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Renew Your CFI Via Webinar?

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So it’s that time again…Time to renew your CFI certificate.  Should you go to a refresher clinic?  What about those home study online tests?  Enter CFI renewal by webinar, the most recent addition to the seemingly endless ways in which to renew that coveted certificate.

Here’s the concept: it’s very similar to a weekend refresher clinic where you typically spend 2 full days in a conference room listening to some mindless presentation.  Now I know not all refresher clinics are that dull, but let’s be honest, it’s not exactly an experience to jump up and down for joy about.  Well, the webinar option is LIVE, just like an in-person refresher clinic, except all the training occurs over the internet.

How does this differ from the other online CFI renewal processes, you ask?  Simply this – the webinar allows for one-on-interaction with the presenter.  So instead of spending the weekend in a conference room, you spend it at your computer, learning the same things you would as if you were in person INCLUDING the ability to ask questions and interact with the other attendees and the presenter.

In fact, webinars are an all-around cool way to experience most presentations and the like.  I, however, personally prefer the AOPA CFI Renewal program for one reason and one reason alone – you can complete it at your own pace.  Meaning, you are not required to sit in front of the computer for 16 hours and keep your screen active by moving the mouse around to log your full training time requirements.

The AOPA renewal process ROCKS for that reason.  I just log in, read the study guides, take the tests, and *tadah* I’m done in no time.  But hey, people like options right?

So if you’re interested in this new webinar CFI renewal process, check out: CFI’s Can Renew Online Through Webinar Program from Aero-News.net.

Clear Skies and Calm Winds,

Len @ ThePilotReport.com

Powerloss Training for Commerical Operators

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…the NTSB said the FAA should require manufacturers of twin-engine, turbine-powered aircraft to develop a checklist and procedure for a dual engine failure at low altitude, and require operators under Part 121, 135 and 91K to implement the checklist and procedures.  Source – NTSB Wants Power-loss Training for Part 135, 91K

And they very well should!  I can recall no Part 121 training regarding this very issue.  In fact, the lack of such training is almost a disservice to flight crew and passengers.  But first let me clarify something.

As an airline pilot I have received PLENTY of training and simulated flights for a single engine failure, that is losing thrust in 1 of our 2 engines.  We practice takeoffs, maneuvering flight, instrument approaches, and landings in the 1 engine configuration.  So all is well and good there.

Although, I recall no such training on a dual engine failure at any altitude.  To be even more specific, the dual engine failure training was merely a review of our quick reference handbook and a discussion on how to perform such an emergency procedure from the comfort of the classroom chair.  Granted the very likely hood of having a dual engine failure in a turbine aircraft is so astronomically small that it may not warrant such real world training, but that’s what flight simulators are for right?

Now an airline like mine (which doesn’t do any extended over water flights) may not truly benefit from powerloss and ditching training due to our operational characteristics, but there are still some big lakes that we fly over in North America.  I mean, it certainly can’t hurt to receive that knowledge and training in the safety of a flight simulator.

I’ve love to hear your feelings on this so please leave your comments below!

Here’s the original article that spurred this blog post:  NTSB Wants Power-loss Training for Part 135, 91K

Will The iPad Change GA Cockpits?

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The implications for iPad usage in GA aircraft are HUGE.  The day it launched in the USA I ventured out to the local Apple store to try one out.

While I was there I decided to give ForeFlight Mobile 3 HD a play and admit that single application was the make or break decision for me.  Once I saw how elegant ForeFlight Mobile was, I knew I had to have an iPad.

And don’t worry because we’ll be making plenty of video reviews for iPad and it’s aviation super powers.

Read more about the iPad’s possibilities for GA users at http://www.aopa.org/flightplanning/articles/2010/100506ipad.html

Cheers!

Aviators, Welcome!

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Welcome to ThePilotReport.com!  This site is dedicated to putting some fun back into aviation.  What do I mean by that?

Well, I’m an airline pilot and I currently fly for a major airline out of the New York tri-state area.  I’m probably one of the few airliners that still enjoys general aviation and I’ve stayed active in instructing (CFII/MEI) over the years.  But flying the jet from place to place just to stay at a new hotel and eat some crappy fast food has taken some of the fun out of the job – and the remedy for that is of course, more cowbell!

Ok, ok I’m joking about the cowbell.  I’m just a passionate aviator with a talent for the interweb arts.  The mission of this website is to provide the best aviation reviews for such items as aviation software (on the PC, Mac®, iPhone®, Android™, BlackBerry®, & iPad® apps), aviation hardware (GPS, radios, glass displays, etc), aviation gadgets & gear, aircraft demos, industry news, interviews, videos, podcasts, photos, and much, much more!

I really hope you’ll make ThePilotReport.com your number one place for all things commercial and general aviation related.

So thank you from the bottom of my heart for visiting this website, and please, tell your friends!  🙂

Clear Skies & Calm Winds,

Len @ ThePilotReport.com