Title:
Hangar Talk Saturdays (KVNY) - Collision Avoidance and Situational Awareness
Topic:
Mid-Air Collision Prevention, Bird Strike Avoidance, and Situational Awareness
Speaker(s):
Richard Mend - ATP SEL/MEL CFI-AI FAASTeam Representative
Brief Description:
Whether sharing the sky with another aircraft or encountering a flock of birds, how much time will you have to recognize the danger and react? Mid-air collisions and bird strikes present different challenges, but both demonstrate the importance of situational awareness, effective scanning, and timely decision making.
This seminar examines the causes and prevention of mid-air collisions and bird strikes, including visual scanning techniques, traffic pattern operations, radio communications, right-of-way rules, ADS-B capabilities and limitations, bird activity near airports, and wildlife hazards during critical phases of flight. Through accident examples and practical scenarios, attendees will explore techniques for recognizing potential conflicts, reducing exposure to hazards, and responding appropriately when avoidance is no longer possible.
Select Number:
WP01147110
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:
Southern California pilots routinely operate in some of the nation's busiest airspace, often near airports, training areas, and wildlife habitats. Understanding the limitations of see-and-avoid, recognizing bird activity, and maintaining situational awareness can significantly reduce collision risks. This seminar provides practical strategies that pilots can apply immediately to improve safety during every phase of flight.
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 comfortable clothing and bringing a light jacket, as temperatures may vary during the presentation.
About the Speaker:
Richard Mend ATP SEL/MEL CFI-AI - FAASTeam Representative - Longtime professional instructor in the Los Angeles Basin with extensive experience operating from nearly every local airport. Mr. Mend has instructed pilots pursuing virtually every certificate and rating and brings decades of operational and mechanical experience to his presentations.
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:
