SOCAL
Aviation Safety Review

October 1997



AREAS
HIGH DESERT AREA
VAN NUYS AREA
LOS ANGELES AREA
RIVERSIDE AREA
LONG BEACH FSDO AREA
SAN DIEGO AREA


WINGS PROFICIENCY AWARD PROGRAM

CAUTION, YOU MIGHT BE BUYING A LAWSUIT
by BOB CRYSTAL

PRIOR ISSUES


Safety Seminars

Save these announcements and post them for handy reference


HIGH DESERT AREA

EDWARDS AFB "OPERATION RAINCHECK"-HIGH DESERT TRACON
DATE: Second Saturday AM Monthly
LOCATION:
Edwards AFB
SPEAKER: Various DOT & USAF ATC Controllers
SPONSOR: High Desert TRACON (Joshua Approach)
CONTACT: High Desert TRACON, Attn: Mark Hidinger, Bldg. 2580, Edwards AFB

PALMDALE "OPERATION RAINCHECK" -LOS ANGELES ARTCC FAMILIARIZATION FOR PILOTS
DATE: Third Sat. 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M. Monthly
LOCATION:
Angeles ARTCC, Palmdale. Free Transportation - Fly into AF Plant 42 (3 day notice required)
SPEAKER: Various FAA Controllers
CONTACT: Los Angeles ARTCC, ATTN: Todd Whitman, 2555 E. Avenue "P" or (805)538-2420 or E-Mail Address: twhitman@hidesert.com


VAN NUYS AREA

Van Nuys Seminars are by reservation only

VAN NUYS
TCAD, TCAS I, AND TCAS II - This seminar is a must for all pilots
DATE: Sat., Oct. 4, 9 - 11 A.M.
LOCATION:
Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
SPEAKER: Richard Mend CFI-AIM-ATP
SPONSOR: Green Hornets Aviation
CONTACT: Richard Mend (818) 994-9770

VAN NUYS
VNY AIRPORT - THE MASTER PLAN AND "WHAT'S IN THE CARDS" FOR US?
DATE: Tues., Oct. 7, 6:30 - 8 P.M.
LOCATION:
Green Hornets Aviation, 7535 Valjean Avenue
SPEAKER: Hal Margolis, President, ASC, Green Hornets Aviation
SPONSOR: Green Hornets Aviation
CONTACT: (818) 988-5591

VAN NUYS
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR SEMINAR - TEACHNING THE NEW LAX CLASS "B"
DATE: Wed., Oct. 8, 7 - 9 P.M.
LOCATION:
AV8, Inc.*
SPEAKER: Richard Mend, CFI-AIM-ATP
SPONSOR:Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
CONTACT:Richard Mend (818) 994-9770


VAN NUYS
"PRE-BUY" AND THE "BLUE BOOK"
DATE: Tues., Oct 14, 6:30 - 8 P.M.
LOCATION:
Green Hornets Aviation, 7535 Valjean Avenue
SPEAKER: David Margolis, A & P, Private Pilot
SPONSOR: Green Hornets Aviation
CONTACT: (818) 988-5591

VAN NUYS
AVOIDING WIRE STRIKES BY FIXED WING AND HELICOPTERS
DATE: Wed, Oct., 15, 7 - 9 P.M.

LOCATION:
AV8, Inc.*
SPEAKER: Richard Mend CFI-AIM-ATP
SPONSOR:Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
CONTACT:Richard Mend (818) 994-9770

VAN NUYS
AVIATION TECHNICIAN SEMINAR - DYNA-CAM ENGINE
DATE: Thurs., Oct., 16, 5:30 - 7 P.M.
LOCATION:
AV8, Inc.*
SPEAKER: Dennis Palmer - CEO Dyna-Cam TOA
SPONSOR:Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
CONTACT:Richard Mend (818) 994-9770

VAN NUYS
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE - this seminar is a must for every aircraft owner
DATE: Sat., Oct. 18, 9 - 11 A.M.
LOCATION:
AV8, Inc.*
SPEAKER: Richard Mend CFI-AIM-ATP
SPONSOR:Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
CONTACT:Richard Mend (818) 994-9770

VAN NUYS
KEEPING CURRENT ON FLIGHTS THROUGH MEXICO
DATE: Tues., Oct. 21, 6:30 - 8 P.M.
LOCATION:
Green Hornets Aviation, 7535 Valjean Avenue
SPEAKER: Staff
SPONSOR: Green Hornets Aviation
CONTACT: (818) 988-5591

VAN NUYS
ADVANCED PILOT SEMINAR - HIGH SPEED/HIGH ALTITUDE AERODYNAMICS
DATE: Tues., Oct. 21, 5:30 - 7 P.M.
LOCATION
:
AV8, Inc.*
SPEAKER: Lance Alsheimer USMC AV8, Harrier Pilot and CEO AV8, Inc., VNY
SPONSOR:Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
CONTACT: Richard Mend, (818) 994-9770


VAN NUYS
ULTRALIGHTS VS AIRPLANES
DATE: Sat., Oct. 25, 9 - 11 A.M.
LOCATION
:AV8, Inc.*
SPEAKER: Todd Ellefson, CFI-AIM-ATP,Sky Rider Ultralights CMS
SPONSOR:Mend Aviation Ground Schools, AV8, Inc., CAP, FAA
CONTACT: Richard Mend, (818) 994-9770

VAN NUYS
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: TIPS FOR PILOTS AND OWNERS
DATE:Tues., Oct. 28, 6:30 - 8 P.M.
LOCATION:
Green Hornets Aviation, 7535 Valjean Avenue
SPEAKER: David Margolis, A&P, Private Pilot
SPONSOR: Green Hornets Aviation
CONTACT: (818) 988-5591

VAN NUYS
SHORT-CUT TO EASIER HOLDING PATTERNS
DATE: Wed., Oct. 29, 7 - 9 P.M.
LOCATION
: Simulator & Instrument Training Center
SPEAKER: Bob Crystal, CFI-AIM, Director of Training
CONTACT: (818) 988-7224


BURBANK
ADF DE-MYSTIFIED
DATE: Tues., Oct. 14, 7 - 9 P.M.
LOCATION:
Skyroom, Burbank Airport Main Terminal (Go left past restaurant, door on right)
SPEAKER:Gene Hudson, CFI, CFII, MEI, ASC
CONTACT: (818) 382-4791

BURBANK
HOW TO FLY A "ONE DOT" ILS:PARTIAL PANEL... IN A 40 KNOT CROSSWIND
DATE: Tues., Oct., 21, 7 - 9 P.M.
LOCATION:
Skyroom, Burbank Airport Main Terminal (Go left past restaurant, door on right)
SPEAKER:Gene Hudson, CFI, CFII, MEI, ASC
CONTACT: (818) 382-4791

CAMARILLO
COCKPIT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & EMERGENCY TRAINING FOR GENERAL AVIATION PILOTS
DATE: Wed., Oct 8, 7 - 9 P.M.
LOCATION:
Cowan Conference Center, Ventura Room (Accross from Water Tower
Camarillo Airport, 550 Airport Way)
SPEAKER: Bob Crystal, CFI-AIM, ATP-SEL/MEL, Director of Training, Simulator & Instrument Training Center Inc.
CONTACT: Pat Thomas, 99's (805)482-8140

LOMPOC
AVIATION WEATHER/METAR-TAF & CONTROLLED FLIGHT INTO TERRAIN (CFIT)
DATE: Wed., Oct. 29 7 - 9 P.M.
LOCATION:
Lompoc Elks Lodge, 905 East Ocean
SPEAKERS: Vandenberg AFB Meteorology Dept., Karla Towe - Aviaition Safety Program Manager, Vany Nuys FSDO
SPONSORS: Marshall Aviation, Local Cahpter EAA & 99's , Lompoc Valley
CONTACT: Barney Kuhns, ASCO (805)733-2281 or (805) 736-8854


LOS ANGELES AREA

EL MONTE
GPS BASICS
DATE: Tues., Oct. 14, 7 - 9:30 P.M.
LOCATION
:
El Monte Community Center, 3130 N. Tyler, El Monte
SPEAKER: Robert Clark, Aviation Safety Counselor, F.A.S.T., CFII, ATP
SPONSORS: San Gabriel Valley 99s & San Gabriel Valley Airport Assoc.
CONTACT: Roland McKee (310) 215-2150

LOS ANGELES
STC vs MAJOR REPAIR ALTERATION FIELD APPROVALS
DATE: Tues., Oct. 7, 7 - 9 P.M.
LOCATION
:
LAXFSDO Conf. Room, 2250 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 140, El Segundo
SPEAKER: Chinh Vuong, Los Angeles Aircraft Certifiction Office
SPONSORS: LAXFSDO
CONTACT: Roland McKee, (310)215-2150

LAVERN/BRACKETT
GPS BASICS
DATE: Tues. Oct., 21,  7-9:30 P.M.
LOCATION
:
Brackett Airport Admin. Bldg.
SPEAKER: Magellan Corp.
SPONSOR: COMARCO
CONTACT: Roland McKee, (310) 215-2150

HAWTHORNE
DENSITY ALTITUDE, WEIGHT AND BALANCE
DATE: Weds., Oct., 15,  7-9 :30 P.M.
LOCATION:
Hawthorne Floight Service
SPEAKER: Jason Story, CFII, ASC
SPONSOR: Security Aviation
CONTACT: Roland McKee, (310) 215-2150

COMPTON
NON TOWER AIRPORTS OPPS
DATE: Sat., Oct., 25 , 9 - 11:30 A.M.
LOCATION:
Compton Airport Admin. Bldg.
SPEAKER: tba
SPONSOR: LAXFSDO
CONTACT: Roland McKee, (310) 215-2150

SANTA MONICA
"TO BUY OR RENT AN AIRCRAFT, THAT IS THE QUESTION"
DATE: Wed., Oct., 22 7-9:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
Museum of Flying (third floor theater) North side of Santa Monica Airport
SPEAKER: Dr. Bob Cleaves, Esq., ATP, ASC
SPONSORS: Santa Monica Museum of Flying, American Flyers
CONTACT: Roland McKee, (310) 215-2150


RIVERSIDE AREA
Riverside Seminars are by reservation only


RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
RIVERSIDE AFS CONDUCTS "OPERATION TAKEOFF" - Learn how to best use the Automatied Flight Service Station to your full advantage
DATE: Sat., Oct, 11, A.M to Noon
LOCATION:
Riverside AFSS on Riverside Airport
CONTACT: Riverside AFSS on Riverside Airport
Program runs every other month on the second Saturday

RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
TEN WEEK CFI WORKSHOP - SESSION #6 AIRSPACEIME
DATE: Thurs. Octl, 2, 6;30 - 9:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
Riverside FSDO on Riverside Airport
SPEAKER: R.C. Morton
SPONSOR: Riverside FSDO Safety Program
CONTACT: R.C. Morton, SPM RAL FSDO (909)276-6701 ext. 37

RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
TEN WEEK CFI WORKSHOP - SESSION #7 HUMAN FACTORS
DATE: Thurs. Oct.9, 6:30 - 9:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
Riverside FSDO on Riverside Airport
SPEAKER: R.C. Morton
SPONSOR: Riverside FSDO Safety Program
CONTACT: R.C. Morton, SPM RAL FSDO (909)276-6701 ext. 37

RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
TEN WEEK CFI WORKSHOP - SESSION #8 FAR PART 91
DATE: Thurs. Oct.16, 6:30 - 9:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
Riverside FSDO on Riverside Airport
SPEAKER: R.C. Morton
SPONSOR: Riverside FSDO Safety Program
CONTACT: R.C. Morton, SPM RAL FSDO (909)276-6701 ext. 37

RIVERSIDE AIRPORT
EVERYTHING A PILOT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT AVIATION ENGINE OIL, & PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE FOR AIRCRAFT OWNERS
DATE: Thurs. Oct.23, 6:30 - 9:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
Riverside FSDO on Riverside Airport
SPEAKER: None
SPONSOR: Riverside FSDO Safety Program
CONTACT: R.C. Morton, SPM RAL FSDO (909)276-6701 ext. 37



LONG BEACH FSDO AREA

LONG BEACH
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL AUDITING SEMINAR

A presentation of how to set up and monitor internal and external audits. The seminar will cover Quality Sustems Standards customized to FAA, CASE, and JAA System Standards. It will establish a continuous auditing process with the latest regualtory and industry practices. The systemwill include functional checklists for internal self audits.
DATE: Thurs., Oct. 9, 7 to 9 P.M.
LOCATION:
LGB FSDO*
SPEAKER: Arnold Cicerone, President Aircraft Design Systems This is an all video presentation
SPONSOR: LGB FSDO Aviation Safety Program
CONTACT: LGB FSDO (310) 420-1755
Reservations are required

LONG BEACH
FUN PLACES TO FLY - PAGE & LAKE POWELL
How to plan and fly cross country trips more safely and efficiently. Over 100 slides illustrating the flying of a trip from Long Beach to Page (Near Lake Powell). Plus what there is to do once you get there!
DATE: Thurs., Oct. 16, 7 to 9 P.M.
LOCATION:
LGB FSDO*
SPEAKER: Barbara Hartman - CFI, AGI and Dick Double - CFII
SPONSOR: LGB FSDO Aviation Safety Program
CONTACT: LGB FSDO (310) 420-1755
Reservations are required.

LONG BEACH
INSTALLATION AND APPROVAL OF GPS IN YOUR AIRCRAFT
DATE: Thurs., Oct. 23, 7 to 9 P.M.
LOCATION:
LGB FSDO*
SPEAKER: Ha Nguyen - System and Equipment Branch at the FAA's Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
SPONSOR: FAA's Aviation Safety Program
CONTACT: LGB FSDO (310) 420-1755
Reservations are required.

LONG BEACH
EVERTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLYING SAFELY AT LONG BEACH AIRPORT
Long Beach Airport combines the most complex runway and taxiway system in Southern California with the most diverse mix of aviation traffic. Everything from blimps, Cessnas, and MD-11's fly in and out of LGB. Learn how to be a safe and efficient pilot at Long Beach. We will discuss runway incursions and how to avoid them. Other topics to be discussed include the airport development plans and overall safe flying at Long Beach Airport
DATE: Wed., Oct. 29, 7
LOCATION:
AirFlite - 3250 AirFlite Way - From I-405 exit on Cherry. At Wardlow, turn right to Airflite Way. Turn righjt on Airflite to the parking lot at the end. Enter at the main entrance and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.
SPEAKER: Christine Edwards, Operaitons Officer, Long Beach Airp[ort and a LGB ATCT Representative
SPONSOR: Long Beach Airport Association, City of Long Beach Airport Bureau and AirFlite
CONTACT: Christine Edwards (562) 570-2630
Reservations are required.

TORRANCE AIRPORT
FLYING START
Learning how to fly can seem overwhelming. Many people are interested but don't know how to get started on becoming a safe and competent pilot. The answer to this question and much more will be provided by EAA's Flying Start Program.
DATE: Wed., Oct. 22, 7:30 - 9:30 P.M.
LOCATION:
Torrance Airport General Aviation Center (Near the base of the tower)
SPEAKER: Hank Smith, Director, National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)
SPONSOR: Fidelity Federal Bank CONTACT: LGB FSDO (310) 420-1755
Reservations are required.



SAN DIEGO AREA

ATC & AFSS SEMINARS

GILLESPIE FIELD AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER
OPERATION SUNBREAK
Contact: Gillespie Field ATCT for dates and times - (619) 448-1449

MONTGOMERY FIELD AFSS
FLY-IN IF YOU WISH
OPERATION TAKEOFF
DATE: Last Saturday of each month - 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
Location:
San Diego Automated Flight Service Station - 4302 Ponderosa Avenue
Contact: Eric Wilkins at the AFSS for information (619) 277-0503
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!

WINGS SEMINARS


BROWN FIELD
FLY-IN IF YOU WISH
OPERATION SUNBREAK & "AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES & RECORDKEEPING"
DATE: Tues., October 14th - 7 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Location:
Bearden Aviation - (619) 661-1121
Speaker: Karen Utley - FAA SDM ATCT & John Hyndman - FAA FSDO
Sponsor: Bearden Aviation

PALOMAR AIRPORT FLY-IN IF YOU WISH
"YOUR PERSONAL FLIGHT - PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS"
DATE: Thurs., October 16th - 7 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Location:
Mission West Conference Room
Speaker: Don Cummins - CFI
Sponsor: Pinnacle Aviation Academy

GILLESPIE FIELD
FLY-IN IF YOU WISH
"YOUR PERSONAL FLIGHT - PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS"
DATE: Wed., October 22nd - 7 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Location:
Terminal Building
Speaker: Keith Ballenger - FAA FSDO
Sponsor: County of San Diego - Airports Division

MONTGOMERY FIELD
FLY-IN IF YOU WISH
"MAKING YOUR OWN RULES - A PERSONAL MINIMUMS CHECKLIST"
DATE: Tues., October 28th - 7 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Location:
San Diego Flight Training International - (760) 569-1822
Speaker: Paul Pugnier - Chief Flight Instructor
Sponsor:San Diego Flight Training International

GILLESPIE FIELD AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER
OPERATION SUNBREAK
Contact:
Gillespie Field ATCT for dates and times - (619) 448-1449

MONTGOMERY FIELD AFSS FLY-IN IF YOU WISH
OPERATION TAKEOFF

DATE: Last Saturday of each month - 9:00A.M. - 1:00P.M.
Location:
San Diego Automated Flight Service Station - 4302 Ponderosa Avenue
Contact: Eric Wilkins at the AFSS for information - (619) 277-0503

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!



WINGS PROFICIENCY AWARD PROGRAM


LAX FSDO

PHASE I
Stefan Schlamp
William Smidt
Walt Lewis
George Jacob
Michael Marchand

PHASE II
Glenn Franke
David Trinkle

PHASE IV
Donald Rubin
Hovannes Sarkissian

PHASE V
Gilbert Hum

PHASE VI
Paul Renick

PHASE VII
Philip Moynihan
Penny Moynihan

PHASE VIII
Ralph Riffenburgh



LGB FSDO

PHASE I
Hendrick Rhett
Paul Burns
Raymond Harrison
Patrick McKernan
Daniel Lindow
Santiago Montoya
Shawn McLean
Nadine Duval
Edward McCormick

PHASE VI
Pete Mazzagatte
John Porter
Paul Lagreek


VNY FSDO

PHASE II
Brian Thomson

PHASE III
Michael Mattes

PHASE V
Ramin Moghadam
Fred Carr

PHASE VI
Ramin Moghadam

PHASE IX
Sheldon Simonovich

PHASE X
Rudy King


SAN FSDO

PHASE I
Eric Bogden
John Fowler
William Freese
Luis Santos de Almeida
John Seguin
Donald Steinbeigle

PHASE II
Robert Finnin
Daniel Greenberg
Fran Strubeck
Vern Strubeck, Jr.

PHASE III
Allan Riker

PHASE IV
Michael Weinrick

PHASE V
Patrick O'Day

PHASE VI
Charles Buckley


RAL FSDO

PHASE I
Rolfe L. Moss
Edward Taggart

PHASE II
Willfred Rathbun

PHASE III
Clifton Vough

PHASE IV
Walter Gester

PHASE VI
Bryan Rosen


CAUTION, YOU MIGHT BE BUYING A LAWSUIT

BOB CRYSTAL

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING

SIMULATOR & INSTRUMENT TRAINING CENTER, INC

16501 SHERMAN WAY, SUITE 225, VAN NUYS CA 91406

(818) 988-7224

You are a conscientious pilot and want to stay current or improve your airmanship, so you engage the services of a local flight instructor. "Caveat Emptor" you might be buying a lawsuit. Whether an aircraft owner or renter, hiring an instructor can affect your legal responsibility should an accident occur. The flight instructor you hire may be your best or worst asset, from a liability point of view. How do you protect yourself?

Before selecting the flight instructor or flight training facility, consider what your relationship will be with the flight instructor. You are hiring an independent, contractor to provide a service, and, perhaps supply the airplane. Generally speaking, and there are exceptions, you are not liable for a misconduct of the flight instructor and/or training school. But wait minute! Don't forget you are doing the hiring and could be liable for your own failure to adequately check the flight instructor's credentials. Always check the CFI's qualifications. Does the instructor have the appropriate rating on his or her certificate to instruct in that category and class of aircraft? A typical example is that an instructor may have a CFI-ME but still not be able to give dual instruction in a specific aircraft unless the instructor has at least five hours PIC in that make and model of aircraft, by Federal Aviation Regulations. So, check whether the instructor is current, depending on the type of instruction you desire--day, night, single and multiengine, tricycle or tailwheel, VFR-IFR. The instructor may not be in compliance with FARs, if he or she isn't current in the type of aircraft in which instruction is to be given

Other considerations are how the instructor's credentials might determine who winds up as PIC and whether you will be covered by insurance. In the event of a Federal Aviation violation during the training, the PIC would likely bear the brunt of any FAA enforcement action. If you are the only qualified or current pilot on board, who do you think might wind up being PIC should something happen?

Now, let's think this instruction thing through a bit. If you rent the aircraft and have no renter pilot insurance, will the independent flight instructor you hire have any insurance? If you have renter pilot insurance, will it cover you with an unqualified or non-current instructor? Should you hire the aircraft and instructor from the same training facility, be sure the instructor you use is signed off and has permission to give dual in that aircraft by the flight school from which you have rented. You can bet if something happens, insurance coverage under the policy will be a serious question. If it's your own aircraft, an instructor who doesn't for any reason meet the open pilot clause of your aircraft insurance policy may void your coverage should damage or injury occur in an accident.

Experience tells us most well run flight schools only allow their CFI's to give instruction in aircraft which they are qualified and current to fly. This not only assures you of quality instruction but limits the liability for you and the flight school. Most established flight schools have insurance for their rental aircraft and will also have non-owned aircraft insurance to cover them while you are receiving instruction in your own aircraft.

When it comes to checking the credentials of the flight instructor, common sense also applies. How can you expect to get a quality education from an instructor who doesn't have the experience himself in your specific aircraft.

Lastly, ask if the instructor has a current business license to operate on that airport. Many airports require that people conducting business on the airport be insured, providing coverage to the airport in case of an accident. Confirming your flight instructor is licensed to conduct business on the airport can provide additional assurance that you are hiring a reputable person who has the qualifications to stand behind the training which you are hiring them to do.

Don't be put off by these considerations when it comes to hiring a flight instructor, and don't put off checking the flight instructor's credentials. As a pilot, you know that a little preparation goes a long way.

Consider these important points when hiring a flight instructor. Don't forget it's your responsibility to verify your instructor's qualifications and currency. As a pilot, you know that a little preparation goes a long way.

These suggestions are general in nature. For specific advice, consult your insurance policy or agent.




SOCAL Aviation Review is published monthly by the Aviation Safety Program of the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Western-Pacific Region. Stories are submitted by the various Flight Standards District Offices listed in the box on this same page, and by individuals in the aviation community, contributing through those FSDOs. Notices are also contributed by the Air Traffic Control branch of the FAA. Your comments and suggestions regarding this newsletter are welcomed. Please send them to: Kevin Clover, FAA Regional Aviation Safety Program Manager, AWP-204, P.O. Box 92007, World Way Postal Center, Los Angeles, CA 90009-2007