FAQ

What is the Be A Safe Pilot Program?
The Be A Safe Pilot program is a highly structured training program designed to teach pilots the skills necessary to survive in-flight emergencies involving unplanned unusual attitudes, increase stall and spin awareness and deal with aircraft system failures including flight controls and engine.

Where is the training and practice area?
The Torgoen Academy is located at the Camarillo Airport (KCMA) located in Ventura County, CA.  All practice flights occur in the world famous Santa Paula Aerobatic practice area. Click Here for information about the practice area.

What is an "Unusual Attitude"?
Any aircraft attitude not necessary for normal flight is considered unusual.  This can involve bank angles exceeding 45 degrees and pitch angles that exceed 20 degrees above or below the horizon.  Finding yourself suddenly inverted by wake turbulence from a passing jet is DEFINITELY an unusual attitude!

Do I need any prior aerobatic experience?
No.

Is the program available to non pilots?

This training is specifically designed to make pilots safer.  If you are not a pilot and just want to go on an aerobatic flight call the academy and we can schedule a demo flight for you.

Does the Program have regularly scheduled class dates?
Training is scheduled on an individual basis year-round at the Torgoen Academy, Camarillo Airport (KCMA), Ventura County, California.

What airplane(s) do we train in?
Training is conducted in a Pitts S2-B -- a two seat, aerobatic-capable certified aircraft, or your own airplane provided it is capable of the prescribed maneuvers.

How long does it take to complete the training?
It depends upon how much of the program you wish to complete.  The core program is divided into three stand-alone Modules -- Stall/Spin Awareness, In-Flight Emergencies, Basic Aerobatics. Each Module includes three hours of ground instruction and three hours of flight instruction, spread over four separate Lessons. As a result, each Lesson consists of about 60 minutes on the ground and 60 minutes in the air. If you schedule two Lessons per day (the maximum recommended for most), you can complete each Module in two days. Therefore, plan on a minimum of two days for Module I; four days for Modules I & II together; six days to complete all three Modules.

Can the Program be stretched out over several weeks, or even weekends?
Yes it can. But to avoid the possibility of large gaps between your lessons, be sure to reserve all the flights needed for a Module when you call to set up your schedule.

Can I get a spin endorsement as part of the training?
Completing Module I more than satisfies the intent of the spin endorsement required of Flight Instructor Applicants. Instead of a meager one or two spins, you'll perform on the order of 20-25 spin entries and recoveries in this Module alone!

What does the Program cost?
$345 per lesson/$690 per module

What about  books and videos?
The Emergency Maneuver Training manual written by Rich Stowell (ISBN: 1879425920) is highly recommended as background reading.   Videos are available for free viewing on the Torgoen Academy's website here:  www.torgoenacademy.com/videos.htm

How far in advance do I need to schedule?
Training is offered on a first come, first served basis. To assure a consistent training schedule, book as far ahead as you can.

What's the best way to proceed with scheduling?
Call the Torgoen Academy at 661-554-7194.

Will I get airsick?
A common question; however, the reality is that very few pilots actually get airsick. Most pilots are usually just fine physiologically. In any event, we'll train at your pace -- you call the shots in terms of how far to go on each flight. If you have a particularly sensitive stomach, consider the following: eat in moderation before flying, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and look into one of the various "relief" products on the market (patch, wrist band, etc.). Ginger also seems to have a calming effect (sipping ginger ale or nibbling on raw ginger before and after flying often helps).