Title:
Hangar Talk Saturdays (KVNY) Catalina
Topic:
Planning, Flying, and Safely Operating to Catalina's Airport in the Sky
Speaker(s):
Richard Mend - ATP SEL/MEL CFI-AI FAASTeam Representative
Brief Description:
Thinking about flying to Catalina? There's more to the trip than simply pointing the nose toward the island. From over-water planning and changing coastal weather to the unique runway, terrain, and airport environment, Catalina's "Airport in the Sky" (KAVX) offers an unforgettable experience—but one that rewards good preparation and sound aeronautical decision making.
This seminar follows the entire Catalina experience from preflight planning through arrival, ground operations, and the flight home. Learn practical techniques for route selection, weather evaluation, aircraft performance, runway slope considerations, communications, go-around planning, survival equipment, and risk management. Along the way, Richard Mend will share practical lessons learned from years of flying throughout Southern California to help make your next Catalina trip safer, easier, and more enjoyable.
Select Number:
WP01145723
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,
47
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Why Attend:
Catalina Airport is one of Southern California's premier aviation destinations and is often on every pilot's flying bucket list. While the airport is accessible to most general aviation aircraft, its unique operating environment presents challenges that deserve thoughtful planning. Whether this will be your first visit or your fiftieth, you'll leave with practical techniques and local knowledge that simply aren't found in the chart supplement.
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). The seminar is held inside an airplane hangar, so we recommend wearing light, comfortable clothing, as it can become warm during the summer months.
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 2
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
In-Person Safety Promotion to GA Pilots and Flight Instructors
Additional Event Documents:
