MAPA Air Safety Foundation

[wmrunyon]

I attended the Mooney Air Safety Foundation's Pilot Proficiency Program (PPP) in Denver 2 weeks ago and thought i'd offer my thoughts. I have been flying Mooney's for 5 years with over 750 hours in type and felt i knew my plane.  Well,  this 3 day course is just what i needed to reiterate what i do not know and remains to be accomplished to be a better pilot and aircraft owner.

The fascilities, location and most important, the instruction was top notch. The ASF is composed of experienced Mooney owners and CFII's who enjoy giving back to us. These guys have thousands of hours and they were all excellent instructors. The lectures were well done with outstanding powerpoint presentations. Topics covered were informative and pertinent, and i especially  enjoyed some detailed presentations on maintenace issues and on safety.

After a full day of lectures, the 2nd and 3rd day is split b/w flying in your plane with one of the ASF instructors and additional lectures. It is a packed full schedule.

If you get a chance to attend one, you will not be disappointed. They advertise in the MAPA Log magazine. I will certainly go again next year.

Bill

[KSMooniac]

Thanks for the PIREP!  I've been curious about these and have heard mixed reviews from the email lists in the past.

Did you work with a single instructor in your plane, or different ones?  Did the instructors rotate through the presentations too?

[The-sky-captain]

Very interesting Bill, you definately have my interest up. Any idea on the date/location of the next one?

[wmrunyon]

Most of us had the same instructor for both days, but a couple of guys had to switch on day two due to scheduling issues.  There were 5-6 of the instructors giving specific lectures on their interest or expertise. One guy is a ATC controller. I think he is in the New York Tracon. So he gave two lectures on IFR procedures/navigation: WAAS approaches, ILS approaches and plate review, T & Q routes, changes to the enroute charts, and how to make the system work better for you. He was great, smart dude.

There was an owner of a Mooeny Srvice Center ( i wish he was in my part of the country!) and he happens to be a computer/photo guru. So his powerpoints were exceptional. And he carries a camera with him at all times and takes photos of all the mooneys he services. So after years of work he has a wealth of examples of poor maintenance &  neglect and its impact on your plane. It will get you attention! I came back with a list of items for my mechanic to attend to that needed attention. He also had a safety presentation reveiwing notable Mooney "incidents" and accidents.

The dates and locations of the next courses are in the MAPA Log magazine or on their website http://www.mooneypilots.com/   and look under calander of events. There are two more this year. It is a bit pricey, but i thought it was work it.

Bill

[N57039]

I've done one MAPA PPP. I thought it was excellent, and I would encourage all Mooney drivers to attend one if you possibly can.

[The-sky-captain]

Is it just me or is the MAPA magazine running a little late this month? I've only been a member for about five months but the first two came about a month apart.

[MooneyMitch]

Probably just a bit late.  Just got ours today.  My guess.............lots to catch up on with both Oshkosh and the MAPA convention.   As always, a quality magazine this issue with good information.

[The-sky-captain]

Just got the mag in the mail.... Can't wait to crack it open.