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Unpacking the Master
Aviator Program
Common questions regarding MMOPA’s signature safety program.
by Dianne White
First class of Master Aviator Program recipients receive their “wings” at the 2019 convention.
Over the program’s two years of existence, MMOPA has awarded 67 wings and recognized 32 Master Aviators. Pretty impressive, right?
With just a few months to go until we award the next class their Master Aviator wings, we thought this would be a good time revisit why the program was created and why it’s impor- tant. In the end, we hope you will participate.
The following are some of the most common questions I receive from members regarding the program.
What data was the creation of the Master Aviator based on?
Back in 2018, the Safety Committee did an analysis of acci- dents in the PA46 community and found that they fell into two broad categories: the stall/spin loss of control accident and runway/landing excursion/accident.
The stall/spin, is usually always fatal for all onboard. But it is usually preceded by some other situation, such as not han- dling icing conditions, an engine failure, or pilot disorienta- tion. Some pilots cannot differentiate between a skid or a slip, many do not have basic aerodynamic knowledge regarding accelerated stalls, spins and other upset situations. And they do not have the skills to recover from such a situation.
Poor aeronautical decision-making often precedes LOC accidents. Lack of experience and knowledge of the meteoro- logical environment, as well as hours the logbook to build up
the bank of good judgment often results in poor ADM.
As far as runway excursions, poor speed discipline, sloppy footwork, poor landing technique and not maintaining direc- tional control are among the culprits.
Who developed the Master Aviator Program?
The program was developed within the Safety Committee with input from Charlie Precourt, a former Shuttle Com- mander who is one of the premier safety experts in general/ business aviation. He serves on boards and safety committees throughout the industry and is well-known for his data-driv- en approach to problem solving.
The program was presented to the Board in 2018, was approved and implemented that year.
Why does the program require the pilot fly a 100 hours a year?
Training providers throughout the community have consistently reported that 100 hours seems to be the breaking point between those who perform well in recurrent events and those who do not. In general, those who fly less than 100 hours a year tend to be less proficient. The more you fly, the more competent you are and the more experience you gain in understanding weather systems, managing avionics, and handling the demands of flying single-pilot in
a complex aircraft.
22 MMOPA MAGAZINE MAY / JUNE 2021