Pilot tackles Captain Jepp Challenge to stay sharp

“I took the challenge as I’m always looking to test and improve my knowledge and skills as a pilot,” the Warwick, Rhode Island, private pilot told AOPA. “Pilots need to stay sharp and staying that way isn’t always easy.”

McGuire, who earned his private pilot certificate in 2014, has logged more than 300 hours and plans to start training toward the instrument rating soon, he said. In addition to continuing flight training toward higher certificates and ratings, McGuire said he enjoys “local flying with other pilots in the area” in a 1981 Cessna 172P. He also has embarked on longer trips, namely to Clinton, Iowa, for the Cessna 150-152 Fly-In called “The Confab in the Corn,” which takes place each summer during the same week as EAA AirVenture. He has flown in for the event the past two years because he owned a 1967 Cessna 150G for a while. The event starts in the middle of the week, allowing pilots to fly to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the start of AirVenture before descending on Clinton.

After winning the grand prize in the Captain Jepp Challenge—a trip for two to EAA AirVenture—McGuire said he plans to take his wife.

“My wife has not gone with me on the trek west as it’s a little too much flying for her so I am looking forward to attending AirVenture with her next year,” he said.

The Captain Jepp Challenge offers eight safety programs that pilots can participate in for a chance to win a trip for two to AirVenture or MyGoFlight gift cards. To enter, log in through email, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and complete any or all of the eight safety programs, including watching two Air Safety Institute videos on YouTube, registering for Jeppesen webinars, completing online courses and quizzes, signing up for an AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Seminar, or signing a VFR personal minimums contract. Each safety program gives you one entry.

The next grand prize drawing will be Dec. 31, and monthly drawings for $250 gift cards will take place Oct. 31 and Nov. 30.&

Jeppesen, AOPA’s newest strategic partner, launched the contest during EAA AirVenture 2016 to celebrate the company’s rich heritage and commitment to safety.