My former flight instructor, John Dorcey (ATP SEL, ATP MEL, Comm SES, CFI-A, CFI-I, CFI-ME, DC-3 Type Rating, A&P/IA) is a huge proponent of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) – actually he was part of the crew who started SAFE back in 2009. Their aim then and now is to provide the aviation community with resources that advance the profession and assist aviation educators in developing skilled, knowledgeable, and safe pilots.
John expounded, “SAFE is more than just flight instructors when it comes to aviation education. We opened up the lens of the camera and said you know what, if you are a school-teacher teaching aviation concepts, a simulator instructor, a ground instructor, a mechanic, a pilot – we should be all inclusive. We started an organization with the idea that we wanted to represent all aviation educators.”
Over the past 15 years, John has held various posts as a board member (holding almost every officer position for the 8 years he was on the board) and lastly served as the interim executive director. Today, John is an active member, volunteer and advocate for SAFE.
SAFE isn’t just for instructors. “As a pilot, you really do have an opportunity to be an aviation educator: a career day at your kids or grandkids school, or an airplane ride (Young Eagles flight). Whatever rating or certificate you hold, you can introduce people to aviation – you are an aviation educator,” John shared.
SAFE also has a mentoring program, which provides curriculum and ideas to help educators. For example, a 5th grade teacher might be looking for a way to teach aviation concepts. A mentor might suggest putting together a virtual cross country flight where the kids flight plan: figuring out ground speed, time-distance math problems, and weather. What a great way to get kids interested in flying, but also showing them the practicality of everything they are learning.
At EAA AirVenture this year, SAFE is part of the Pilot Proficiency Center, located inside the museum. The Optimal Learning program will feature multiple topics presented by lead instructors. Each workshop will consist of briefing, interactive discussion, activity and simulator lab, and debriefing periods all with master instructors. Get more information and sign up for the workshops here: www.eaa.org/airventure/features-and-attractions/eaa-pilot-proficiency-center.
SAFE launched their app, the SAFE Toolkit, on both Apple and Android platforms to provide pilots with educational resources to help them become better pilots. They also have a multitude of courses just for members, as well as a weekly blog on various topics. The ForeFlight discount alone can save you up to $133.31 annually.
Joining only costs a minimum of $45 per year, practically a steal.
