The Alaskan Aviation Safety Foundation will host its annual Seaplane Seminar at the Loussac Library in Anchorage on Saturday, April 25. The all-day seminar includes a variety of topics and guests addressing an array of topics for area pilots and aircraft owners.
The agenda includes a presentation on avoiding mid-air collisions by Millicent Hoidal with the National Transportation Safety Board, a maintenance panel discussion entitled “Preparing your Aircraft for the Float Season” and, in a topic addressed in an article last summer, “Tips for a Successful Search and Rescue” by two members of the U.S. Coast Guard.
For Dean Eichholz, a board member with the Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation and a Federal Aviation Administration designated examiner, the seminar offers many opportunities for attendees. He will be presenting twice, first on a refresher topic entitled “Seaplane Checkride — Could You Pass the Test?” and later with FAA Aviation Technical Systems Specialist Roger Motzko and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Regional Director Tom George on “Simulator Scenario: A Day Trip to Twin Lakes — What Could Possibly Go Wrong?”
The Twin Lakes discussion will give audience members a unique chance to participate in pilot decision-making, as they are able to weigh in with remote “clickers” on questions about flight planning.
“We will be talking about a flight that departed Kenai for a mountain lake destination up over the 2,500-foot level,” Eichholz said in a recent phone interview. “There are a lot of decisions the audience will be able to weigh in on which will give us a chance to discuss several risk factors, including weather and landing choices.”
The goal for the seminar is to bring together members of the large floatplane community in a setting that encourages discussion and free give-and-take of ideas.
“At the end of the seminar,” said Eichholz, “we hope everyone will pick up some knowledge to make seaplane flying safer and more enjoyable.” The enjoyment factor is a key component; the seminar has become a reunion of sorts and brings together pilots for not only serious issues but also to get excited about the upcoming summer flying season.
“There’s a lot of bush flying information at this seminar,” Eichholz stressed, “and we are happy to welcome any pilots who operate off-airport or even floatplane passengers who want to learn more about the decision-making process.”
The seminar is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (registration at 8 a.m.) and food trucks will be available during lunch. For more information contact 907-262-3872 or 907-398-6228.