Safety/Education Program Looks Like Entertainment

With lights, cameras, and action, it didn't take long to realize this was not just a safety seminar. But instead, as heard from the audience… "It was fun." "It was funny." "It was eye opening." Its stated purpose, by the show's host Cary Mendelsohn, was "To raise the airmen's 'Survival I.Q.'"

As advertised, Who Wants To Be An Aire-man? which is patterned after Who Wants to be a Millionaire? was presented by the FAA Southern Region Safety Program, and billed as the FAA's "premier" safety seminar at Sun n' Fun 2003. It was seen live by an estimated 8,000 spectators at the FAA Production studio, on television, and via the Internet. And, as advertised, it delivered safety-related information, prizes, and fun.

Safety Program Managers, (SPM) Cary Mendelsohn and Randy Williams, from the Ft. Lauderdale (FL) FSDO, created the show, which ran four consecutive days at the FAA Safety Center and Production Studio, at Sun 'n Fun. Tampa's SPM, Buz Massengale, assisted as "contestant coordinator" while Orlando's SPM, Obie Young, directed his production crew from the video control room. Spectators came from as far away as Argentina to partake in their "Recurrent training."

The airman/airwoman having the fastest finger on their "remote control joystick," which corresponded to a different colored runway light, competed to answer an aviation related "trivial question." The correct answer earned that contestant a trip to the  "hotseat." Once there, they were asked questions pertaining to: regulations, good operating practices, weather, ATC procedures, airport signage, and runway markings.  Maintenance related questions were put to the one mechanic making it to the "hot seat."

Harley Pickett, President of the Southern Aviation Safety Foundation, awarded the prizes for all the sponsors.  Prizes ranging from free meals at various restaurants, to the one million-point prize, won by Jim Covington, of Huntsville, Alabama. He chose a ride in the Goodyear Airship, compliments of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, in Pompano Beach (FL). The total value of all prizes awarded at Sun 'n Fun approached $4,000.00. You can get in on these informative, fun events -- check the website!

FMI: www.faa.gov/fsdo/fll/winners.htm; www.faa.gov/fsdo/fll/airefly.htm