Event Details and Registration

Highly experienced pilots—including airline First Officers and Captains—bring valuable skills to general aviation, but also a unique set of risk factors when transitioning into high-performance, complex, and turbocharged aircraft. This session explores the “Pro Pilot Trap,” where habits developed in highly structured, crew-based, turbine environments can degrade safety in single-pilot GA operations. Drawing on real-world instructional experience with airline and charter crewmembers rejoining the GA ranks, this presentation identifies key vulnerabilities including automation dependency, checklist discipline mismatches, degraded stick-and-rudder skills, and overconfidence in aircraft capability— particularly in turbocharged operations where performance can mask weather and energy management risks. Attendees will learn how these risks develop and manifest across all phases of flight.

Booth 354, east of hangar B - just behind the Garmin booth, white tent with a huge NAFI logo.

Chris Bogan is an enthusiastic, safety-driven Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) based at Houston Executive Airport (TME) in Texas, where he instructs with Executive Flight School and US Flight Club across TME, Sugarland (SGR), and Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU). Passionate about helping others discover the freedom and excitement of flight, Chris provides instruction in a variety of general aviation aircraft, including Piper Archer, Piper Saratoga, and Piper Cherokee platforms. His teaching style combines practical risk management, scenario-based training, and real-world operational experience to help pilots build confidence, sound judgment, and proficiency that extends far beyond the checkride. A dedicated advocate for aviation safety and pilot development, Chris presented at the 2025 National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) Education Sessions during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, speaking on student pilot solo operations and single-pilot risk management for both students and CFIs. Outside the cockpit, he works in the technology sector and frequently uses general aviation aircraft for travel throughout the United States, giving him firsthand experience with real-world single-pilot operations. A regular AirVenture attendee and active member of the aviation community, Chris is deeply committed to mentoring pilots, promoting a strong safety culture, and sharing his lifelong enthusiasm for aviation with every student he teaches.

NAFI is the National Association of Flight Instructors and is the largest association dedicated exclusively to flight instruction. NAFI’s vision is ‘Safer pilots through flight instruction excellence.’ NAFI’s mission throughout its 59-year history is to promote flight instruction excellence with education, mentorship, and advocacy. This is accomplished by providing instructors with tools and resources that help them deliver the best professional training and service possible. Anyone may join NAFI to take advantage of the many educational and flight tools, products, and discounts available. www.nafimentor.org. Contact nafi@nafimentor.org 866-806-6156.

PRESENTED DURING THE EAA AIRVENTURE FLY-IN.  NO FEE FOR THE NAFI PRESENTATIONS, BUT AN ENTRANCE FEE IS REQUIRED BY EAA AIRVENTURE TO ENTER THE GROUNDS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EAA AIRVENTURE ADMISSIONS, VISIT  https://www.eaa.org/airventure