Vectors for Safety

Vectors For Safety - October 2026

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:27:37 -0700

"Essential Vectors" video: Recommended for Review

In support of our topic of the month, please review "Stabilized Approach" in our Essential Vectors Series sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Click here to watch it on YouTube.

"Old Pilot Tips" Recommended for Review

Again in support of our topic this month, please review Episode #21 of our "Old Pilot Tips" series Sponsored by Avemco Insurance. Click here to watch it on YouTube.

It's Fall!

Temps are cooler and there is terrific opportunity to view fall foliage from the air. Check out our video, "Autumn Safety Scenery" sponsored by Avemco, for some reminders on how to be safe. Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Book Your Free Virtual Safety Seminar

Whether your pilot group meets all together, virtually, or hybrid, you can schedule a program, valid for FAA Wings credit, free-of-charge courtesy of Avemco Insurance. Programs are live with Gene Benson and always include a Q&A session at the end. Click Read More

Vectors For Safety - September 2026

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:12:11 -0700

New "Essential Vectors" video: Bounced Landing
Check out our latest "Essential Vectors" video! This less than 10-minute video looks at the primary cause of a bounced landing, an effective way to prevent the bounced landing, how the startle effect may result, and some guidance on how to respond to a bounce. Click here to see the video without those annoying YouTube ads!
(Another) New "Essential Vectors" video: Rotor Wash Essentials
This less than 5-minute video explains the dangers of rotor wash generated by a helicopter. Did you know that rotor wash can be much more powerful than wake turbulence? Click here to see the video without those annoying YouTube ads!
Recommended Issue of NASA "Callback"
The August 2026 issue of NASA "Callback" is a good one, dealing with flight into complex airspace. Check out Issue #559 here.
New edition of "Old Pilot Tips"
Many landing mishaps follow a bounced landing. This video shows, in less than one...Read More

Vectors For Safety - August 2026

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:58:00 -0700

Heat Continues into August
Last month focused on heat. More specifically, on how flying in hot ambient temperatures can affect our human performance as well as the performance of our airplanes. Also, we 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, check out our Old Pilot Tips video titled "Hydration." 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 Course: "Avoiding the Summer Flight "Gotchas"
Summer flying is great but it also comes with several hazards. Be safer and earn Wings credit too! Click here to visit the course provided free courtesy of Avemco Insurance.
Book Your Free Virtual Safety Seminar
Whether your pilot group meets all together, virtually, or hybrid, you can...Read More

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