Stick and rudder skills are one of the very first things we learned (or did we) as pilots and yet a quick review of accident data suggests that a lack of these same basic flying skills are responsible for a disproportionate number of accidents. All flying comes back to the basics from that gusty crosswind short-field approach to a leisurely flight along the coast to the most extreme aerobatics. This clinic will get your feet moving by taking a refreshed look at some basic flight maneuvers, controlled and coordinated flight, and how to get that kinesthetic feeling back for flight.
Keynote Presentation: Perpetual Learning and Practice, Michael Goulian
Mastering the “art” of flying. Being proficient in maneuvering an airplane takes a thoughtful approach with the ultimate goal of mastery through continuous improvement and training. In this session, we will explore the winners mindset and how it relates to your everyday flying.
Michael Goulian is a multi-disciplined aerial demonstation pilot. Beginning his career in the competitive world of aerobatics, Goulian earned the distinction of becoming one of the youngest pilots to ever win the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Championship at the age of 27.
His signature air show performance combines the heart-stopping gyroscopic tumbling of modern display flying with the crisp, aggressive demands of precision competition aerobatics. In 2006, Goulian joined an elite group of pilots competing in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship. Competing as Team #99, Goulian and his team are engaged in a battle of technology, skill, and execution against 13 of the world’s fiercest competitors.
Breakout Session #1: The Beginner’s Mind, Jason Archer
How to become a stick and rudder pilot? We’ll step back and take a deep dive into the maneuvers, aerodynamic concepts and skills needed in straight and level flight, during turns, while climbing and descending and being coordinated vs. being un-coordinated. This breakout session will help you see flight with a beginner’s mind.
Jason Archer is an educator with more than 20 years of experience working in planetariums, science centers, and aviation museums. He is a CFI-I/AGI/IGI/ME with Berkshire Aviation, LLC specializing in tailwheel, primary, and instrument training. While not flying, Jason serves as the lead FAASTeam rep and runs aviation/astronomy programs at his planetarium.
Breakout Session #2: Total Control, Ken Wittekiend
The basics are the components and foundation for all of flight. Through a scenario based discussion we'll look at how and where stick and rudder skills apply in the operational environment.
Ken Wittekiend is a professional aviation educator, writer and founder of ProMark Aviation Services, a full-service flight training company based in Burnet, Texas. He specializes in tailwheel, floatplane and Beech Bonanza training.
He is a former Designated Pilot Examiner for the San Antonio Flight Standards District Office and has administered over 2500 practical tests.
Ken serves as a FAASTeam representative for the Federal Aviation Administration, helping pilots by conducting seminars and counseling activities to reduce accidents and improve pilot safety practices.
In 2009 and again in 2015, Ken was selected as the Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year for the FAA Southwest Region. He is also an eight-time Master CFI.
Ken is a charter member of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators and formerly served on the SAFE Board of Directors.
Ken teaches for both of the national Beechcraft Bonanza training organizations and has presented seminars at a variety of aviation events including AirVenture and Sun N Fun.
Ken is also an avid back country pilot. In 2020, he flew his Cessna 182 Amphibious Floatplane from Texas to Alaska where he spent the summer exploring the remote regions of the Tongass National Forest.
Ken currently writes a monthly column for Plane & Pilot magazine called “Wandering Skies”. He is also working with Community Aviation to produce an on-line training course to help pilots better prepare for FAA Practical Tests.
Flight Simulation Breakout Session: Down the Cape
Your friend just purchased a house out in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and he has invited you and your family for a visit over the long Memorial Day weekend. You’re based at KHFD about 95 miles to the west. A nice but typical spring day of variable winds with the occasional gust is on deck for your flight. Your plan is to meet him at Falmouth Airpark (5B6). Your flying doesn’t end there. You’ll depart Falmouth for a sightseeing flight with your friend for a photo mission of the new home and then return to Falmouth for a weekend of family fun. Don’t let the apparent simplicity of this flight make you complacent. Stick and rudder skills are needed even on the simplest of missions.