Member Alert: The FAA has issued notams restricting large areas of airspace near Washington, D.C., and Chicago from May 18 through 21. Pilots should carefully review the notams before flying in the vicinity of the TFRs.

Airports and State Advocacy

Pilots attend safety seminar in Santa Monica


By Dan Namowitz

How pilots can promote safety, be good neighbors, and showcase their airport’s benefits for the community and its economy are always subjects worth review. Pilots at the Santa Monica, Calif. Municipal Airport heard renewed guidance in those areas Oct. 3 during an Air Safety Institute safety seminar.

AOPA Top Stories

Air Safety Institute Safety Seminar presenter Wayne Phillips and AOPA California Regional Representative John Pfeifer were joined by FAA Safety Team Program Manager John Steuernagle of the FAA’s Los Angeles Flight Standards District Office at the session, which was scheduled after local media coverage generated alarm about a non-fatal accident that occurred Aug 29. In the mishap, a student pilot lost control of a Cessna 172 during an attempted go-around.

In addition to reviewing safety procedures with pilots, Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars offer public education and statistics about general aviation’s safety record—often dispelling impressions created in the public by inaccurate reports or statements made in the nonaviation media.

Pilots who attend the seminars qualify for credit for the safety seminar portion of the FAA’s Wings Program that promotes pilot proficiency.


October 7, 2011