Title:
Hangar Talk Saturdays (KVNY) Avoiding Pilot Error (Part 1)
Topic:
Lessons from “17 Ways to Avoid Falling Out of the Sky” - Recognizing and Preventing Common Pilot Errors
Speaker(s):
Richard Mend - ATP SEL/MEL CFI-AI FAASTeam Representative
Brief Description:
Why do experienced pilots still make preventable mistakes? Many aviation incidents begin with small errors in judgment, planning, communication, or aircraft control that quietly build into larger problems. This seminar explores practical strategies pilots can use to recognize and avoid common mistakes before they become serious safety events.
Using videos 1 and 2 from the acclaimed aviation safety series 17 Ways to Avoid Falling Out of the Sky, attendees will examine real-world scenarios involving pilot decision making, situational awareness, procedural discipline, and risk management. Discussion will focus on recognizing error chains, improving safety habits, and strengthening aeronautical decision making in day-to-day flying.
This is Part 1 of a two-part seminar series, with additional topics continuing during the following weekend’s session.
Select Number:
WP01144886
Location of Seminar:
LA Flight Academy
7900 Balboa Blvd
G6 Prop Park West
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Directions to Venue:
Easy access from Balboa Blvd. Plenty of free parking. Seminar length approximately 2 hours.
View Map
Seating:
50
seats at the facility,
43
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Why Attend:
Whether you are a student pilot, private pilot, instrument pilot, or experienced aviator, understanding how pilot errors develop is one of the most valuable tools for improving aviation safety. The lessons discussed apply to all aircraft types and experience levels.
Space is Limited - Advance Registration Encouraged
Pre-registration helps ensure seating availability and supports timely FAA WINGS credit processing. Questions regarding the seminar may be directed to Richard Mend at 818-636-1021 or mendaviation@sbcglobal.net.
What to Bring:
Please bring something to take notes with (pencil and paper recommended). A light jacket is also recommended, as the seminar is held inside an airplane hangar and temperatures can occasionally be cool.
About the Speaker:
Richard Mend ATP SEL/MEL CFI-AI - FAASTeam Representative - Longtime professional instructor in the LA Basin area with extensive experience at nearly every local airport. Mr. Mend has conducted flight and ground training for all ratings over several decades and also brings valuable aircraft mechanical knowledge to his instruction.
Program Support:
Kris Hughes CFI CFII AGI IGI - FAASTeam Representative - Supporting seminar coordination, FAA WINGS participation, and pilot proficiency initiatives for the Hangar Talk Saturdays (KVNY) series.
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 1
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
In-Person Safety Promotion to GA Pilots and Flight Instructors
Additional Event Documents: