Title:
Hangar Talk Saturdays (KVNY) - Wake Turbulence
Topic:
Understanding Wake Turbulence, Avoidance Strategies, and Pilot Decision Making
Speaker(s):
Richard Mend - ATP SEL/MEL CFI-AI FAASTeam Representative
Brief Description:
You may never see wake turbulence, but you can certainly feel its effects. Wake turbulence can produce sudden and powerful changes in an aircraft's attitude, airspeed, and flight path. Although the greatest risks are often associated with operations behind larger aircraft, wake encounters can affect aircraft of many sizes and can occur well beyond the runway environment.
This seminar examines how wake turbulence is generated, how it behaves in different atmospheric and wind conditions, and why some encounters are more hazardous than others. The presentation will cover wake avoidance techniques, runway and traffic pattern considerations, ATC separation, aircraft weight and configuration, crosswind effects, helicopter-generated wake, and practical decision making when operating near larger aircraft. Real-world scenarios will help pilots recognize situations where accepting additional spacing, delaying a departure, changing a flight path, or going around may be the safest choice.
Select Number:
WP01147340
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,
45
remaining for online registration.
Registration Information:
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Why Attend:
Wake turbulence is not limited to airline operations. General aviation pilots routinely operate around larger aircraft and helicopters, particularly in busy Southern California airspace. Understanding where wake turbulence is likely to develop, how wind can move or dissipate it, and when standard separation may not provide the margin a pilot needs can help prevent loss-of-control events.
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:
