Title:
Saturday Safety Sessions with CFII Erica Gilbert
Topic:
Spring Flying Hazards: When the Weather Turns Against You
Speaker(s):
Erica Gilbert
Brief Description:
Spring can be one of the most enjoyable times to fly, but rapidly changing weather and increasing humidity can create hazards that catch pilots off guard.
Join FAASTeam Representative Erica Gilbert for this month’s Saturday Safety Session as we examine two real-world accidents and the decisions that led to them.
We will analyze NTSB Accident CEN24LA226, a Tecnam instructional flight that experienced engine power loss due to carburetor icing in conditions favorable for ice formation, and NTSB Accident LAX04FA177, where a Piper Saratoga pilot attempted a VFR departure into IMC and lost control shortly after takeoff.
Through discussion and accident analysis, we will explore how spring weather can affect aircraft systems and pilot decision-making—and how recognizing these risks early can prevent accidents.
Select Number:
CE17142386
Location of Seminar:
WestLEX Conference Room
4464 Gumbert Road, Lexington, KY
Lexington, KY 40510
Directions to Venue:
Enter the WestLEX FBO and make an immediate right turn to see the conference room.
Fly-in Seminar?:
Yes KLEX
Seating:
15
seats at the facility,
4
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons to fly, but it can also be one of the most deceptive. Rapidly changing weather, rising humidity, and unstable air masses can create hazards that catch even experienced pilots off guard.
Join FAASTeam Representative & CFII Erica Gilbert for this month’s Saturday Safety Session, where we will examine two real-world accidents and the critical decisions that led to them.
Together we will analyze:
• NTSB Accident CEN24LA226 – A Tecnam P2006T instructional flight that experienced a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing while operating in conditions conducive to ice formation.
• NTSB Accident LAX04FA177 – A Piper Saratoga pilot who attempted a VFR departure in instrument meteorological conditions, resulting in spatial disorientation and loss of control shortly after takeoff.
During this interactive seminar we will:
-
Reconstruct the timeline of each accident
-
Examine the weather conditions and aircraft system considerations involved
-
Apply aeronautical decision-making models to the pilots’ choices
-
Identify practical strategies pilots can use to recognize hazards earlier and avoid similar situations
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how spring weather patterns can influence both aircraft performance and pilot decision-making—and how quickly seemingly manageable conditions can evolve into dangerous situations.
Come ready to participate, ask questions, and sharpen your safety mindset with fellow pilots in the local aviation community.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
In-Person Safety Promotion to GA Pilots and Flight Instructors
Additional Event Documents:
