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Update: AOPA Air Safety Institute cancels safety seminars, FIRCs

Editor's note: This article was updated March 23 with the Air Safety Institute's latest decision to cancel its in-person Flight Instructor Refresher Courses through the end of June.

The AOPA Air Safety Institute’s safety seminars have been canceled until further notice, and its in-person Flight Instructor Refresher Courses have been canceled through June.

The Air Safety Institute said that “the health, welfare and safety of our attendees is of utmost importance. It is in the best interest of all parties to keep everyone safe while as a nation we work together to stop the spread of the coronavirus.”

While acknowledging that the cancellation of the safety seminars could be an inconvenience for those who planned to attend, the institute recommended pilots instead use the time they would have spent at the seminar to take part in its online safety training. The Air Safety Institute offers a YouTube channel where pilots can watch Accident Case Studies, Real Pilot Stories, or other videos. Also, its Safety Spotlights page lists nearly two dozen topics related to aviation safety, and you can earn FAA Wings credit for participating.

“A pilot that consumes safety content regularly tends to be a safer pilot,” the institute said.

On March 16, the Air Safety Institute canceled its in-person FIRCs through the end of May and later extended the cancellations through June. The Air Safety Institute offers an online version of its FIRC (eFIRC) as an alternative. Those who enrolled in an in-person FIRC that has been canceled will receive a full refund.

AOPA Air Safety Institute staff

AOPA Air Safety Institute Staff members share a deep passion for aviation safety. As compassionate pilots, we bring together safety research, analysis, and knowledge in creative ways to share aviation safety education with you—with the ultimate goal of one day having zero fatal accidents in GA.
Topics: Training and Safety, AOPA Air Safety Institute, COVID19

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