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Pilot Workshops Flight Training
Find and view all flight training workshops here.
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GPS Tips for IFR Flight
Doug Stewart
GPS is a great tool that can reduce your workload during a single pilot IFR flight. If used improperly, however, it can actually increase your workload and lead to serious trouble. Doug will provide operational tips to ensure your GPS is your ally in the cockpit. He'll also point out some common mistakes that can get you in trouble when you're alone in the soup. . . . continue
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Briefing the Approach
Doug Stewart
During a single pilot IFR flight, pilots must remain ahead of the workload - especially during the approach segments of the flight. The key to staying ahead of the approach is to properly and systematically "brief the approach". Doug Stewart will walk you step-by-step though his process for briefing a Jeppesen plate to extract the critical information you need to fly a smooth and safe approach. . . . continue
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Single Pilot IFR Teleseminar
Doug Stewart
Teleconference audio recording: listen as Doug Stewart answers pilot's questions about IFR flying. Topics include GPS, preflight planning, weather, planning tools, ATC, approaches, equipment and proficiency. . . . continue
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Proper Use of TAFs
Scott Dennstaedt
All weather products are created with very specific assumptions and guidelines in mind. TAFs are wonderful tools but have some important limitations that pilots must be aware of. In this short workshop, Scott Dennstaedt will explain TAFs in greater detail and explain how they should be used. He'll also explain a common mistake pilots make when using TAFs for their planning. . . . continue
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Avoiding T-storms and Severe Turbulence
Scott Dennstaedt
Weather forecasting is not an exact science. Determining if thunderstorms and convective turbulence will affect your IFR trip is critical, especially if precipitation is present along your route of flight. Weather expert Scott Dennstaedt will show you step-by-step how to identify the threat of convective turbulence and tell you where you can find the information you need. . . . continue
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Flight Planning Best Practices: Part One
Bob Nardiello
When planning your next IFR trip, there are many things you can do well in advance that will have you better prepared for the flight. Bob Nardiello will walk you through his process for "pre-planning" a trip 36-48 hours before the flight. Monitoring the weather forecast will allow you to pre-plan your route and develop a window for departure on the day of the flight. He'll also explain the value of performing a "pre" pre-flight on your airplane a day or two before the flight. . . . continue
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Mastering ILS Approaches
Bob Nardiello
Bob Nardiello discusses his strategy for maintaining positional awareness and airspeed during an ILS approach. He also explains the importance of using "raw data" to back up your GPS and MFD. Finally, he describes a common mistake pilots make at DA and what you can do to ensure a smooth transition to visual conditions. . . . continue
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Descending on a Non-Precision Approach
Rod Machado
By nature, non-precision approaches offer a degree of latitude to pilots when descending to the runway environment. You can make a constant rate descent in hopes of arriving over the VDP or visual descent point and the MDA at the same time, or you can descend quickly to the MDA after leaving the final approach fix. Which choice offers you the best advantage of being able to find the airport and land when the visibility is low? Rod Machado reviews each of these options in detail and offers his recommendation. . . . continue
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Deadly IFR Traps
Wally Moran
Wally Moran has been a flight instructor for over 45 years and is also a Designated Pilot Examiner conducting over 100 check rides each year. He has seen first hand how simple mistakes can lead to serious trouble when pilots are flying instrument approaches. In this workshop, Wally will review the deadly IFR traps and provide tips and tactics to avoid them. . . . continue
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Accident Analysis: Beech C24 -- Thunderstorm
Bob Martens
Why would any pilot fly into a level 5 thunderstorm? Clearly, a tragic outcome is inevitable in this scenario. When we look at accidents like this, our immediate reaction is "I would never do that!" The pilot in this accident would probably have had the same reaction, but unfortunately situations can arise and even the most experienced pilots can make fatal errors in judgment. Bob Martens takes you through the sequence of events that lead to this accident. . . . continue
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Accident Analysis: Mooney Loss of Control on Approach
Bob Martens
This is a chilling story with a tragic ending. The accident involved the pilot of a Mooney who died after loosing control of his aircraft while executing a missed approach at night, in adverse weather. The aircraft actually struck trees during an initial approach attempt, but amazingly the flight continued. Unfortunately, things only got worse from there. . . . continue
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Airmanship Principles: Preflight and Preparation
Bob Martens and Wally Moran
In general aviation, we are trained and evaluated against minimum standards. Airmanship is about the pursuit of excellence that goes well beyond these minimums. The concepts discussed are not new, however it is the discipline to execute these standards on every flight that defines Airmanship. In this first module, Bob and Wally focus on the true Airman's approach to preflight preparation and planning. . . . continue
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Airmanship Principles: Taxi and Takeoff
Bob Martens and Wally Moran
Bob Martens and Wally Moran continue their discussion of airmanship, focusing on the discipline pilots should strive for with engine start, taxi, takeoff and climb. Measure yourself against these standards to evaluate your airmanship . . . continue
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Airmanship Principles: Cruise and Descent
Bob Martens and Wally Moran
Many pilots are 'just along for the ride' during cruise. In this workshop, Bob and Wally describe how a good airman continues to exercise discipline and closely manages this phase of flight. In addition, they explain how a well planned descent will enhance passenger comfort and allow you to operate smoothly and safely in the traffic pattern. . . . continue
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Airmanship Principles: Landing and Debrief
Bob Martens and Wally Moran
In this final installment of Airmanship Principles, Bob and Wally discuss a safe and professional approach to the final phases of flight. Good Airmanship doesn't conclude with the flight. They explain how a proper debrief helps you evaluate your skills and identify potential areas for improvement. . . . continue
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12 Golden Rules of Aviation
Bob Martens
This is a back to basics workshop offering twelve golden rules that every pilot should live by! This information is not new (you've heard it many times), however the most important lessons in aviation cannot be repeated too often. This program was originally drafted by an aviation insurance company and is guided by accident statistics and the common mistakes pilots make over and over again. These rules can go a long way towards preventing an accident that every pilot thinks will never happen to them. . . . continue
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In-Flight Emergencies: Surviving Engine Failure
Bob Martens
Good news...you have a high probability of surviving an engine failure if you take immediate action and do the right thing. Bob Martens brings a unique perspective to this subject...he has analyzed countless GA accidents while with the FAA and received his primary emergency training in the military. He describes the key issues you must consider to execute an emergency landing to a safe outcome. . . . continue
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Engine-Out Landing Pattern - A Glider Pilot's Perspective
Wally Moran
In addition to being a flight instructor for over 45 years, Wally Moran is also an accomplished glider pilot and glider instructor. He has logged over 1,500 "dead stick" landings in gliders and will teach you the keys to executing off-field landing in a powered airplane with the same level of precision and confidence as glider pilots. . . . continue
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Back to Basics: Improving Rudder Skills
Wally Moran
Rudder pedals are not meant to be footrests! Wally Moran explains how good rudder skills can drastically improve your safety. He also provides some simple exercises you can do to improve your rudder proficiency. . . . continue
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Straight Talk On Go Arounds
Bob Martens
Statistics show that a significant number of fatal accidents result from botched go arounds. This is one of the most valuable safety tools at a pilot's disposal, but it is severely underutilized and often done in haste and without regard for technique. Bob Martens reviews specific situations that warrant a go around and how to properly execute this maneuver. He also discusses common mistakes and how they can easily lead to a serious or fatal situation. . . . continue
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Straight Talk On Low Level Maneuvering
Bob Martens
Bob Martens provides a no-nonsense analysis of low level maneuvering flight. He reviews the accident statistics and offers case studies which help explain why these accidents continue to kill pilots. They are more common than you think and involve pilots of all experience levels. Most important, they are nearly 100% avoidable. . . . continue
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Military and Restricted Airspace
Bob Martens
There are hundreds of restricted areas and military operations areas throughout the country where military flights are conducted every day. Most pilots are familiar with MOAs, but few understand how they are used, when they are in operation and how to find out if they are active. There are other restricted areas and military routes that are depicted on the sectional charts but are often overlooked (do you know what an MTR is?). Bob Martens offers a detailed description of military airspace that will keep you from experiencing the "thrill of your life". . . . continue
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Winter Operations - Teleseminar
Bob Nardiello
Winter flying requires additional preparation and poses a number of unique risks. In this Teleseminar, Bob Martens and Bob Nardiello review the issues and provide tips for flying safely during the colder months. They review the sequence of a normal flight and highlight the differences when operating in the winter. . . . continue
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Wake Turbulence Overview
Bob Nardiello
Many pilots avoid airports where they expect to encounter larger aircraft due to their concern about wake turbulence. Bob Nardiello sheds some light on this invisible hazard that will help you feel more comfortable when operating near heavy aircraft. . . . continue
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Avoiding Wake Turbulence - Part One
Bob Nardiello
You've just been cleared for takeoff behind a Boeing 757. Do you know the best procedure for avoiding this big jet's wake? Bob will give you specific tips to keep you out of trouble. . . . continue
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Avoiding Wake Turbulence - Part Two
Bob Nardiello
Wake turbulence encounters enroute are generally brief, but still require caution. Landing encounters can be very dramatic. Bob provides tips for avoiding vortices in these situations. . . . continue
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Passenger Briefing Checklist
Susan Parson
Many pilots do not conduct a thorough passenger briefing before making a flight. Master CFI Susan Parson has developed a simple and effective passenger briefing checklist. She will walk through this checklist and explain how you can use it to increase safety, put your passengers at ease and make your flights more enjoyable. . . . continue
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IFR Communications: Routes & Clearances
John Krug and Bob Adelizzi
John Krug and Bob Adelizzi are veteran Air Traffic Controllers (over 50 years experience combined) and are both instrument rated pilots. In this workshop, they discuss best practices and common mistakes they hear when talking to instrument pilots. You'll learn why you don't always get the route you filed as well as tips for picking up your clearance at a towered airport. . . . continue
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Behind the Scenes with ATC
John Krug
As pilots, our perspective of ATC is usually limited to the voice we hear in our headsets. In this workshop, we provide a "behind the scenes" look at the air traffic control system that will give you a greater appreciation of what is happening on the other side of the michrophone. It is essential that we work effectively with controllers and having this perspective will improve your proficiency in this area. . . . continue
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Understanding PIREPs
Scott Dennstaedt
Every pilot appreciates the value of PIREPs, however few take the time to issue them. PIREPs are critical to forecasters who are providing weather information for all pilots. Scott Dennstaedt takes you behind the scenes of the Aviation Weather Center and shows you how PIREPs are used to develop and refine area forecasts, AIRMETs and SIGMETs. He also reviews the specific conditions that should always be reported, and walks through the steps to properly file a PIREP (a source of confusion for many pilots). . . . continue
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Discussion with ATC - Teleseminar Recording
Bob Adelizzi and Bob Martens
Our guest for this teleseminar was Mr. Bob Adelizzi from the Boston TRACON. He has been an Air traffic Controller for over 20 years and delivered countless seminars as an FAA Safety Counselor. He is also a pilot with Commercial, Instrument and MEL ratings. Bob provides a controller's perspective on communications and offers tips to help you work smoothly and efficiently with ATC. . . . continue
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IFR Personal Minimums
Wally Moran
Wally Moran explains the 4 important criteria you should use to recognize your own limitations when planning an IFR flight. You'll also learn how one simple decision can completely eliminate you from the category of pilots with the highest fatality rate in general aviation. . . . continue
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Hazardous Attitudes: Macho
Doug Stewart
This is the first in a five part series where Doug Stewart examines the FAA's five "hazardous attitudes". Most pilots have one or more of these attitudes - yet fail to realize it. You will learn how they affect your judgment and put you at risk. Doug will teach you simple antidotes to eliminate these hazardous attitudes from your cockpit. Includes a self assessment for the "macho" hazardous attitude. . . . continue
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Hazardous Attitudes: Invulnerability
Doug Stewart
Many pilots have ventured into danger because they felt "nothing will happen to me". This attitude can cloud good judgment and is more common than you think. Includes a self assessment for the "invulnerable" hazardous attitude. . . . continue
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Hazardous Attitudes: Anti-Authority
Doug Stewart
By nature, pilots are used to being in charge. While this is a valuable trait for a 'pilot in command', it's also important to respect the rules - they were written to protect you! Includes a self assessment for the "anti-authority" hazardous attitude. . . . continue
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Hazardous Attitudes: Impulsivity
Doug Stewart
"Do something quick!"…have you ever had this feeling while flying an airplane? If so, listen to this humorous description of a serious hazardous attitude. Includes a self assessment for the "impulsive" hazardous attitude. . . . continue
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Hazardous Attitudes: Resignation
Doug Stewart
Many pilots exhibit the hazardous attitude of Resignation, yet few will admit it. Doug explains the subtle ways this attitude reveals itself and how it can get you in serious trouble. Includes a self assessment for the "resignation" hazardous attitude. . . . continue
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Personal Minimums: A Step-By-Step Approach
Susan Parson
Unfortunately, few pilots take the time to establish personal minimums. Published guidelines are a good starting point, but are far too general to be useful. Master CFI Susan Parson has created a simple step-by-step process to help you establish a practical set of minimums that will become the foundation of your aviation decision making. Be prepared to do some work, however the output of your effort is likely to be your most important safety tool. . . . continue
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Non-Towered Airports: Challenges
Bob Martens
Remember when we called them "uncontrolled" airports? At times this is an accurate description. Bob Martens will highlight the unique challenges pilots face at non-towered airports. . . . continue
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Non-Towered Airports: Safe Approach
Bob Martens
You're 10 miles out, inbound for landing at a non-towered airport. There are some important things you should do to safely approach the traffic pattern. Bob Martens reviews the procedures that will keep you out of trouble. . . . continue
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Non-Towered Airports: Traffic Pattern
Bob Martens
Fact: most mid-air collisions occur in the traffic pattern at non-towered airports. Bob Martens will give you practical tips you can use on your next flight to help you "see and be seen" in the pattern. . . . continue
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Non-Towered Airport Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to test your non-towered airport knowledge. After taking the quiz, you can knock the rust off by completing the series of non-towered airport workshops. . . . continue
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Night Preflight: Pilot and Aircraft
Bob Martens
Few things in aviation are more beautiful than flying over a city on a clear night. However, it's important to recognize that night flying is very different from daytime flying. Bob Martens will highlight some preflight items that require special attention at night. . . . continue
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Night Preflight: Weather and Environment
Bob Martens
Bob will give you simple, practical tips that can dramatically increase your safety at night. You'll learn how to adjust your personal minimums, alter your route and determine a safe altitude. Bob will also review the weather conditions that require extra caution at night. . . . continue
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Night Flying: Taxi and Takeoff
Bob Martens
As you leave the ground and begin your climb out, you are reminded just how different night flying is. The loss of visual references is dramatic and you must compensate for this loss to operate safely. Bob will explain how. . . . continue
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Night Flying: Emergencies
Bob Martens
Engine failure at night...it's a pilot's worst nightmare. Even a simple electrical failure at night can have dire consequences if you aren't prepared. Bob will discuss the common night emergencies and how to deal with them. . . . continue
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Night Flying: Key Safety Tips
Bob Martens
A quick review of the important night flying safety tips…8 things you can do to keep your night flight from becoming a nightmare. . . . continue
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Night Flying Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to test your night flying knowledge. After taking the quiz, you can knock the rust off by completing the series of night flying workshops. . . . continue
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Accident Analysis: PA28 - VFR into IMC
Bob Martens
VFR into IMC is one of the deadliest accident scenarios in general aviation...why would any pilot put themself into this situation? This workshop analyzes an accident chain and offers some clues on why these types of accidents continue to occur. . . . continue
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Accident Analysis: J3 Cub Engine Failure on Takeoff
Bob Martens
This accident illustrates several of the key points that were discussed in the "In-Flight Emergencies: Surviving Engine Failure" workshop. The pilot was very experienced, however this accident could have easily been prevented as you will see. The scenario that unfolded reinforces the importance of conducting a thorough preflight inspection and passenger briefing before every flight. . . . continue
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Accident Analysis: Cherokee Six - CFIT
Bob Martens
This accident scenario involved the pilot of a Cherokee six who was killed along with 3 family members in a "controlled flight into terrain" accident. He was flying home to New Hampshire with his family after a vacation in Florida. Bob Martens will examine the chain of events that led to this accident and how external pressures may have affected this pilot's decision making. . . . continue
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Accident Analysis: Malibu Go-Around
Bob Martens
Bob Martens examines an accident involving a 1,660 hour IFR pilot flying a Piper Malibu who was fatally injured while performing a go-around. There are many lessons to be taken from this simple scenario. . . . continue
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Cory Lidle, NYC Accident - Teleseminar Recording
Doug Stewart
Doug Stewart is widely considered the foremost expert on flying the New York City VFR Corridor. In this teleseminar, Doug and Bob Martens examine the challenges pilots face when flying in the NYC VFR corridor and how they contributed to the Cory Lidle accident. They also discuss the many lessons learned and how we can apply them to our every day flying. . . . continue
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Aviation Insurance 101, Part 1
Jim Lauerman
Aviation insurance is widely misunderstood. Jim Lauerman, Executive VP and Chief Underwriting Officer at Avemco Insurance answers the most common questions pilots ask about their coverage. His answers may surprise you. Part one of a three part series. . . . continue
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Aviation Insurance 101, Part 2
Jim Lauerman
How much should your aircraft be insured for? Jim Lauerman will answer this question and explain how over insuring or underinsuring can lead to unpleasant surprises. He also exposes a major reason claims are denied and how you can avoid this problem. . . . continue
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Aviation Insurance 101, Part 3
Jim Lauerman
Ever wonder how insurance companies figure out how much to charge you? Jim Lauerman, Executive VP and Chief Underwriting Officer at Avemco Insurance will explain the process and tell you some things you can do to reduce your premium. . . . continue
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Destination Report: Woodstock, VT
Marilyn Jones
Long considered one of the most beautiful small towns in the US, Woodstock Vermont is the quintessential New England village offering year round attractions and world class skiing. Two full service airports nearby offer a variety of instrument approaches. . . . continue
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Destination Report: Hilton Head Island, SC
Marilyn Jones
As pilots, we enjoy special freedoms available to us. Many top resort destinations are GA friendly and are ideal places to fly for your next vacation or weekend getaway. In this program, Marilyn Jones will explore Hilton Head Island, SC. She'll describe the local attractions, accommodations and relevant pilot specific information. . . . continue
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Here's what fellow pilots are saying..
"I have been studying the workshops on this website and I have to say they have been excellent. It is so easy to learn with this method, on the internet. I have picked up so much useful information that never was taught to me during my private training or my Instrument training."
- Greg Ellis
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The workshops are like having you own personal tutor. I will be going
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"I am just getting back into flying after a long while out of it. The best things I find are the practical advice and the reassurance of listening to professional and knowledgeable instructors focusing on the very important issues. This leads me to be a lot more circumspect about my attitude and approach to flying than I think I would be 'naturally'."
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All Flight Training
