New Course Launch: Flying Smart – Safety & Procedures

We’re excited to announce the launch of Flying Smart: Safety & Procedures, a brand-new student aviation course designed to briefly  introduce future pilots and aviation enthusiasts to the essential tools of safe, confident flying.

Aviation has its own language—filled with acronyms, checklists, and procedures that help pilots make smart decisions in the air. This course breaks down that language into simple, memorable steps that students can understand and apply, whether they’re flying a simulator, building toward a pilot certificate, or simply curious about how aircraft operations work.

What Students Will Learn

Pre-Flight Safety with HAZEL
Before taking on maneuvers like stalls or steep turns, students learn how to evaluate their surroundings using the HAZEL check—Height, Area, Zoom, Engine, and Lookout. It’s a structured way to make sure the aircraft and environment are ready.

Clear Cockpit Communication
The course teaches the essential “I have control / You have control” protocol used by real pilots to ensure safe transfer of control in the cockpit.

Understanding Key Emergency Systems
Students explore three of the most important safety tools:

• ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)

• NOTAMs (airspace updates and hazard advisories)

• PFD (Primary Flight Display)

Flight Planning Essentials
Learners dive into the POH, MEL, and ETA/ETD—important foundations for planning and preparing for safe operations.

Aviation Acronyms Made Easy
From ATC and VFR to AoA, IAS, and GPS, students get a full glossary of the core terms used in aviation.

The Downwind Check: GUMPS-F & C-FLIGHT
These easy-to-remember procedures help pilots prepare for landing by checking fuel, gear, mixture, instruments, and more.

Forced Approach Training (PFL + CCC)
Students learn how pilots handle engine failures and emergency landings using structured, stress-resistant mnemonics.

Why This Matters

Aviation isn’t just about flying—it’s about building habits that keep people safe. This course helps students understand how pilots think, communicate, and prepare, giving them a foundation that can support future aviation training, drone operations, or simply a deeper appreciation of how aircraft work.

Whether students dream of flying or just want to understand the world of aviation, Flying Smart: Safety & Procedures offers a clear, engaging, and practical entry point into the skies.