Operators Going Back to Master the Basics

Gary Reeves of Pilotsafety.org has been making the rounds in Texas, setting up back to back training courses with the US Coast Guard and Houston Police Department. 

Reeves brought his compendium of advanced avionics know-how to the USCG first, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the capabilities and flows of their nifty new glass panels, before hopping on to a 3-day 'Mastery, Not Minimums' clinic with the PD. Reeves has been flying for 20 years in the fray of GA operations, with more than 8,500 hours of real IFR soup time in his book. As such, he's picked up all the ins and outs of the average GA instrument panel, whether that's a Garmin, Bendix King, Avidyne, or even Foreflight. As 2019's National Instructor of the Year, Reeves is ready to show up and walk any FLOPS department through everything they need to master to be a truly safe low and slow instrument pilot.

"We were thrilled to partner with Gary Reeves and Pilotsafety.org to make our crews even safer," said Matthew Stuber of the U.S. Coast Guard. “His real-world mastery  of using RNAV, autopilots and, glass displays in the national air space is part of our  commitment to maintaining the highest standards of training, safety and, proficiency  in executing our critical missions.”

Reeves made sure that the Houston team was on it, since their mission often requires a constant patrol using a GA8 Aerovan. Single pilot IFR missions can be deadly if the operator isn't on top of things, so he pushed them to become masters of their flight deck, learning everything about the GTN750xi, G500 Display, and KFC225 autopilot. 

"I am honored to work alongside the U.S. Coast Guard and Houston PD in advancing aviation safety and proficiency," said Reeves. "By harnessing the advanced level of understanding  and power of advanced avionics technology, we can empower pilots with the tools  they need to navigate complex missions with precision and confidence."  
The partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard, Houston PD, and Gary "GPS" Reeves underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation operations. Together, they are poised to set new standards in safety, efficiency, and  effectiveness in aerial law enforcement and search and rescue missions."

FMI: www.pilotsafety.org