Pilot Proficiency Network Launches 22nd Location in Massachusetts

The network was created to expose all pilots to IFR flying, improve their proficiency, and serve as a universal hub for aviation proficiency initiatives. [FLYING Archive]

The Pilot Proficiency Network (PPN) has announced the opening of its 22nd location at the Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD) in Norwood, Massachusetts.

The new Norwood chapter will be headed by a group of pilots with ties to the original EAA Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) Club program, started more than 10 years ago. Norwood Memorial Airport is the birthplace of the IMC Club.

“I believe the main cause of aviation accidents and fatalities in GA is the lack of proficiency.”
Radek Wyrzykowski, founder of the IMC Club and the Pilot Proficiency Network

Radek Wyrzykowski, founder of IMC Club in 2010, launched PPN in an attempt to expose all pilots to IFR flying, improve their proficiency, and serve as a universal hub for aviation proficiency initiatives.

During a meeting on Wednesday, Wyrzykowski spoke on the mission of IMC and what lies ahead.

"Wherever we find strong communities in aviation, we are also likely to find more committed and engaged pilots,” Wyrzykowski said. “There is no reason why the entire pilot population could not become just that one strong community. Unfortunately, all proficiency programs (as IMC Club) are always ending up like one page among many pages in this ‘large book,’ if you will, of other initiatives and programs, and they don't get the attention and support they deserve.

“I believe the main cause of aviation accidents and fatalities in GA is the lack of proficiency,” Wyrzykowski continued. “The intent of this organization is to be dedicated solely to aviation proficiency. We are not going to be stopping with one program or resource only. And will not be distracted by anything that does not fulfill our mission of exposing pilots to instrument flying, whether you are or are not instrument rated."

To keep a presence in the Norwood flying community, monthly PPC meetings will be held to discuss flying scenarios based on Climadrive-created weather. Climadrive captures real world weather scenarios from realistic meteorological environments. During the meetings, attendees will review the scenario based weather, complete a preflight weather briefing, and discuss safe practices during present weather, including making go no-go decisions. Another component of the program—the ClimaDrive system—captures the real-world dynamic weather situation, instead of just a static set of weather conditions, to make this decision-making more lifelike.

Ashley BarajasWriter

Based in Texas, Ashley is the former Marketing Manager at FLYING and focuses deeply on training and education. She graduated from the Baylor Institute for Air Science with a Bachelor's in Aviation Science and holds an MBA specializing in Marketing. She is an also instrument rated private pilot and licensed FAA dispatcher.