Below you will find the details for this seminar. You may register by clicking the "Register" link.


Title:
Expanding Horizons - Tailwheel Transition and Overwater Operations
Topic:
Expand your horizons:Adding a Tailwheel Endorsement and GA Overwater Operations
Date and Time:
Tuesday, July 21, 2026, starting at 10:00 Eastern Daylight Time Download Calendar File
Speaker(s):
Leo Burke, Zach Ortiz, John Becker, Pat Ryan
Brief Description:

Topic 1:   Expanding Horizons – Tailwheel Transition

The FAA and industry will conduct a public education campaign emphasizing the benefits of continuing education and structured transition training for General Aviation pilots. 

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Topic 2: General Aviation Operations Over Water

The FAA and industry will conduct a public education campaign emphasizing the benefits of flight planning, survival, and equipage for General Aviation operations over water and beyond gliding distance from shore.

Background:  Studies suggest that planning and knowledge of over-water Pre- and In-flight processes and procedures can reduce the frequency of water landings (ditchings) and the severity of consequence should a pilot be forced to ditch.

Select Number:
GL23145252
Location of Seminar:
PTK Main Terminal
6500 Patterson Pkwy, Waterford, MI

Waterford, MI 48327
Directions to Venue:

Main Conference room at the Oakland County Terminal. 


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Fly-in Seminar?:
Yes  PTK
Seating:
100 seats at the facility, 100 remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Contact Information:
Leo Burke
Phone: (586) 817-7245
Leo.J.Burke@faa.gov
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):

Teaching Points:

  • Pilots should train to maintain existing capabilities and to add new capabilities.  Tailwheel training can provide new piloting challenges and improve airplane handling in other aircraft types.
  • Once in the air, tailwheel aircraft are roughly equivalent to nosewheel aircraft of the same size and weight.
  • On the ground, tailwheel aircraft are more demanding than an equivalent aircraft equipped with nose gear.
  • Pilots are advised to seek experienced Flight Instructors and well-maintained aircraft for tailwheel flight instruction.
  • Other tailwheel pilots, type clubs, flight schools and other pilot organizations are good sources of information on tailwheel flight training opportunities.

 

Teaching Points:

  • Basic survival knowledge and equipment can greatly improve chances of surviving after a ditching.
  • Pilots should plan for the shortest possible overwater routes and fly at higher altitudes to increase gliding distance.
  • GA Passengers and crew should wear Personal Flotation Devices while flying over water.
  • When flying to or over remote areas consider 406 MHz personal locator beacons and or satellite phones.
  • The most important factor in survival success is the will to survive. .
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:
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
WINGS
Additional Event Documents: