make assumptions on sive — and somewhat intimidating to a newbie like how previous training and experience might trans - me. I could not imagine that I could possibly teach late to a different aircraft.

him anything about aviation, and it seemed arro - Another lesson involves perspective. When we gant even to try. As I reviewed his neatly-completed think about transition, pilots often focus more on paperwork, I realized that I didn’t even need all the what we perceive as moving “up” in the aircraft taxon - fingers on one hand to count the number of aircraft omy. With more capable aircraft, we naturally expect types I had flown. My client, on the other hand, 26 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 to invest considerable time and effort to master the standards (PTS), which list the performance machine by understanding its avionics, its systems, its metrics appropriate for the certificate and/or performance, and its handling characteristics. rating that the transitioning pilot holds.

Too often, though, we tend to give short shrift • Specifics : Transition training is intended to the idea of moving “down” to an aircraft that to teach the pilot what is different about appears deceptively simple to operate. Here’s the the aircraft or its installed equipment (e.g., trap. To assume that moving down is always less avionics). The syllabus should thus address demanding is every bit as inaccurate — and danger - basic characteristics of the aircraft’s systems ous — as responding to the intuitive sense of up (e.g., fuel, electrical, control, hydraulic, and down that can lead pilots to mishandle an aero - avionics, environmental, dynamic stall. As Northrop test pilot Max Stanley etc.), but with emphasis famously noted: We would do well to banish the on how characteristics notions of “up” and “down” when of the new aircraft differ The J3 Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it from those in aircraft it comes to aircraft transition.

can just barely kill you.

the pilot has already To establish a more appropriate Any pilot who has transitioned from a standard flown. It should cover mindset, think of it instead as moving category airplane to a light sport aircraft (LSA) will normal, abnormal, and attest to the very real challenges involved in moving on or over to a different aircraft.

emergency procedures.

to a lower-performance airplane. In addition to The syllabus should cover performance being less capable in weather and possibly less characteristics, to include takeoff and landing, robustly equipped, some LSAs have very different climb, cruise, descent, and glide. Finally, it handling characteristics that can bite the unwary or must address limitations, such as weight and ill-prepared pilot.

balance, speeds, and kinds of operations (e.g., The bottom line is that whether moving to a landing surfaces, maximum demonstrated more capable aircraft or to a simpler machine, every crosswind component).

bird we fly deserves, and indeed demands, the utmost level of respect from its pilot. For that reason, • Qualified Instructor : To get the greatest we would do well to banish the notions of “up” and benefit from your transition training, a pilot needs to hire an instructor who is current, “down” when it comes to aircraft transition, except to qualified, and thoroughly knowledgeable the extent that we focus on the correct way to make a particular aircraft properly go up on takeoff and smoothly come down again for landing. To establish a more appropriate mindset, think of it instead as moving on or over to a different aircraft.

Transition Training Trifecta Any kind of aircraft transition demands appropri - Photo by James Williams ate training. The specifics for such training are rigidly prescribed in the air carrier world, but what consti - tutes proper transition training for GA? Whether the pilot is transitioning to a higher- or lower-perfor - mance aircraft, or even a different model, a sound transition training program should involve: • Structure : Transition training should be conducted in accordance with a written training syllabus. Think of the syllabus as a checklist for training. As with an aircraft checklist, the syllabus provides a logical, systematic, and comprehensive approach to ensuring that you cover all the basics. It is also helpful to review the applicable Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or practical test September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 27 about the airplane and/or equipment you mental airplanes, AC 90-109A provides information want to master. If a pilot approaches you and guidance to owners and pilots of experimental for help, do everyone a favor and be honest airplanes, as well as to flight instructors who teach in about your experience and your capabilities. these airplanes. AC 90-109A provides recommenda - If you do deem yourself qualified to take tions for training experience in a variety of groupings the job, you need to conduct the training in based on performance and handling characteristics.

accordance with a comprehensive training As the AC’s introduction notes, pilots making syllabus. While it is important to cover all the the transition to any unfamiliar fixed-wing aircraft material, remember that (including type-certificated airplanes) can also ben - you may need to modify efit from the information and guidance provided in Whether moving to a more capable the arrangement of the this document, which includes tips on hazard identi - aircraft or to a simpler machine, every bird subject matter and/or fication and risk mitigation strategies.

shift the emphasis to fit Regardless of the nature of the transition, any we fly deserves, and indeed demands, the the transitioning pilot’s pilot moving to an unfamiliar aircraft needs to use utmost level of respect from its pilot.

qualifications and goals, a transition training strategy appropriate to the air - the characteristics of the aircraft or equipment plane or equipment in question.

involved, and the circumstances of the training environment.

Susan Parson ( susan.parson@faa.gov , or @avi8rix for Twitter fans) is editor of FAA Safety Briefing . She is an active general aviation pilot and flight instructor.

What About Experimental?

If your pilot is making the transition to an experimental airplane, you will find a great resource Learn More in FAA Advisory Circular 90-109A, Transition to Advisory Circular 90-109A, Transition to Experimental or Experimental or Unfamiliar Airplanes . While not Unfamiliar Airplanes intended to address testing of newly-built experi - go.usa.gov/xN7Kd

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28 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017 28 FAA Safety Briefing

J A M E S W I L L I A M S

A Different World

Photo by James Williams

The Transition from Military to Civilian Flight Instructor

hen we talk about aviation transition train - MCI) knowledge test to their local Flight Standards ing, we are usually referring to a change in District Office (FSDO). The military instructor pilot W the type of aircraft we are flying. We could be or examiner must also hold a commercial pilot thinking about the change from a single engine to a certificate with an instrument rating (which can multi-engine, or maybe the transition from a tricycle also be obtained via the provisions for current or gear airplane to a tail-dragger. In other words, we former U.S. military pilots in section 61.73). Once think of transition training in reference to different this process is complete, the military pilot holds a equipment. But what about training the pilot to certificate to instruct.

operate in a different world? Done, right? Not so fast. If you are a current or former military pilot, are you really ready to teach From Forward Operating Base to Fixed Base in the civilian world? The answer might be no. This Operator transition is from one world to another. There are dif - Not all flight instructors are created equal.

ferent rules and, in some cases, different procedures.

This is not a comment on the quality of certain So how do you ensure there are no gaps between instructors, but rather on the different regulatory your military skills and what you’ll need to succeed mechanism used to issue their certificates. Spe - in your new civilian role?

cifically, in 2009, the FAA changed Title 14 Code Training for the Transition of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61 to allow military instructor pilots or pilot examiners to be When it comes to the nuts and bolts, a military issued a flight instructor certificate under section instructor is probably pretty close to ready. Flying and 61.73(g), by presenting documentation of their teaching skills are most likely top notch, but not all military instructor or examiner qualifications and military instructors have experience with civil avia - passing a Military Competence Instructor (test code tion. Let’s look at some ways you can fill in the gaps.

September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 29 FAA Safety Briefing 29 Most training courses offered for the MCI Educators (SAFE) include active and experienced knowledge test are based on preparing you for the instructors. Both offer mentor and professional test. That’s good, but if you’ve earned your wings in development programs that can be very useful.

the military and advanced to the point of being a Type clubs and proficiency programs are another military instructor or examiner, you can probably resource, and can be particularly helpful if you know handle an FAA knowledge test. The bigger ques - you will be teaching in a specific type of airplane.

tion is how to prepare for the different type of flying Also, don’t forget about the requirements of the you’ll be doing. The FAA website (faa.gov) offers CFRs. 14 CFR section 61.195, Flight Instructor Limi - a great deal of helpful information. A good place tations and Qualifications , lists requirements that to start is the Aviation Handbooks and Manuals all flight instructors must comply with, no matter section (faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_ how they received their flight instructor certificates.

manuals/aviation), particularly the Aeronautical Some of these requirements involve items such as Information Manual, Airplane Flying Handbook, how much instruction they can provide in a single Helicopter Flying Handbook , and Aviation Instruc - day, requirements for providing instruction in tor’s Handbook . You don’t necessarily need to multi-engine airplanes or in a helicopter, along with read these publications cover to cover, but a scan restrictions of when you can teach someone who is might help you find sections that will be relevant to trying to become a flight instructor for the first time.

instructing in the civilian world. Make a thorough review of the regulations part of Next, find an instructor for a “civilian checkout.” your transition training.

A few hours of ground and flight time with an expe - With the right amount of preparation, you can rienced instructor can help you get a better grasp of greatly improve your chances of a successful transi - civilian aviation, as well as help you get acquainted tion from a military to a civilian flight instructor. The with GA aircraft you may not have had a chance key ingredient to that transition is ensuring you add a to fly. An experienced instructor can also help you dash of civil experience to your already finely-honed Learn More identify areas needing further attention. flying skills and well-practiced instructing skills.

To find such an instructor, check out the FAA Handbooks and Manuals 1.usa.gov/18ioRba resources that professional organizations can offer.

James Williams is FAA Safety Briefing’ s associate editor and photo editor.

Both the National Association of Flight Instruc - FAA Airman Testing He is also a pilot and ground instructor.

1.usa.gov/1bCUuJ4 tors (NAFI) and the Society of Aviation and Flight FAA Airmen Certification 1.usa.gov/1zduw7I Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) safepilots.org/programs/mentoring-program National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) nafinet.org 30 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017

JE NNIF E R C A R ON

Nuts, Bolts, and Electrons

Don’t Be Fooled

A Balloon Maintenance Inspection Can Be Tricky

Have you heard the old saying, “if it looks like least an FAA private pilot certificate with a balloon a duck, quacks like a duck — it’s a duck?” Then you rating, issued under part 61, he or she can perform probably know the rest of the saying — “but alas, it’s preventive maintenance on their balloon, such as not really a duck!” patching small tears in the envelope or replacing any Unlike an airplane inspection, a hot air balloon broken wicker on the basket.

inspection can be quite a different animal. At first “Make sure that the repairs are done properly,” glance, the balloon as a whole may appear to be advises Jim Malarsie, supervisory aviation safety approved and airworthy, but upon closer inspection inspector in the FAA’s Albuquerque Flight Standards of each of the balloon’s parts, you may discover that Division Office (FSDO). Malarsie has performed not everything is what it seems. countless balloon safety inspections, and he recom - Although a balloon has just three main parts — mends careful examination of all preventive mainte - the envelope that holds the air, the fuel burner that nance work. “Any preventive maintenance must use heats the air to provide lift, and the basket that holds the parts or materials approved by the manufacturer the passengers — each part is detachable, and some or FAA,” Malarsie explains.

of these parts are even interchangeable from one Step 2: Verify the Manufacturer’s Original balloon to the next. Some parts may be manufac - Equipment Data turer approved, and some may be unapproved and/ Did you know that if it’s designated in the or substituted from other balloons.

balloon’s Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS), an For example, a balloon might have a manufac - owner/operator can interchange any basket and turer-approved envelope, but its burner has unap - burner, designed for quick removal and installation, proved parts from the local home improvement store onto any other balloon envelope?

(in violation of 14 CFR part 43), and the basket, sub - stituted from another balloon, is not in conformance with the balloon’s type certificate, and therefore not approved for use on that particular model.

Don’t be fooled. You must inspect each and every part of a hot air balloon, as a complete and undivided unit, every time you perform an annual or 100-hour inspection. Follow these three steps Photo by Tom Hoffmann as a guide to ensure the balloon is airworthy and approved for return to service.

Step 1: Inspect the Entire Balloon A balloon is an aircraft, and just like most aircraft it must be constructed, certificated, maintained, and operated in accordance with 14 CFR parts 43, 61, and 91. Every balloon must have an annual inspection, and if used for commercial purposes, an additional inspection after each 100 hours of flight.

You can find the inspection requirements in the manufacturer’s Continued Airworthiness Instruc - tion Manual to review the initial type certification for the envelope, the burner, the basket, each fuel tank, cable, panel, and instrument.

Be sure to check any previous preventive main - tenance performed on each of these components.

Under part 43, if the balloon owner or pilot holds at September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 31 “Just be aware that you can come across a temperature variations with infrared imaging.

balloon with a logbook entry showing an annual “We’re seeing infrared instruments in bal - inspection on the entire balloon, but when you take loons, but if the manufacturer has not approved a closer look at the serial numbers, the basket is an these electronic systems, you can’t just arbitrarily interchanged item, and it hasn’t been inspected for put them on your balloon. The owner/operator is years,” cautions Malarsie. bound to the specifications in the type certificate,” It is critical to confirm explains Malarsie.

that the equipment you Check to ensure the balloon is using the correct It is critical to confirm that the equipment are inspecting matches components, as listed in the TC or the STC.

you are inspecting matches up with up with the part num - When in doubt, question the owner about any bers, serial numbers, and subsequent installations, and never hesitate to con - the part numbers, serial numbers, weights listed in both the tact the balloon manufacturer directly to verify any and weights listed in both the balloon balloon logbook and the installed equipment or parts.

logbook and the balloon flight manual.

balloon flight manual.

Trust but Verify The flight manual contains a list of the manu - Perform your inspection on every part of the bal - facturer’s original equipment (OEM) parts. The loon and treat it as one, complete aircraft. Examine original parts and components are also itemized in to determine whether the parts under inspection the balloon’s logbook.

meet all applicable airworthiness requirements.

Don’t forget to check the balloon’s maintenance It may be airworthy after all — just keep record as well to insure compliance with each appli - in mind that not all balloons are what they’re cable service bulletin and airworthiness directive.

“quacked” up to be.

Step 3: Follow the Type Certificates As with any aircraft inspection, if you discover Jennifer Caron is an assistant editor for FAA Safety Briefing . She is a certi - equipment or parts not listed in the type certificate (TC), check the balloon’s logbook for any supple - Learn More mental type certificates (STCs), major repairs, or alterations. Albuquerque FSDO (505) 764-1200 Keep in mind that as technology advances, bal - loon pilots are eager to install the latest and greatest FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Balloon Resources gizmos and gadgets, but may not realize that these bit.ly/2teWSUs newfangled electronic parts are not manufacturer- FAA Balloon Handbook approved for that model of balloon. go.usa.gov/xRTpG The infrared temperature gauges are a prime example. Pilots use this device to monitor a balloon’s fied technical writer-editor, and is currently pursuing a Sport Pilot Certificate.

Photo by Tom Hoffmann 32 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017

T OM HOF F M A NN

Angle of Attack

Flight Instructor Forums: A Formula for Success

A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets • A discussion and ranking of accident of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils precursors in order of influence.

— Ever Garrison National FAASTeam Product Manager John Steuernagle is particularly excited about the upcom - In this flight-instructor-based issue, we’ve out - ing cycle of forums beginning in October of this lined scores of resources and tips instructors can year, which, unlike previous forums, will provide a utilize to help them provide quality instruction for mechanism for capturing best practices data during their students. One such resource worth highlighting the event.

in greater detail is the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) “This data will be collected and eventually Flight Instructor Forums. Regarded as informative shared with the flight instructor community in a and highly interactive, these sessions provide an report of findings,” says Steuernagle, adding that the opportunity for flight instructors, ground instructors, information will also serve as a basis for discussion designated pilot examiners, and the FAASTeam to during the 2018 flight instructor forums. In addi - come together and discuss ways to enhance com - tion to promoting a more global perspective of best munication and standardization of the pilot training practices, the data collected will also help inform the and evaluation processes. The forums are also struc - FAASTeam as to ways they can enhance or improve tured to help attendees sharpen their skills as both the forum.

an instructor and pilot.

Touting the program’s interactive nature, Steuer - The FAASTeam hosts approximately 350 flight nagle likens the information flow at the forums to a instructor forums throughout the year at locations two-way street. “We provide attendees the latest and across the United States. (To find one near you, greatest on national policy, guidance, and any press - simply check the Seminars & Webinars section of ing safety matters, while they give us helpful insight faasafety.gov.) The events are typically two to three to any local issues that might affect how they oper - hours in length and are open to flight instructors of ate. Questions, comments, and concerns are always all types (airplane, balloon, glider, rotorcraft, etc.) as welcome,” he adds. Forum presenters will then well as any and all aspiring instructors.

forward this feedback to the FAA’s local, regional, or Content of the forums vary from year to year, national office resources as needed for follow-up.

but they are generally focused on instructor/student If you’ve never participated in a FAASTeam best practices and preventing loss of control (LOC) Flight Instructor Forum, or if it’s been some time accidents. In line with that general theme, one of this since you’ve attended one, consider adding it to your year’s forums will discuss a “top five” list of broad to-do list this fall. It’s a great opportunity to learn issues affecting instructors and their students today.

something new as well as exchange ideas with the These topics include: FAA and your fellow instructors. And — spoiler alert!

• A discussion of Airman Certification — you might even have fun.

Standards (ACS) — are they adequate to assess pilots’ ability to operate safely?

Tom Hoffmann is the managing editor of FAA Safety Briefing . He is a com - • What works well with ACS, and what areas mercial pilot and holds an A&P certificate.

might need improvement?

• How can flight instructors help reduce the Learn More number of LOC accidents?

• What are the best practices to avoid pilot FAASafety.gov’s Seminars & Webinars page go.usa.gov/xNum3 deviations and ensure safe, compliant operation in the NAS?

September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 33

Vertically Speaking JIM CIC C ONE

Helicopter Training at Airports

Helicopter flight instructors have a challenging Non-towered airports may not be as busy, but job. Sometimes, finding a place to conduct your training operations at such fields require vigilance, flight lesson can present its own challenge. With good communication, and coordination with other off-airport practice areas becoming scarce due to aircraft operating in the traffic pattern. While pilots noise sensitive areas or county land ordinances are required to see and avoid one another at any prohibiting aircraft opera - airport, position calls and stating intentions over the tions, many helicopter common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) are help - Regardless of which type of airport flight instructors find ful for safety and situational awareness.

you use to conduct flight training, you themselves using local If planning to conduct helicopter flight training must become familiar with all available airports to conduct much at a non-towered airport, consider contacting air - information at that airport.

of their flight training. port management to advise them of your intention.

There are many benefits to using an airport, such Airport managers appreciate the call and can share as prepared surfaces, taxiway markings for hover additional information about the airport and its sur - practice, runways to conduct rapid decelerations or rounding area, like noise sensitive areas or safety fac - autorotations, and even a ramp to shut down and tors such as nearby construction cranes. In addition take a break. Another benefit some airports may to gathering useful information, the phone call will have is aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment. also help you establish a good working relationship You may never need them, but it is nice to know with the management of that airport for future flights.

they are there. Regardless of which type of airport you use to At an airport with an operating control tower, conduct flight training, you must become familiar ATC can provide pilots with aircraft separation and with all available information at that airport. As part an extra set of eyes while operating on the field. of your preflight planning, review the Chart Supple - These controllers do a really good job of integrating ment (formally known as the Airport/Facility Direc - helicopter training operations with other aircraft. tory) to help you decide if the airport is suitable for Controllers can also accommodate pilot requests helicopter training. The “Airport Remarks” section for services, but they operate on a first come, first provides details of airport services, types of opera - serve basis. If it gets too busy, the tower controller tions, hotspots, and restrictions. If the airport has may suspend clearances for training operations. a diagram, be sure to brief it with your student and While attending FAASTeam safety presentations have it available in the helicopter for reference. Some or airport meetings, I often ask helicopter pilots and airports may have designated areas that allow for flight instructors if they have ever visited the control helicopter training.

tower of the airport where they conduct training. I Helicopters will often operate parallel to active am always surprised to hear so many say no. It is a runways. The airport may have prescribed proce - perfect opportunity for pilots to see aircraft opera - dures that include altitude restrictions and traffic tions from the tower controller’s perspective. Such patterns specifically designed to provide separation visits can help build a good working relationship from fixed-wing traffic. In general, helicopter pilots between you and tower controllers. It also allows must avoid the flow of fixed-wing traffic. Such plan - pilots and controllers to exchange information ning is the way to fly safe, and fly neighborly.

and concerns about what may best accommodate helicopter training for that airport. Watching airport Jim Ciccone is an aviation safety inspector with the General Aviation and operations from the tower can help you develop Commercial Division. He is also an Airline Transport Pilot, and a Certificated respect for how challenging a tower controller’s job Flight Instructor in multi-engine land airplanes, as well as helicopters, with is to keep everyone safely separated.

25 years of flying in the Long Island and New York City airspace.

34 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017

Flight Forum

Hi Jozef, thank you for your questions. In Here’s What Happened — FAA Live Twitter accordance with sections 61.23(c)(3) and 61.113(i), Chat airmen operating under BasicMed must hold a On July 19, the FAA held a live Twitter chat to current and valid U.S. driver’s license and comply answer questions on ADS-B. The FAA teamed up with all medical requirements or restrictions with AOPA, EAA, and the Aircraft Electronics Asso - associated with that license. An international driver’s ciation during this live Q&A dialogue. Here’s a few of license or any driver’s license issued by a country or the questions answered by the panel. Check #ADSB - territory other than the United States does not suffice chat for more. Visit #ADSBquestion, an ongoing way to meet this requirement.

for the GA community to connect with the FAA.

Regarding your question about recognizing Q1: What drove the FAA to the determination foreign medical certificates for BasicMed, the answer that an ADS-B install would be considered a major can be found in section 61.23(c)(3)(i)(B). The bottom alteration? — Sparkchasers line is that you must have held an FAA issued medical A1: Because the alteration/installation has a certificate at some point after July 14, 2006 that has direct impact on performance and rule compliance.

not been suspended, revoked, or if authorized under Q2: Why is TIS-B limited to ADS-B Out aircraft a special issuance, the special issuance must not only? Limits safety and utility for us Stratus users have been withdrawn. A medical certificate issued by who rent aircraft not yet equipped. — David another country does not suffice.

A2: ADS-B Out can be seen everywhere, even where TIS-B isn’t available. The goal is for everyone to Rx for the BasicMed Course equip with ADS-B Out.

Hello, I am a registered nurse and wondered, Q3: How will non ADS-B Out legacy Mode A and since I am a health professional and deal with meds C transponders be maintained when they are no on a daily basis, can I waive the BasicMed Course?

longer required to be used? — Art Thank you, A3: There are no changes to the requirements — William for Mode A and Mode C transponders. They will be Hi William, thank you for your valued work required post-2020.

as a health professional. Since the BasicMed course Q4: When will we see TIS-B available for every provides a record of your exam (the date of the exam, user with ADS-B In? — Chris and the name of your providing physician) and A4: TIS-B is available today for everyone with generates your certificate, you cannot waive the course.

both ADS-B Out and ADS-B In.

Although you already have medical knowledge as a Q5: What is going on with the TSO C-199 TABS registered nurse, the BasicMed course is not a medical devices. As a glider pilot, I’d love to see systems for degree course. Taking the course is very beneficial, as less than $2-3k? — Peter it will provide you with all the fit to fly rules, and the A5: TABS allows for an ADS-B Out equipage with tools to conduct a self-assessment, as well as additional lower certification requirements. There are currently information on aeromedical factors and physiology.

no products in the US that meet TSO-C199. Hopefully, increased competition will reduce the price.

FAA Safety Briefing welcomes comments. We BasicMed with a Foreign License?

may edit letters for style and/or length. If we have more than one letter on a topic, we select Dear FAA, to fly under the BasicMed rule, is it a representative letter to publish. Because enough to possess a valid driver’s license or does of publishing schedule, responses may not it have to be a valid, USA driver's license? I hold a appear for several issues. While we do not valid driver’s license for Australia, as well as The print anonymous letters, we will withhold Netherlands.

names or send personal replies upon request.

I have an FAA private pilot license (PPL) on the If you have a concern with an immediate FAA operational issue, contact basis of a foreign PPL (CASA issued Australia PPL). Do your local Flight Standards District Office or air traffic facility. Send letters you recognize the CASA medicals for flying on my FAA to: Editor, FAA Safety Briefing, AFS-921, 55 M Street, SE, Washington, DC license in a FAA registered aircraft in the USA? Cheers, 20003-3522, or e-mail SafetyBriefing@faa.gov.

— Jozef September/October 2017 FAA Safety Briefing 35

Postflight SUS A N PA R SON

To Touch the Future

I touch the future. I teach. teach — the subject also found us. We may recover the heart to teach by remembering how that sub - — Christa McAuliffe (Challenger space shuttle ject evoked a sense of self that was only dormant astronaut) in us before we encountered the subject’s way of I come from a family of teachers, including naming and framing life.

several generations. Growing up, I repeatedly There are echoes of this idea in the work of Rich - vowed to myself, and to everyone in earshot, that ard Bach, whose essays in Gift of Wings get to the I would absolutely, positively, never, ever be a heart of the “why fly” question. As Bach expresses it: teacher. Like, ever (apologies to Taylor Swift). My It’s possible that in flight you’ll find much to learn first career in the U.S. State Department seemed to of yourself and of the path of your life on this ensure that I had succeeded.

planet. … Flight, to you, is a required essential tool But then … life happened. I started learning to in your mission of becoming a human being.

fly in the early 1990s and, as I began to acquire cer - tificates and ratings, ground instructor tickets were a How We Teach logical part of the package. That led to flight instruc - It’s true that, for many, flight instruction is a tor training, and so it happened that on an August time-building waypoint on the path to an airline day in 1996, I went home with a crisp new certificate.

career. Remember, though, that having other career I also had a new part-time job, because the flight goals doesn’t mean that you can’t be, or won’t be, a school hired me not just before the ink on my new good instructor. No matter why you are in the avia - ticket was dry, but in fact before the FAA inspector tion instruction business, you can give — you should had even finished applying said ink to the paper.

give — you must give — the very best you can offer to this time when you touch both the present and the Why We Fly, and Why We Teach future of aviation.

As a friend sagely observed, “you finally became Of course that means you must instruct your a teacher because now you have something to teach.” aviation students in the specifics of what they must He was right. I think teaching found me because know, consider, and do to fly, or in the case of avia - aviation found me first.

tion mechanics, fix airplanes. But I challenge you to These are themes that author and university offer at least two more things.

professor Parker J. Palmer beautifully explores in The First, as Khalil Gibran writes in the “On Teach - Courage to Teach . As Palmer observes: ing” essay in The Prophet , recognize that the wise Many of us were called to teach by encountering teacher “gives not of his wisdom, but rather of his not only a mentor but also a particular field of faith and his lovingness” so that he “leads you to the study. We were drawn to a body of knowledge threshold of your own mind.” because it shed light on our identity as well as Second, as Palmer suggests, remember that on the world. We did not merely find a subject to “good teachers possess a capacity for connectedness.

They are able to weave a complex web of connec - tions among themselves, their subjects, and their students so that students can learn to weave a world for themselves. The connections made by good teachers are held not in their methods but in their hearts … the place where intellect and emotion and spirit and will converge in the human self.” My thanks to all who teach. There can be no greater calling in aviation.

Susan Parson (susan.parson@faa.gov, or @avi8rix for Twitter fans) is editor of FAA Safety Briefing . She is an active general aviation pilot and flight instructor.

36 FAA Safety Briefing September/October 2017

PAU L C I A N C I O L O

FAA Faces

Jim Ciccone

Aviation Safety Inspector, Airmen Training and Certification Branch Training and Certification Branch in the Flight Stan - dards Service’s General Aviation and Commercial Division. In this role, Jim provides technical support for policy that affects airman certification.

Specifically, Jim provides support to the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) Working Group, the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, and the new certifica - tion team for the first civil powered-lift category aircraft (think Osprey tiltrotor).

With the transition to ACS now underway, Jim emphasizes that participation from the aviation community is essential and encourages all flight instructors to learn how the ACS can improve the development of capable, safety-minded pilots.

“Reducing the GA accident rate remains a high priority for the FAA,” he notes. “Getting flight instruc - tors and evaluators to effectively teach risk manage - ment and properly use scenario-based training is key to reducing fatal accidents.” Flight instructors should also be cognizant of new GA aircraft technology intended to increase situ - ational awareness and improve aircraft safety. These The spark that lit Jim Ciccone’s need to fly grew include angle of attack indicators and synthetic out of stories and old photos of his father serving as vision displays.

an aerial gunner in a Martin B-26 Marauder during “Regardless of the equipment, flight instructors WWII. That experience led to his dual career path as must be ready to meet the challenges associated a New York City police officer and flight instructor.

with training airmen by staying informed, educated, While serving as a rookie cop in Brooklyn, Jim took and engaged with the aviation community they flying lessons. After earning his certificates and rat - serve,” Jim said.

ings, he became a flight instructor as a side gig.

As a current pilot and flight instructor, Jim regu - Jim’s two passions merged when he had the larly engages with the GA community by speaking opportunity to join the NYPD Aviation Unit. In that with pilots during aviation events, safety presenta - capacity, he flew helicopters to provide patrol and tions, and airshows. You may also see Jim in the skies counter terrorism air support for police officers and over New York when he flies with friends who own other city agencies, which included air-sea rescue in airplanes in the area. Jim thinks that these types of the surrounding waterways around New York City.

interactions are the best way to exchange concerns, “There was never a dull day,” he recalls. “I would challenges, and safety practices with the aviation always tell myself that this is the best job ever, with community.

an amazing view of the city!” “Stay informed, and keep learning!” Jim retired from the NYPD after 23 years of service. He then joined the FAA team as a designated Paul Cianciolo is an assistant editor and the social media lead for FAA pilot examiner for both airplanes and helicopters.

Safety Briefing . He is a U.S. Air Force veteran, and a rated aircrew member In 2008, he directed his vast aviation experience and public affairs officer with Civil Air Patrol.

in the New York area to his new job as an aviation safety inspector in the Farmingdale Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). He later became the frontline FSDO manager, and is now assigned to the Airmen U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Ave., S.W.

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for up-to-date policy and safety information. ”

David St. George, SAFE Board of Directors Chairman and Bob Meder, NAFI Board of Directors Chairman