The Arizona Pilots Association GAARMS
Howard Deevers
General Aviation Accident Reduction & Mitigation Symposium
What is a "Symposium?" My Webster's said: A conference at which a particular topic is discussed by various speakers. Probably most of us have been to some kind of "Symposium" at least once in our business life, or even aviation training. We also go to Seminars. Seminars are a bit different. They are brief and to the point on a subject. A Symposium will be longer and have various speakers, and probably be limited to one subject.
That subject for the coming Arizona Pilots Association GAARMS is defined in the name. GAARMS is a shorter way to say: General Aviation Accident Reduction & Mitigation Symposium. And, the name says it all.
The Arizona Pilots Association is fortunate to have a director like Fred Gibbs. Fred never stops thinking about aviation safety. In this past year Fred started thinking about how many GA accidents and fatal accidents there were just in Arizona. This is where we are. This is where we fly. Safety is everyone’s business. So, how can we reduce the number of accidents, especially fatal accidents?
Fred's idea was GAARMS. It started as an idea and grew. Discussions with other pilots, flight instructors and the APA board lead to the program that will be presented in March. This will be the most significant aviation safety event in Arizona this year, and will become an annual event.
The Symposium will be March 14 and 15, 2012. Why two days? The first day will be speakers that can address aviation safety. Also an analysis of accidents in Arizona will be presented. We will focus on the fatal accidents and look for some common thread that may have caused that fatal accident. On day two, those that attend will break into workshop groups and then present ideas to the entire group that may have prevented those accidents. If this symposium can save one life, the efforts are worth it.
Who should attend? All flight schools, State wide, are encouraged to participate. We would like to have at least one representative from every flight school in the State. All pilots are urged to attend. We know that not all pilots can come to a mid week two day event, but we would like to see as many as possible. Flight Instructors should make it a priority to be there. Every rating begins with a flight instructor, and instructors should make aviation safety a culture and teach it that way.
The Symposium will be at the Mesa Public Safety Training Facility, located at 3260 N. 40th Street, Mesa, AZ 85215. Be there before 8 AM and it will end at 4:30 PM. A catered lunch will be available both days, and you will need to indicate that you want that when you register. You will be able to see a map to find the location when you register at: www.FAASAfety.gov. You can also go to the Arizona Pilots Association website: www.azpilots.org and register there. If you already have an account on www.FAASAFety.gov you can get WINGS credit for attending. Attendance on both days is not required for WINGS credit. Registration will open February 1, 2012.
Every time there is a fatal accident anywhere in the State, we all hear about it on our local news, and it might be all over the country. Wouldn't it be nice if there were no such reports some year? Maybe this year. Your participation in this event could help to make that happen.
For further information contact Fred Gibbs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or go to the Arizona Pilots Association web page at: www.azpilots.org. Mark your calendar and plan to be there. Aviation safety is serious business.
