I have for some time wondered if there would be an interest and market for a structured course that pilots could attend, both practical and theoretical on this subject with specific focus on the sport of microlighting. (WCM, CCM and LSA) The idea was inspired by just a one hour session I did with an instructor over a year ago.
I would like some constructive feedback from our ATO's and Instructors on this as well as the "end users"...ordinary NPL pilots like me and you.
Poor decision making is in my opinion either the primary cause or at the very least a contributory factor in almost every aviation accident that occurs. It suggests to me at least that to address the huge GA accident rate we have, a major step forward has to be made in terms of training to combat this issue. I want to state from the outset that I do not want to interfere with the current syllabus as it is, but rather put forward a plan to address the problem by offering a course to pilots who have already qualified....and I would like to use our ARO (Misasa) as the platform to do so.
My suggestion is as follows:
1: A working group (WG) would need to be set up consisting of representatives from Misasa and specifically, any Grade A (simply because they are generally more experienced) flying instructors who would be willing to work towards developing the subject matter. What we would trying to achieve with this WG is to format the content and the course material needed to be able to teach any pilot good airmanship and ADM.
2: Once the WG has finalised their ADM and Adv Training curriculum, we would need interested Instructors throughout the country to attend a 1 day seminar so that they can be briefed on how to present the material in a two hour lecture and exam. Any Instructor who attends this Misasa Seminar will be listed then as an "approved" Instructor (for want of a better term) who will then be allowed to use the material and present a course at their ATO's...under the Misasa Banner. The reason why, is so that the course material can be standardised meaning that whether a pilot attends in the Cape or up in Gauteng, essentially the content would be the same.
3: Once this Seminar has been attended by an instructor, in order to maintain and of course add to the subject matter (keeping it "fresh" in other words), the WG can discuss and revise the material from time to time and simply mail any such changes to the already "approved" instructors. I would suggest that to remain current the instructors would not need to attend a seminar every year, but rather every 3-5?
4: The actual Course being offered to the pilot would be about a two hour lecture followed by a multiple choice questionnaire based on that lecture. If a pass is achieved (marked by the Instructor), that instructor can then mail the pilots name to Misasa and we can send him/her a Certificate of Attendence. Something nice to hang in the bar if for no other reason.
My thoughts...
Firstly, I believe that by having the majority of pilots attending such a (completely voluntary) course, we would drastically improve our safety numbers. The course would appeal and be of use to any qualified pilot, regardless of experience or aircraft type and would be specifically tailored to the sport of Microlighting.... special emphasis on recreational flying and the related dangers.
Secondly, our ATO's are literally the lifeblood of the sport. By getting something like this off the ground, in a well structured and standardised format would create an additional revenue stream to help our schools survive into the future. I believe the vast majority of pilots would support this venture if it can be provided at a reasonable cost (to attend). It honestly is something that for safety conscious pilots would never get old. I would attend such a course every 2-3 years, and I know many others who would too!
You could for example attend the lecture/exam for say R300-500 and then maybe do an hour duel which can give you a practical application of what you have just learnt? I'm sure you get where I'm going...this will be up to the WG to decide!
This will not happen overnight folks and I have not yet even suggested this to our EXCO. All I want at this stage is a discussion and your imput....especially from the instructors and ATO's who will be tasked with the content as well as the actual presentation thereof.
1: Is this a feasible plan (if not how would you do it?)
2: Would there be a market for it?
3: Is there a need (or legal obligation) to involve RAASA or can MISASA do this on our own?
Your thoughts please guys and girls...
Fire away.
