The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) has published a progress report based on comments received about the six proposed projects distilled from the Pilot Training Reform Symposium held earlier this year.
The 10-page update summarizes the responses received from key industry figures and SAFE’s analysis of those responses, and identifies additional concerns and recommendations.
According to the progress report, “SAFE is encouraged by the comments received [and] the related training reforms that are currently underway.” AOPA, Aviation Supplies & Academics, Cessna Aircraft, CFI Professional Accreditation Committee, Cirrus Aircraft, Diamond Aircraft, EAA, FAA, FAA Safety Team, Flight School Association of North America, GAMA, Gleim Publications, King Schools, MCFI Jeanne MacPherson, and Sporty’s Academy all provided responses to SAFE.
The report goes on to commend AOPA for instituting its Flight Training Student Retention Initiative; the GA Joint Steering Committee for implementing the Safety Analysis Team; the FAA for initiating the knowledge test Aviation Rulemaking Committee; and representatives from AOPA, Cessna, Master Instructors LLC, and the University Aviation Association for forming the CFI Professional Accreditation Committee.
However, the SAFE report also warns that the long-term success of training reform depends on defined benchmarks, greater collaboration, and grassroots implementation. SAFE officials urge those in the industry who have not chosen not to participate in the reform process “to commit to this effort in a meaningful way.”
SAFE officials add they plan to issue another progress report in 2012.
For more information: PilotTrainingReform.org, SafePilots.org
