Vectors for Safety

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.
Read More

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

Vectors For Safety - September 2025

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:03:05 -0700

Syracuse Safety Stand Down Sept. 6th!
The Syracuse Safety Stand Down will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025. Free parking at KSYR, earn three WINGS credits, and enjoy a free lunch courtesy of SAFE. There will be door prizes and SWAG courtesy of Avemco Insurance. I will be there for the entire day and will be doing one presentation. Stop by and say Hi!. Click here for more info from the FAASafety.gov site.
Recommended Video
It is a rare day when the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) report does not include at least one mishap on a taxiway or ramp resulting in damage to an aircraft. For each event that is reported, there are likely several that go unreported. Collectively, these mishaps account for many thousands of dollars in damage and considerable aircraft down time. More importantly, many have the potential for serious personal injury or loss of life. Nearly all these mishaps could have been easily avoided. Click here to check out our thirteen-minute "Taxi and Ground Ops" video sponsored by Avemco on YouTube.
Another New Edition of "Old Pilot Tips" is Available
Episode #34 in our series reminds us the the importance of the passenger briefing and provides some thoughts on some essential items. This shorts video is just 43 seconds long. The video is sponsored by...Read More

Vectors For Safety - August 2025

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:40:38 -0700

Another New Edition of "Old Pilot Tips" is Available
Episode #33 in our series offers a 2-step plan for avoiding dehydration on long flights. This shorts video is just 44 seconds long. The video is sponsored by @Avemco and is narrated by Gene Benson. Click here to check out "Sneaky Danger of Dehydration."
Superb Issue of the FAA Safety Briefing
If you have not seen the latest issue of "FAA Safety Briefing" be sure to check it out. In my opinion, this is the best issue so far. Click here to check it out.
Aircraft Tires
I have noticed an uptick in incidents and accidents related to airplane tires over the past six months or so. We don't always give our tires the care and respect they deserve. They often just receive a quick glance during the preflight inspection and even that is difficult if the airplane has wheel pants installed. Regardless of what brand of tires you use, I recommend downloading and reading a Care and Service Manual from Michelin Aircraft Tires. Some information is specific to their tires, but much applies to all aircraft tires. Click Read More

Vectors For Safety - July 2025

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:49:12 -0700

Going to AirVenture this year?
Please stop by the Avemco Booth to say "Hi" and tell them you are a Vectors subscriber.
Another New Edition of "Old Pilot Tips" is Available
Episode #32 in our series reviews the the challenges posed by the runway width illusion. This shorts video is just 57 seconds long. The video is sponsored by @Avemco and is narrated by Gene Benson. Click here to check out "Runway Width Illusion."
Flying to AirVenture?
Whether flying to AirVenture for the first time or the fiftieth time, it is essential to be familiar and comfortable with the procedures. Let's make sure it is a terrific experience rather than a tragedy! Check out the special notice here.
Recommended Video
As I try to read and study every aviation crash reported on the NTSB website, it becomes apparent that cause lies in a faulty decision, not always, but often by the pilot. This month, we are recommending our "Better Decision Making" video. This video, a recording of a live webinar, discusses three kinds of decision making and how we can be better at all three. A featured guest...Read More

Vectors For Safety - June 2025

Sat, 31 May 2025 12:44:37 -0700

Important Advice from the FAA
Notice Number NOTC4406, aimed at "General and Business Aviation" is concerned with becoming familiar with the destination airport before takeoff. The publication provides specific sources to reference during preflight planning. Check it out here before embarking on that summer trip!
Recommended Course
Summer travel often involves flying to family get togethers, school reunions, weddings, and other "must-attend" events. This can produce strong external factors weighing in on decisions. To help counter that, our recommended course this month is "Just This Once" provided free of charge by Avemco Insurance and completion will be valid for 1 Wings Credit for Master Level Knowledge Topic 2. Click here to visit the course.
Another Addition to "Essential Vectors" Series
Summer travel may involve a turf runway. This video, in less than five minutes, describes some things to consider when operating in or out of a turf runway and provides some strategies to mitigate the associated risks. The video is sponsored by Avemco Insurance and narrated by Gene Benson. Click here to view it on YouTube.
Another New Edition of "Old Pilot Tips" is...Read More