Michigan FAASTeam Hosts 2023 Michigan Aviation Safety Forum

Part of the event was focused on a recurrent seminar for inspection-authorized mechanics, while another room focused on topics in a pilot track. One session brought the two together, “A&P/Pilot Communications, Regulations and Responsibilities,” to discuss how pilots and mechanics can work together to ensure safe and airworthy aircraft.

Pilots engaged on topics including discussions of local “ATC Hot Topics” from Detroit Approach controller supervisor Tim Caruso, “CFI Hot Topics” and “Non-towered airport operations” by longtime designated pilot examiner Jason Blair, a discussion of “Managing Medical Matters and Aeromedical Updates” from AME Dr. Dana Bush, “National Weather Service Aviation Products” by Kevin Kacen, a meteorologist at National Weather Service, and a special remote presentation from longtime mountain flying expert Bill Dunn from Denver.

Over lunch, the Michigan FAASTeam presented awards, including the Michigan CFI of the Year to Amanda Roggow, a CFI who works with the University of Michigan Flyers in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A Michigan FAASTeam Member of the Year award was presented to FLYING contributor Jason Blair. And an Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year award was presented to Marty King from King Aero Aviation Services in Elkhart, Indiana. These individuals were identified to represent the State of Michigan through their nominations as a part of the General Aviation Awards Program, a cooperative effort between the FAA and aviation industry sponsors to annually recognize outstanding individuals in the fields of avionics, flight instruction, and maintenance.

Michigan was clearly proud of the work of the FAA staff and many volunteers who continue to dedicate themselves to these events. “The work that the FAA Safety Team in Michigan put into continuing education and spreading safety awareness in the aviation maintenance and pilot community is critical to continuing and enhancing safety in this region,” said Blair.