February 11, 2017

VFR Emergencies Course

Aviation Adventures is pleased to offer a new course focusing on VFR emergencies!  This three-hour ground school will take place at the Manassas Regional Airport on February 11, 2017, from 8:00am - 11:00am.  The course is designed to explore various environmental scenarios and aircraft systems failures that may pose significant operational challenges to pilots.  Following the ground session, participants are encouraged to schedule one-on-one time with an Aviation Adventures CFI for some hands-on exploration of the scenarios and failures in the Redbird FMX, and/or the aircraft of their choice.  Topics covered include:

-VMC into deteriorating weather: This block of scenario-based instruction begins with a discussion of legal VFR weather minimums for a proposed flight and the pilot's personal minimums, which will inform the go/no-go decision.  The objectives are for the pilot to develop an appreciation for marginal weather, and to develop or refine personal weather minimums.

-Engine failures during critical phases of flight:  The key objectives for this section of the training program are for the pilot to refine procedures for engine failures during the takeoff roll, after rotation with runway remaining, below 1000' AGL, and above 1000' AGL.  After completing this block of instruction, the pilot will have a better understanding of the various factors that need to be considered prior to takeoff that will influence a successful outcome.  The pilot will also have a better understanding of how to select a safe altitude from which to return to the airport environment is feasible.

-Aircraft systems and control surface failures:  Pilots will focus on diagnosing and working through various systems failures (e.g. alternator, pitot/static system, vacuum system, flaps, brakes, elevator).  This block of instruction will begin with a discussion of the systems (normal operations and failures), and a review of the emergency checklists.

-Deteriorated aircraft performance:  This block of instruction begins with a discussion of aircraft performance using the Cessna 172 POH to calculate the takeoff roll and distance over a 50' obstacle at various takeoff weights, and temperatures at KBCB (2132' MSL, 4539' x 100') and KLXV (9930 MSL, 6500' x 75').  The instructor will also discuss how density altitude is calculated and its impact on aircraft performance.  The objectives are to understand the importance of performance calculations, how to configure a normally aspirated aircraft for high altitude operations and how to safely execute a high altitude/density-altitude takeoff and climb.

The discussion will largely focus on the Cessna 172; however the principles are broadly applicable to a wide range fo single engine piston aircraft.

This course is open to all student and certificated pilots, with a tuition set at $60.  If you would llike to attend, please register by sending an email to kontanis@gmail.com with your name, email address, and a preferred phone number or by calling the Aviation Adventures Manassas office at 703-530-7737.  This will help us plane for course materials.

Space is limited to approximately 30 participants, so please reserve your position soon!