Flight Safety encompasses many concepts, but at it’s root, it’s understanding the difference between being “current” and being proficient. As pilots, we all had to memorize the FAA’s currency requirements for VFR and IFR operations. The FAA requires instrument pilots to have flown and logged 6 approaches, holds and intercepting and tracking of courses though the use of navigation systems in the previous six months in order to carry passengers. Would you want your family to fly with a guy that had just gotten his instrument rating 5 ½ moths ago and blast off into low IFR conditions? I think not. The NTSB files are full of these stories.

So you as an individual are left to use your best judgment as to what is proficient for the type of operation you plan to conduct. What can you do to stay proficient? Well we have some resources for you that should help.

AOPA’s website at aopa  has quizzes, accident analysis, safety seminars and free online courses. If you are not a current member of AOPA, you should be. Join today. Membership includes a free magazine subscription that alone is worth the price of membership.

 The FAA has a website devoted to safety faasafety
Here you can find online aviation learning experiences, information about upcoming seminars you can attend, live streaming seminars, info on the FAA Wings proficiency program and more. Register there today to get ongoing updates

Cirrus has a great website pilotsworld

This website is not just for Cirrus pilots. It is open to all pilots and offers a monthly proficiency program for both VFR and IFR pilots that includes both ground and flight segments.