Stick and rudder tricks to avoid accidents
Takeoffs and landings. Night flight. Rudder coordination. Sound basic? These skills acquired early in the flight training process need regular practice if you intend to stay safe in the air. Just take a look at the statistics: Every year, takeoffs and landings account for more than half of all pilot-related accidents, according to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation’s Joseph T. Nall Report. And accidents at night are more often fatal than those that occur during the day.
Brush up on your stick and rudder skills to improve your safety during AOPA Aviation Summit Nov. 11 through 13 in Long Beach, Calif. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation will present “Mastering Takeoffs and Landings” to provide tips for new and experienced pilots on Nov. 11 and 12 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Night flying carries a different set of risks from day VFR conditions, but 2008 National CFI of the Year Max Trescott will share techniques to help mitigate them in “Night Flying Safety: What Your CFI Didn’t Teach You” Nov. 12 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. He’ll also share tips to help you avoid the pitfalls that have claimed the lives of experienced pilots.
In “Yoke and Pedal: Secrets to Better Pilot Proficiency” aviation humorist Rod Machado will discuss crab and slip techniques, flaring, how to avoid stalling on final approach, and more on Nov. 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. If you think you have the basics down, check out “Using Professional Pilot and Instructor Techniques in Your VFR and IFR Flying” with 2010 National CFI of the Year Jeffrey Robert Moss, offered at the same time that day. Moss will share tips on avoiding avionics gotchas that can get you into trouble, as well as handling ATC when things don’t go quite right.
To put your skills to the test—and learn how to recover from some emergency situations—schedule time for the “Spin Myths” forum Nov. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Garmin International Test Pilot Tom Carr and Master Aerobatic Instructor Rich Stowell will discuss the right way to recover from spins.
With a lineup of master CFIs, two CFI of the Year winners, and other expert pilots, you’ll be sure to learn valuable skills that you can quickly put into practice in the cockpit. Don’t miss the opportunity to register for Summit, and plan your schedule of forums.
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