Aviation demands continuous learning, regular training, and routine checkrides. Being a pilot is far from a “learn it and forget it” endeavor; it requires ongoing practice and knowledge refreshment. Skills that are left unused can atrophy, and information that isn’t reviewed can be forgotten. A pilot whose abilities peak on the day of their checkride risks becoming a liability. To stay sharp and ensure safety for themselves and their passengers, pilots must embrace continuous improvement through learning and practice. Recurrent training is a cornerstone of aviation safety, keeping pilots updated on the latest procedures, technologies, and regulations. It reinforces flying skills and helps identify and address errors before they lead to incidents. This principle holds equally true for the warbird community, where operating historic aircraft comes with unique challenges.
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) plays a vital role in this area by offering ground training for its members, typically held in late winter or early spring. Ground school, the foundation of pilot training, equips aviators with the knowledge required to operate specific CAF aircraft safely. Open to all CAF members—whether pilots or enthusiasts—these sessions ensure participants understand the complexities of vintage aircraft operations. Other flying museums across the United States also mandate annual ground school attendance for their pilots, reflecting the universal importance of recurrent training.
CAF Airbase Georgia Ground School Weekend: A Focus on Safety and Excellence
Recently, we attended the CAF Airbase Georgia Ground School Weekend, which brought together aviation professionals for a comprehensive series of presentations designed to enhance safety, proficiency, and teamwork among warbird pilots and crews. The event featured sessions led by a distinguished lineup of speakers, including retired airline and military pilots, as well as seasoned warbird operators. Retired airline pilot and CAF aviator Ken Holston opened the weekend with a session on CAF Regulations and Procedures, using real-world scenarios to reinforce compliance and safety protocols.
Clint Cottrell, a pilot and air traffic controller, followed with an insightful presentation on “ATC Insights and Mid-Air Prevention,” sharing strategies for effective communication with Air Traffic Control and collision risk mitigation, particularly in Atlanta’s congested airspace.
Pilots Jeff Clark and Robert Harris delved into the nuances of Living History Flight Experiences (LHFE), covering essential regulations, ride rules, and the importance of professionalism. Barry Hancock provided a thorough overview of airshow operations, highlighting ramp checks and demonstration rules to prepare crews for public performances. John Currenti, an airline and warbird pilot, emphasized the significance of operational control and Pilot-in-Command (PIC) authority, Casey Roszell and Rob Haley, airline and warbird pilots as well, led a session on Crew Resource Management (CRM). They underscored teamwork, situational awareness, and adaptability as critical factors for safety and success.
Holston returned to discuss decision-making strategies for abnormal situations, emphasizing proactive risk management. A collaborative roundtable featuring Currenti, retired airline mechanic and Airbase Georgia Maintenance Officer Randy Hawkins, and Chief Marshaller Tom Walsh explored ways to enhance coordination between flight crews, maintenance personnel, and marshallers. Matt Kenner addressed the ergonomic challenges of vintage aircraft, offering modern solutions to improve cockpit comfort and functionality.
The event concluded with seasoned vintage aviation and airline pilots Alan Miller and Wes Stowers discussing the balance between legal currency and practical proficiency, Mike Prendergast sharing best practices for incident reporting, and a review of past warbird accidents led by Currenti, Miller, and Richard. These final sessions provided valuable lessons on Foreign Object Debris (FOD) hazards and other safety considerations.
These presentations were followed by specialized classes focused on the aircraft operated by CAF Airbase Georgia. From Friday through Sunday, pilots participated in ground school sessions covering the PT-17 Stearman, T-6 Texan, SBD-5 Dauntless, P-51 Mustang, FG-1D Corsair, P-63 Kingcobra, and T-34 Mentor.An Unparalleled Learning Opportunity
With a speaker lineup that included airline veterans, military aviators, and retired fighter pilots, the CAF Ground School Weekend was an unparalleled opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals with decades of experience. The sessions underscored the importance of recurrent training, fostering camaraderie among participants while promoting the safe and responsible operation of historic aircraft. Through events like these, the Warbird community continues to honor its aviation heritage while ensuring that safety and excellence remain at the forefront of its mission.