Training Notes and News

What recourse do student pilots have when their training provider disappears overnight? More than 2,700 former customers of Silver State Helicopters have asked that question since early February, when the North Las Vegas, Nevada-based company abruptly closed its doors and filed for bankruptcy protection.

The answer is very little, according to experts at the AOPA Pilot Information Center. As unsecured creditors, student pilots have very little leverage when it comes to pursuing allegations of fraud or other criminal behavior, as any funding recovered in legal action tends to go to secured creditors--landlords, leaseholders, and service providers--first.

"Unfortunately, this is far from an isolated case," said Rodney Martz, a senior technical specialist in the PIC. "A number of flight schools have taken money from students and then disappeared over the years, and they give the entire training industry a bad name. We always tell students to pay as they go, and never put significant money up front.

"Another good method is to set up an escrow account with a bank. This proves that the money is present and available, but the school can't touch it without the student's involvement. If the flight school won't accept this, then you have to worry about its integrity. If they insist on payment up front, a credit card is the way to go, as most companies allow cardholders to dispute charges."

While a number of class action lawsuits have been filed against Silver State, AOPA is advising its members to hire attorneys only on a contingency basis, which means their payment is typically a percentage of any recovery awarded. Some lawyers have asked former Silver State students for retainers of $3,000 or more--money they will keep regardless of any legal action taken.

AOPA has received more than 50 calls from members directly affected by the Silver State shutdown. One of them is Stephen Sargeant, 37, a native of Trinidad who borrowed $72,000 to train at the company's Lakeland, Florida, operation. Told he would earn private, commercial, instrument, and instructor certificates in 18 to 24 months, he found himself one of 108 students jockeying for time in just four Robinson R22 helicopters. In 11 months at the school, he logged just 11.6 hours of flight time.

"They took my money and made a lot of promises, and now they're gone with the money," Sargeant said. "They said they were going to hire me as a CFI, because the demand for helicopter pilots was so great with sheriff and police departments, and homeland security. They said they were going to open a school in every state."

Silver State blamed its demise on a downturn in U.S. credit markets that made it more difficult for prospective students to obtain loans. This, the company said, led to a "sharp and sudden downturn" in new student enrollment. According to its bankruptcy filing, Silver State owes $50 million to 5,000 creditors, including Eos Partners, a New York-based investment firm that paid $30 million for 60 percent of the company in August 2007. By some estimates, Silver State owes as much as $125 million in student tuition.

When the end came, the company had flight training operations at more than 30 locations in 17 states, and had a large number of new Robinson helicopters on order. Frank Robinson, founder of the Torrance, California-based manufacturer, said the bankruptcy news came as a shock, but was not entirely unexpected.

"Many of us who watched them thought they were building a house of cards," Robinson said at the recent Heli-Expo 2008 trade show in Houston, Texas. "We didn't suffer any serious loss--it's not difficult to find buyers for these aircraft. The ones I feel sorry for are the students who paid $60,000 or $70,000 just days before they closed the doors. Certainly there are legal avenues available and they should be fully explored.--Paul J. Richfield

Buyer beware

Most flight training establishments are reputable, and conduct their business in an ethical manner. But why take an unnecessary risk? To limit your exposure to unscrupulous operators, consider the following tips:

• Never leave large sums of money on account with flight schools. Pay as you go.
• If you must make a large deposit, place it in a bank's escrow account. This way, the school can't touch the money without your approval.
• Pay by credit card, instead of cash or check. Most credit card companies have some provision for handling disputed charges.--Paul J. Richfield

Liberty Aerospace delivers 100th airplane

Liberty Aerospace, Melbourne, Florida, has delivered its 100th airplane. Connecticut pilot Robert Kinny took delivery of the two-seat XL2 in February. The XL2 has a 125-hp Teledyne Continental engine and full authority digital engine control system. Kinny, who learned to fly in an XL2, likened it to a Mazda Miata: "It's an economical, sporty two-seater that handles well and is a blast to fly!"

Tennessee woman wins King Schools Skyhawk

Dale North ordered a birthday present for her pilot husband and won a brand-new airplane in the process. North, of Madison, Tennessee, is the winner of a Cessna 172S in this year's King Schools "The Future Is Now" sweepstakes. North's name was entered when she ordered a copy of the King Schools Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test course for her husband, Philip, who owns a Piper Navajo. Dale North says she plans to learn to fly. View a video of the Norths picking up the airplane at Montgomery Field in San Diego on the Web site.

What's in AOPA Pilot?

Here's what you're missing if you don't read AOPA Pilot, the association's flagship magazine published each month for certificated pilots:

• Flying the High Country. A two-seat taildragger from American Champion has power to spare.
• Dog Days in Alaska. Flying with the bush pilots of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.
• America's Airports. Phoenix's Deer Valley Airport heats up on Super Bowl Sunday.

Are you ready to read about more advanced subjects such as these? Just as pilots upgrade to more advanced certificates, it might be time to upgrade your magazine. You can convert your paid membership to AOPA Pilot at any time by calling AOPA toll-free (800/USA-AOPA).

Trescott is 2008 CFI of the Year

Certificated flight instructor (CFI) Max Trescott of Mountain View, California, a Master CFI and Master Ground Instructor, has been named the 2008 CFI of the year by the General Aviation Awards executive committee. Trescott is an independent flight instructor whose primary focus is glass-cockpit aircraft. In 2006, he founded Glass Cockpit Publishing, launched with the release of Max Trescott's G1000 Glass Cockpit Handbook, and followed that up with several CD-ROM and online courses on modern glass-cockpit avionics. The annual industry awards program is a cooperative effort between the FAA and 12 industry sponsors, including AOPA, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the National Business Aviation Association, and Women in Aviation, International. The national awards will be presented in July at AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

CAPT program announces partnership

Commercial Airline Pilot Training (CAPT) Program, Palm Coast, Florida, has partnered with Aviation English Services (AES) to provide language training for international students. "CAPT Program is home to many international students training to be pilots for airlines across the world," the company said. "Because English is the official language of aviation, it is imperative to find the best program to equip the students with the language skills necessary to fly in a global environment."

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recently announced that any private, commercial, or airline transport pilot with ratings in powered aircraft who flies internationally must possess a certificate stating that the holder is proficient in English (see "What It Looks Like," below). For more information, see the Web site.

School News

Jacksonville University gets accreditation
The aviation program at Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida, has earned a stamp of approval from a national accrediting organization. The Aviation Accreditation Board International has accredited JU's bachelor of science degrees in aviation management and aviation management and flight operations. JU President Kerry Romesburg said the achievement "increases the attractiveness of our program to prospective students and their parents, as well as ensures employers that our students possess a broad range of skills needed for aviation specializations." JU is among the first 30 universities in the nation to have accredited aviation programs.

San Jose State University student wins scholarship
Girls With Wings, an organization created to promote girls' interest in aviation, has awarded its first scholarship to Brenda Alarcon, Los Angeles, California, an aviation major at San Jose State University. Alarcon received $500 to be used toward completing a private pilot certificate. She is working two jobs in addition to attending classes full time to be able to afford flight instruction. Requirements for the 2008 scholarship will be announced in August, according to Girls With Wings founder Lynda Meeks.

What It Looks Like: English proficient certificate

By Mark Twombly

One of the eligibility requirements for obtaining an FAA pilot certificate is that you be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. If you have a pilot certificate--student pilot to ATP--you've met that language requirement. Well, that's no longer proof enough. Now your pilot certificate has to clearly state that you are "English proficient."

The FAA is changing many of its rules (extending the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots to 65, for example), to align with those of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the world governing body of all things aviation. And ICAO says that as of March 8, 2008, any private, commercial, or airline transport pilot with ratings in powered aircraft who flies internationally must possess a certificate stating that the holder is English proficient. (English is the international language of civil aviation.)

The ICAO requirement also applies to flight engineers and navigators, and control tower operators.

If you hold a pilot certificate and plan to fly internationally, you can obtain a replacement airman's certificate from the FAA stating that you are English proficient. The replacement certificate will cost you $2. You also can request that the FAA e-mail you a letter attesting to your English proficiency. The letter is valid for 60 days, which should allow plenty of time for your replacement certificate to arrive. You can request both by logging on to the FAA's Online Services.

Don't plan on flying internationally anytime soon, or at all? Relax. The FAA has extended the deadline for complying with the ICAO requirement until March 5, 2009.

However, beginning February 11, 2008, anyone who earns a new FAA pilot rating or certificate will be issued a new certificate with the "English proficient" endorsement.

California teens set aviation records

Two California teenagers flew into the record books on March 15 at Compton Woodley Airport in Compton, California. Kelly Anyadiki, 16, became the youngest African-American female to solo in four different aircraft on the same day. Jonathan Strickland established a record as the youngest African-American male to solo six different airplanes, and a second record for soloing six airplanes and one helicopter on the same day.

Anyadiki and Strickland learned to fly through their participation in Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum, a program that aims to encourage youth involvement in aviation as an alternative to gang- and drug-related activities. TAM provides aviation-themed afterschool activities for more than 800 children in kindergarten through twelfth grade, and operates a nonprofit flight school at which participants can earn "museum dollars" to pay for flight training.

Final Exam

Final Exam is composed of questions similar to those a student may expect on the private pilot knowledge test. Answers are researched by members of the AOPA Pilot Information Center staff and may be found below.

1. With respect to the certification of aircraft, which is a class of aircraft?
1. Airplane, rotorcraft, glider, balloon.
2. Normal, utility, acrobatic, limited.
3. Transport, restricted, provisional.
2. What is the specific fuel requirement for flight under VFR during daylight hours in an airplane?
1. Enough to complete the flight at normal cruising speed with adverse wind conditions.
2. Enough to fly to the first point of intended landing and to fly after that for 30 minutes at normal cruising speed.
3. Enough to fly to the first point of intended landing and to fly after that for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed.
3. Under what condition, if any, may a pilot allow a person who is obviously under the influence of drugs to be carried aboard an aircraft?
1. In an emergency or if the person is a medical patient under proper care.
2. Only if the person does not have access to the cockpit or pilot's compartment.
3. Under no condition.
4. What aircraft inspections are required for rental aircraft that are also used for flight instruction?
1. Annual and 100-hour inspections.
2. Biannual and 100-hour inspections.
3. Annual and 50-hour inspections.
5. Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, what is the minimum safe altitude for a pilot to operate an aircraft anywhere?
1. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.
2. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface and no closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
3. An altitude of 500 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 1,000 feet.
6. The final authority as to the operation of an aircraft is the
1. Federal Aviation Administration.
2. pilot in command.
3. aircraft manufacturer.
7. Which cruising altitude is appropriate for a VFR flight on a magnetic course of 135 degrees?
1. Even thousands.
2. Even thousands plus 500 feet.
3. Odd thousands plus 500 feet.

Final Exam Answers

1. The correct answer is A. This term applies to a broad grouping of aircraft having similar characteristics of propulsion, flight, or landing. Answers B and C refer to categories of aircraft based on intended use.
2. The correct answer is B. For day VFR flight in an airplane, enough fuel must be carried to fly to the first point of intended landing, and to fly for 30 minutes after that, assuming normal cruising speed. At night, 45 minutes is the requirement.
3. The correct answer is A. According to FAR 91.17, no pilot may allow a person that appears to be intoxicated to be carried on an aircraft. There are exceptions for emergencies and when the person is a medical patient under proper care.
4. The correct answer is A. With the exception of aircraft on a progressive inspection program, an annual is required, and FAR 91.409 requires a 100-hour inspection for aircraft in which flight instruction for hire is given. While many flight schools will schedule maintenance every 50 hours, this is not a regulatory requirement.
5. The correct answer is A. FAR 91.119 specifies that no person may operate an aircraft anywhere unless there is sufficient altitude for an emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface, in case of an engine failure.
6. The correct answer is B. The pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft. It is interesting to note that while the FAA dictates many flight rules and manufacturers dictate many operating procedures, neither the FAA nor the aircraft manufacturer bear any responsibility in the operation of an aircraft. The PIC holds this honor singularly.
7. The correct answer is C. For VFR flights on a magnetic course of 0 to 179 degrees, pilots shall fly an odd thousand foot mean sea level altitude plus 500 feet (for example, 5,500 feet msl). This requirement does not apply when less than 3,000 feet above the surface, above 18,000 feet msl, when turning, or when authorized by ATC.