Vectors for Safety

Vectors For Safety - July 2026

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:46:00 -0700

July is All About Heat

This month we are focusing on heat. More specifically, on how flying in hot ambient temperatures can affect our human performance as well as the performance of our airplanes. Gene's Blog and our cognitive science article both address the subject. Also, we have added three related videos to our Essential Vectors Series. Find them plus a "fan favorite" in our Videos Section. (Note: Scroll down to the Essential Vectors section.) Plus we have added a new Old Pilot Tips video titled "Hydration." (See below for that link.)

New Episode of Our Old Pilot Tips Series is Available

This Episode 43 of our “Old Pilot Tips” series reminds us of the importance of hydration. This 58-second video illustrates some of the negative early effects and early warning signs of dehydration and provides some valuable tips on how to achieve and maintain adequate hydration for our flights. The video is simply titled, “Hydration” and is sponsored by Avemco. Check it out here.

Highly Recommended Issue of "NASA Callback"

A very appropriate issue of "NASA Callback" has been released. "Expect the Unexpected" applies to all segments of aviation. Check out Issue 557 here.

Recommended...Read More

Vectors For Safety - June 2026

Sun, 31 May 2026 17:20:48 -0700

"Squawking Human"
Part 2 of our article on situational awareness (SA) is now available. Click here to check it out. Click here to subscribe to "Squawking Human." You can unsubscribe at any time.
New episode of our Old Pilot Tips series is available
This Episode 42 of our “Old Pilot Tips” series reminds us of what we need to do, and not do, if a cabin door becomes unlatched during flight. This 50-second video titled simply “Open Door” is sponsored by Avemco. Check it out here.
Recommended Viewing: "Forced Landing Essentials"
A forced landing, usually off-airport, happens just about every day. This episode of our “Essential Vectors” series provides some useful information on steps to take to help reduce the chances of having to execute a forced landing, and some ways to help reduce the likelihood of serious injury or death in the forced landing. All this and more in 11 minutes! Click Read More

Vectors For Safety - May 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:46:50 -0700

"Squawking Human"
Check out our new 2-part article on situational awareness (SA). It is much more than knowing what is going on around us. Click here to check it out. Click here to subscribe to "Squawking Human." You can unsubscribe at any time.
NASA "Callback"
The NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) is now fifty years old.. In honor of the anniversary, NASA put out a special edition of "Callback" that explains the origin of the system and some its milestones. Check it out here.
Recommended Viewing: "Turf Runway Essentials"
As we are well into spring and knocking on summer's door, there may be more opportunities (or temptations) to operate from a turn runway. We have a video for that! Click here to see "Turf Runway Essentials" on YouTube.
Situational Awareness: The 20 Second Version
Situational awareness (SA) isn’t just “knowing what’s going on.” It’s your brain...Read More

Vectors For Safety - April 2026

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:59:44 -0700

"Squawking Human"
Our 3-part series 3-part series, "Outcome Bias: What is, When it is Good, When it is Bad, and How to Control it" is now complete! Click here to check it out. Click here to subscribe to "Squawking Human." You can unsubscribe at any time.
New Virtual Presentation Program Available
"Landing with Confidence" is a dynamic, one-hour recurrent training session designed for pilots who already know how to land well—but want to land even better. It is valid for 1 Credit, Advanced Knowledge Topic 2 in the Wings program. This and many other virtual programs are available to pilot groups, flying clubs, EAA Chapters, CAP squadrons, etc. free of charge courtesy of Avemco Insurance. Click here to download our current presentation catalog. For questions or to schedule, please contact gene@genebenson.com.
Another New Edition of "Old Pilot...Read More

Vectors For Safety - March 2026

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:12:16 -0800

"Squawking Human"
Our newest feature, "Squawking Human" is live with more new content including a 3-part series! Click here to check it out. Click here to subscribe to "Squawking Human." You can unsubscribe at any time.
Upcoming Webinar
"Landing with Confidence" is a dynamic, one-hour recurrent training session designed for pilots who already know how to land well—but want to land even better. Attendance at the event including, including completion of a brief online quiz, is valid for 1 Credit, Advanced Knowledge Topic 2 in the Wings program. The webinar will be on Thursday, March 19 at 8:00 PM EDT. This presentation is at a time favorable for the eastern half of the U.S. We will soon announce another live running of the event at a time more favorable for the western half of the country. Registration is limited and required. Click here to register on Zoom.
Another New Edition of "Old Pilot Tips
Episode #40 titled "Sleep" is now available Read More

Vectors For Safety - February 2026

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:35:08 -0800

My Ice Story on the new "Reider Report"
I was honored to be the guest on the premier episode of the new "Reider Report" podcast sponsored by Avemco. Click here to hear my story of an encounter with structural icing in a Piper Seneca.
"Squawking Human"
Our newest feature, "Squawking Human" is live with new content! Click here to check it out. Click here to subscribe to "Squawking Human." You can unsubscribe at any time.
Two New Editions of "Old Pilot Tips
Episode #38 titled "Failing Attitude Indicator" is now available here. and Episode #39 titled, "Broaden Experience" can be viewed here. Better yet, click Read More

Vectors For Safety - January 2026

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:13:54 -0800

New Series for 2026!
January 2026 will see the takeoff roll for a new series, "Squawking Human." Final details are still being refined, but our mission statement is "To enhance aviation safety and performance by translating complex human factors research into actionable insights for the general aviation pilot." Click here to subscribe to "Squawking Human." You can unsubscribe at any time.
Cold Weather Engine Starts
Check out our article in our "Safety Concepts" section. Click here to see the article.
New Edition of "Old Pilot Tips"
Episode #37 titled "Now is Not the Time" is now available. This 50-second video reminds us that non-critical problems can be delayed until it is safe to troubleshoot.. Our "Old Pilot Tips" series is sponsored by Avemco Insurance and is narrated by Gene Benson. Click here to watch Episode #37 on YouTube.
Recommended Viewing
Winter flying can mean gusty crosswinds. In this six-minute episode of our Essential Vectors Series, we look at...Read More

Vectors For Safety - December 2025

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:22:34 -0800

Wishing You a Great Holiday Season!
I want to wish all my readers a joyous and safe holiday season, however you celebrate. Remember that the best gift you can give your family and friends is you. The holidays historically involve several tragedies involving GA airplanes either enroute to or returning from visits to families or friends. We all know how to be safe but we must resolve to do it. Please don't let scheduled events or return to work deadlines influence your decisions. Look at the weather, the airplane condition, your proficiency, and your current fitness-to-fly very critically. Please make wise decisions to keep the holidays joyous rather than the season that a family member or friend was lost to a GA crash.
Coming Up in 2026
We will be presenting a series of webinars to help us learn from the misfortune of others. Each webinar will focus on a specific kind of crash and will attempt to find possible root causes beyond what the NTSB states as the "Probable Cause." Upcoming webinars will be posted on VectorsForSafety.com will be announced through the FAA SPANS System.
New Video in Our "Essential Vectors" Series
"All About Flaps" presents, in just 5 minutes, some basic information on different kinds of flaps, the use of flaps, the effects of flaps, and some precautions regarding flap operation and use. Click here to view it on YouTube.
New Edition of "Old Pilot Tips
Episode #37 titled "Now is Not the Time" is now available. In under one minute, see a reminder about when it is...Read More

Vectors For Safety - November 2025

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:40:00 -0700

New Video in Our "Essential Vectors" Series
"Slips Essentials" provides an overview of the essential information a pilot needs regarding forward and side slips. In about 2 ½ minutes, we explain what the slip maneuver is and its practical uses. We explain a common misconception and show an example of what a slip looks like on the turn coordinator. We also add some cautions regarding slips. Click here to view it on YouTube.
Cold Weather Engine Starts
Check out our new article in our "Safety Concepts" section. Click here to see the article.
Is Your Instructor Legal?
A recent article in Flying Magazine details a case in which a CFI had failed a recertification checkride, had his commercial and flight instructor certificates revoked, but continued to instruct for more than a year with the knowledge of the flight school owner. Finally, there was a fatal crash in which the student pilot died but the non-certificated instructor survived. Tragedy aside, the article notes that hours logged by students being instructed by the non-certificated instructor become invalid. Trust by verify. You are within your rights to ask to see your CFI's certificates. Click here to read the article on Flying Magazine's website.
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Vectors For Safety - October 2025

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:31:00 -0700

NASA CALLBACK on Non-Towered Airports
Check out the latest issue of NASA CALBACK #548. It provides some excellent reminders on operating more safely when we are on our own without ATC. Click here to see the latest issue.
Another New Edition of "Old Pilot Tips" is Available
Episode #35 in our series reminds us to never take a problem airborne and shares some thoughts on the rejected takeoff. This shorts video is just 43 seconds long. The video is sponsored by Avemco and is narrated by Gene Benson. Click here to check it out.
Free Virtual Safety Presentations Available
As you plan your late fall and winter meetings for your pilot group, consider including a virtual guest speaker. We can provide a safety presentation, valid for Wings credits if you choose, free of charge, courtesy of Avemco. for more information or to schedule, contact gene@genebenson.com. Click here to download a copy of our current presentation...Read More