SEMINAR & WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

Join our highly regarded programme of practical workshops and seminars, offered monthly at our training centre or other Locations Nr Cardiff in South Wales. For latest dates, fees and availability please Contact us direct, or consult our web site. Some examples of our regular events are listed below: Limited spaces are available at each event - so please book early. AOPA membership is normally required. Course booklets and seminar notes are also available separately. Attendance will also enable pilots to qualify for an AOPA Wings award. For full details please download the Wings brochure here.

1. FLIGHT PLANNING FOR A CONTINENTAL CHECK-OUT
This seminar focuses on an assumed flight to/from Northern France/ Channel Isles. We look at the general principles involved. Where, how and when to file the appropriate official forms. How to get foreign Weather Briefings. Flight Planning, Charts, Approach Plates, Airfield Documents, Trip Kits. Deciding whether IFR or VFR. Use of foreign language terminology. Participants will plan for an actual flight based on departing on the Saturday following the seminar, with a return on the Sunday.

2. THE GARMIN GNS 400/500 & FLIGHT PLANNING
The Garmin GNS 400/500W series is a comprehensive piece of GPS equipment, with a wide range of applications beyond basic map functions. This seminar provides an overview of some of the more advanced capabilities of the equipment. This includes the technical background to the GPS system and WAAS. How waypoints are accessed and managed. How altitude related functions, and flight planning functions are used. Advanced GPS Operations such as the regulations associated with GPS, and use for IFR operations and RNAV approach procedures. The definition of RAIM, what this means in practice, and the actions to take if it is not available. How to load, edit and activate GPS approaches. Practical hands-on application use of a PC based GNS400/500 simulator is included.

3. OVER-WATER FLYING PROFICIENCY
This seminar covers the selection, use of survival equipment and survival devices. Characteristics and performance of life vests and life rafts, a/c attachment points, EPIRBs, ELTs, waterproof strobes, hand-held VHF Radios, flashlights, multi-tools. Practice of standard distress signals at sea. Techniques for flying higher to land clear. Includes an optional visit to the airfield to carry out some timed evacuation procedures or a follow up course at Survival Equipment Services.

4. PASSENGER BRIEFINGS AND INVOLVEMENT
This seminar focuses on how the Private Pilot can best keep their passengers happy through practical involvement in a flight. We cover passenger safety briefings, and ‘friendly’ flying techniques. The ‘sterile cockpit’ rule and Crew Resource Management (CRM) for Private Pilots, including and the role of passengers in spotting other a/c, but nothing else. An examination of the circumstances when a pilot or non-pilot passenger might take the controls, or use the radio, and developing personal checklists. Formal accreditation of CRM Instruction is only required for commercial air transport, but best aviation practice is that all Instructors (including single pilot operations) should study and implement CRM procedures. For a detailed and comprehensive discussion of CRM. Download CAA document CAP737

5. FARM STRIP AND MOUNTAIN FLYING
This seminar examines the characteristics of private airfields and farm strips, and how they differ from licenced airfields. Covers the ‘etiquette rules’ of approach to landing and take off. Low flying rules, minimising disturbance to neighbours and livestock. Making judgements about wind direction and surface conditions, and operating without radio contact. Use of Ordnance Survey maps, identifying obstructions. Performance considerations of hard and soft surfaces, including upslope, downslope, and mountain/high ground conditions . Participants will plan for an actual flight based on departing on the Saturday following the seminar, with a return the same day. An optional Tailwheel Conversion course is available.

6. PC BASED FIGHT SIMULATORS FOR INSTRUMENT TRAINING
Flight simulators for personal computers (PCs) are useful to any pilot. There are also many good PC flight simulators available to do this, but it is essential know what techniques can and should be practiced. This workshop looks at what is really needed for IFR practice. The problems of trying to teach yourself IFR techniques and procedures. Why it is essential to have an instrument instructor teach these aspects. An evaluation of several popular flight simulators is included, together with an opportunity for some hands use on a full size Full Motion Simulator.

7. ‘FLY-OUT’ TEAM LEADER BRIEFING
This seminar is open to anyone, but primarily aimed at pilots wishing to become one of our 'fly-out' team leaders. Provides a briefing on the requirements, qualifications/qualities needed, and potential (non-financial - sorry!) rewards. Covers details of the routes and requirements for a PPL holder to obtain the AOPA Ground Instructor Certificate or Class Rating Instructor (CRI) qualification.

8. HOW TO ‘FUND’ YOUR FLYING
Conventional wisdom tells us that private flying is an expensive and even self indulgent activity, but that perspective can be radically changed when flying is approached as a personal investment. In this seminar we aim to dispel the myths, and provide you with a range of possibilities, from how to secure flying scholarships, little known routes for experienced PPLs to teach flying skills, cost-sharing, groups and how to make them work, charity & sponsored flights, and much more.

All ground school courses are conducted at our dedicated training Centre, with a full range of AV, computer facilities, and aviation reference materials available, or at our Cardiff Airport seminar rooms.

Book and pay on-line>
ASSOCIATE MEMBER & WINGS SCHEME PROVIDER

Intro |Touring & Training| Ground School | Contacting us |Prices & fees| On-line enquiry
Cambrian Ground School is a member of the GTi (Aviation) Business Network