Unique Opportunities for Flight Instructors and Students at Guidance Aviation

Check out what U.S. Veterans John Cary, CFI-I, flight instructor, and Israel Tilman, helicopter flight student and mountain biker have to say about the opportunities being created at Guidance Aviation.

Related Links:
Wings, Wheels, and Rotors Get A U.S. Military Veteran Vertical
A Huge Success for Prescott: The Whiskey Off-Road Mountain Bike Race
Helicopter Pilot School's Mountain Biking Veteran Gets Warmed Up
New Jobs at Guidance Aviation

CONTACT GUIDANCE AVIATION

A Huge Success for Prescott: The 2013 Whiskey Off-Road Mountain Bike Race - Photos & Results

The Whiskey Off-Road Mountain Bike Race which took place over the weekend in Prescott, Arizona, was a huge success as hundreds of riders competed for the $40,000 cash purse.  The event was covered by Guidance Aviation both on the ground and in the air.  This segment covers some of the "on the ground" images at the start and finish lines.  Be looking for our photos of the race from the air coming soon!

Prescott, AZ's Famous Whiskey Row, Home of the Whiskey Off-Road Mountain Bike Race.

Guidance Aviation covered the 3-day event from the air!

Trail Boss, Chris Hosking, Parks and Recreation Dept., City of Prescott, AZ.
looks on as Pro Riders take off.  Great job Chris!

Men's Pro Riders ready to start.

Women Pro Riders checking out event just before start.

Women Pro Riders line up.

Prescott's Finest were there.

Israel Tilman, sponsored by Guidance Aviation, looks on as other riders approach finish line.

Great job Israel!

The Kids line up and get ready to ride it out!

These young ladies were all business as they waited for the start!

With finish in sight, this guy was all smiles.

Another major contender in the Kids' category!

Guidance Aviation overhead covering the race.

The final stretch..

Battling around the corner to the finish line.


An absolutely perfect day at the Courthouse Square, across the street from Whiskey Row.


Just past the finish line, riders coast to join up with post race activities.


Racers and fans gathering at finish.

2013 Whiskey Off-Road Results:

Pro Crit Results

Pro Results

Amateur Results

Event Information

GUIDANCE AVIATION: TRAINING TO A HIGHER STANDARD

See:  "Wings, Wheels, and Rotors Get U.S. Marine Veteran Vertical"

Check out ride in this 2012 Promo video: 

FAA Statement Regarding Employee Furloughs Due To Sequestration

As a result of employee furloughs due to sequestration, the FAA is implementing traffic management

initiatives at airports and facilities around the country. Travelers can expect to see a wide range of delays that will change throughout the day depending on staffing and weather related issues. For example, the FAA is experiencing staffing challenges at the Miami and Los Angeles En Route Centers, the Tampa TRACON, and Chicago O'Hare and Tampa Towers. Controllers will space planes farther apart so they can manage traffic with current staff, which will lead to delays at airports including Chicago O'Hare, Las Vegas and Tampa. The FAA also expects delays at a number of other airports because of weather and winds.

The FAA will continue to work with the airlines throughout the day to try and minimize delays for travelers. We encourage all travelers to check their flight status and also to visit fly.faa.gov for the latest airport delay information.

Yesterday more than 1,025 delays in the system were attributable to staffing reductions resulting from the furlough. There were more than 975 additional delays as a result of weather and other factors.

Contact: Laura J. Brown
Phone: 202-267-3883

Helicopter Pilot School's Pro Mountain Biker Gets Warmed up For Whiskey Off Road with HELI BIKING Down Under

Israel Tilman, Guidance Aviation's own in-house professional mountain biker, shared this Heli Biking video with us as we all get ready for this week's Whiskey Off Road Mountain Bike Race in Prescott, Arizona.  Produced by EPIC Rides, this year's Whiskey Off Road has a purse of $40,000!

Enjoy the video from down under and GOOD LUCK to Israel and all the riders!

After the race, join us for great times on Prescott's famous Whiskey Row for live music, locally brewed beer and great food!

RELATED LINKS:

The Whiskey Off Road Mountain Bike Race, 2013

Guidance Aviation

Israel Tilman: Wings, Wheels and Rotors get a U.S. Marine Veteran Vertical

Helicopter Pilot Profiles: Private to Commercial Pilot, Derek Allensworth Grabs a "High Altitude Five" at Guidance Aviation

This past week, Derek Allensworth, a helicopter flight student at Guidance Aviation, earned his commercial rating.  It was only 8 months ago Derek was talking about the excitement of his first solo and earning his private pilot certificate (video below).

Derek Allensworth, right, pictured with his flight instructor, Jason Martin, CFI-I at Guidance Aviation.

Congratulations Derek.  Keep up the great work and keep reaching higher!

Field studies show that Flight Instructors jump higher.

A Helicopter Pilot's Perfect Storm: Domestic and International Demand Fronts Collide

As China sets to triple the amount of civilian helicopters flying in its airspace over the next five years, the largest EMS operator in the U.S., Air Methods, with 315 locations and 400 aircraft, is seeking to hire up to 300 pilots in 2013 (Watch video below).  Combine international demand for helicopter pilots and their aircraft with the current, rising domestic demand and mix that up with 70's era pilots retiring in the U.S., and what you have is a helicopter pilot's "perfect storm": Incredible pilot demand worldwide.

"In the next five years, the number of civilian helicopters in China is expected to triple to 600, with as many as 2,000 needed by 2032, according to sources." - quoted from article below.

"Experts say China has 155,800 potential civilian helicopter clients, and the market is worth as much as 150 billion yuan ($24.2 billion)." - quoted from article below.

"We have a need for pilots. We are probably going to hire 300 pilots this year," Dennis McCall, Air Methods - (Video below).

CHINA DAILY:

Employers Seeking to Hire 100's of Pilots in 2013 and beyond:

Related Links:

Guidance Aviation

Air Methods

China Daily

Veterans' Welcome Home Event - Watson Lake, Prescott, AZ.

Veterans Welcome Home Event, April 27 from 12-5pm at Watson Lake in Prescott.

The Veterans Action Leadership Project will be providing Kayaking, Rappelling, Hiking and Kids' Activities.

Lunch will be served from 11:30-1. All Veterans, active duty service men and women, and their families are invited. Join in the activities and other local partners for hiking, kayaking, kid's activities and much more! For more information call (928) 445-4860, ext # 6308!

Flight over The Dells and Watson Lake: "Promise of The Dells"

4th Annual National Safety Stand Down: Cottonwood Airport, Saturday, April 20th

Join Guidance Aviation at the FAASTeam National Safety Stand Down, Cottonwood Airport, Saturday, April 20, 2013, 9AM.

This year  thousands of pilots across the country will come together as a Safety Community to participate in a dynamic, interactive program devoted to Local Safety Issues, Loss of Control, and the number one aviation fatal factor – Human Error.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from local flying experts, participate in dynamic discussions, and gain practical insights on how you can learn more from accident reports and reduce errors in your own flying.  Be a part of the safety community. Tell your friends, “I’ll see you at the Stand Down.”

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLICK HERE

Select Number:
WP0749615

Location of Seminar:
Cottonwood Airport
1001 W. Mingus Ave
Hangar B
Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Directions and Map:

From center of Cottonwood, head N.W. towards Jerome, turn left (W) on Mingus.  The Airport is approximately 1/4 mile W. on left.  Hangar B is 1st hangar inside gate past terminal. Signs will be present.

Cottonwood Airport Info

View Larger Map

Contact Information:
Doug Palmquist
Phone:928-634-2478
palmwhit@yahoo.com

The FAA Safety Team 2013 National Safety Stand Down

**You may See & Print FAA Safety Briefing Magazine pdf HERE

Knowledge and Proficiency are the foundations of safe aviation operations. Attend this exciting event and earn all three Knowledge Credits for a Basic Phase in the WINGs Program!

Agenda

Part 1) FAA Safety Information Session

You’ll hear the latest from your local FAASTeam Reps including, Local Safety Issues, General Aviation (GA) services and oversight / office information.  You’ll also learn the history of Safety Stand Down events and how you can participate in exciting continuation education projects for pilots and aviation maintenance technicians.

Part 2) Introduction to Human Error

There’s a lot to be learned from reading accident reports but it takes some digging and a little special knowledge to understand why mistakes occur and, more importantly how to avoid them or at least make their consequences less severe.  This fascinating and entertaining look at the interface between the aviation system and the human mind is something no pilot will want to miss. 

Part 3) Loss of Control Discussion

Respected aviation experts will discuss Loss of Control accidents and offer advice on how to hone your skills and sharpen your judgment to get more utility, safety, and fun from your flying. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and participate in the discussion.  

Attend this exclusive FAASTeam presentation and…

• Become part of the ongoing FAASTeam effort to improve aviation safety,
• Discover new ways to approach safety, how to identify risks and how to reduce those risks, and
• Learn methods and procedures to sharpen your judgment and flight discipline -- those key behavioral elements of safe flying - and increase your situational awareness.

The 2013 FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Safety Stand Down is being sponsored by the City of Cottonwood Airport & Verde Valley Flyers Association.  We'd also like to recognize them for their personal contributions to the AZ FAASTeam.  They provide facilities, personnel, and logistical support for FAASTeam seminars.

*To receive WINGs credit you MUST be present for the entire event. We are unable to issue partial credits.  - FAASAFETY.GOV

Wheels, Wings, & Rotors Get A U.S. Marine Veteran Vertical

Photo Copyright (c) 2012, Guidance Aviation

Born in Prescott, Arizona,

Israel Tilman grew up traveling

the world with his globetrotting

missionary parents.  A U.S. Marine Veteran, having served five years active duty and three years inactive reserves, Tilman discovered he could use his GI Bill benefits to pay for his helicopter flight training at Guidance Aviation through his wife who works for Veteran Services at Yavapai College, Guidance Aviation’s collegiate partner.  “At first I didn’t believe my wife when she told my GI Bill benefits would cover my costs to not only conduct helicopter flight training, but also acquire my Associate of Applied Science degree, Aviation Technology,” remarked Tilman. “After stopping by a job fair in 2012 and speaking with Robert Short, Manager of Student Services at Guidance, the rest is history.”

Tilman started his helicopter flight training at Guidance Aviation in 2012 and to date has acquired 53 hours of flight training and is almost ready to earn his Private Pilot certificate.  Additionally, Tilman was hired on by Prescott Wing and Rotor, Guidance’s aviation maintenance division, as an Aviation Mechanic Apprentice. Tilman has been working at Prescott Wing and Rotor for the past nine months.  “Working at Prescott Wing and Rotor has been a great experience for me. I’m working, I’m flying, and I hope in the future to be doing long line work or search and rescue.  But, any day in a helicopter is a good day,” said Tilman.

Outside of flying helicopters, you’ll find this U.S. Veteran in competitive mountain bike racing.  Having raced in approximately 40 races, Tilman has earned his way up the points ladder to the expert class last year after a strong showing in the sport class.  “I plan on racing the full Pro Gravity tour, and the National Championships. Those are my main focus so I can build up points.  Epic Rides puts on some great events and I would love to do some more of their races in the future,” Tilman added.

“I am excited that Guidance Aviation is interested in sponsoring me and possibly some other riders in the future,” Tilman said.

RELATED LINKS:

Guidance Aviation

Yavapai College
Prescott, AZ.

Epic Rides

Worldwide Flight to Promote Education Starts with Prescott, Arizona

The Think Global Flight Crew, Capt. Judy Rice and Navigator Fred Nauer, arrive in Prescott today to continue training for their flight around the world to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education. Guidance Aviation of Prescott, Arizona, has donated the Cirrus SR20 G3 for the effort.

Captain Rice, CFI, an experience educator and aviator, and Fred Nauer, CFI-I, a retired airline Captain,

Guidance Aviation's Cirrus SR20 G3

will begin some recurrent training in the Cirrus SR20 G3 at Guidance Aviation and will also be speaking with media on Thursday, April 4, 2013.

Marlin Kuykendall, Mayor of the City of Prescott shared that, “We are excited that our airport will launch Think Global flight.  This particular partnership with Guidance Aviation showcases that Prescott is on the map in Arizona and around the world.  We are looking forward to welcoming more aviation and technology business partners like Guidance Aviation to Prescott Airport.”

The Think Global Flight Crew and its Cirrus SR20 G3 are scheduled to take off in April of 2014 and fly

Think Global Flight Crew: Fred Nauer and Judy Rice

around the world, stopping at schools in numerous countries to promote S.T.E.M. education and what the promises of aviation and aerospace hold for our future pilots, aeronautical engineers, and aerospace professionals.  This effort is unique in that Think Global is leveraging the latest in aviation and web based technologies to communicate with the school kids around the globe, in real time, delivering S.T.E.M. based curricula relating to the flight.  While in flight, the crew will be contacting Student Command Centers (SCC's) via satellite phone to discuss flight planning, weather, international relations, and weight and balance requirements.  Students may also log into the website to access curricula developed by education and aviation professionals.

This April 5, 2013, the Think Global Flight Crew and the Cirrus SR20 G3 will be taking off from the Guidance Aviation ramp at the Prescott Airport to be on display at the Sun n' Fun Air show in Lakeland, Florida.

Related Links:
Think Global Flight Website:  http://www.thinkglobalflight.org
Think Global Flight Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/thinkglobalflight 
Guidance Aviation Website: http://www.guidance.aero 
Prescott, AZ. Website:  http://www.visit-prescott.com