Green River College Aviation Technology

Welcome to Aviation Acronyms of the Week — dropping every Wednesday (After a brief hiatus) 🛩️

This week’s topic: Landing Flows

This week we’re adding one of the most widely used before-landing flows to our toolbox: GUMPS. This quick check helps ensure the aircraft is configured correctly before landing and can help prevent common landing errors.

Gas: Check the proper fuel tank is selected, fuel quantity is sufficient, and the fuel pump is on if required.

Undercarriage: Verify the landing gear is down and locked (or confirm fixed gear as applicable).

Mixture: Set the mixture appropriately for landing, typically full rich unless operating at high-density altitude.

Power: Ensure that your power is set to a standard rpm to allow for more finite adjustments on final.

Seatbelts & Switches: Ensure seatbelts are secure and confirm required switches, such as landing light, fuel pump, and pitot heat (if needed), are in the correct position for landing.

Feel free to comment below any acronyms you’d like to see in the future! 👇

Welcome to Aviation Acronyms of the Week — dropping every Wednesday🛩️

This week’s topic: Additional CFI Responsibilities

This week we’re going to add to our toolbox the acronym PEEP PASS. This acronym covers the additional flight instructor responsibilities listed in the Aviation Instructor Handbook, chapter 8 section 5.

Pilot Supervision
Evaluation of Student’s Pilot Ability
Endorsements. These are standard endorsements such as the ones for written tests listed in AC 61.67K.
Practical Test Recommendation
Pilot Proficiency
Additional Training and Endorsements: These are endorsements such as tailwheel, high performance, high altitude, etc.
See and Avoid Responsibility
Student Pre-Solo Thought Process: The CFI is responsible for developing and testing a student’s thought process before they solo.

Feel free to comment below any acronyms you’d like to see in the future! 👇

Congratulations Gators!

Today we celebrate our newest graduates and future aviation professionals! ✈️

From day one to graduation day, our Gators have shown dedication, perseverance, and a passion for aviation. We couldn't be prouder of everything they've accomplished!

If you have any pictures from today that you would like to share, dm us or tag us!





College

Welcome to Aviation Acronyms of the Week — dropping every Wednesday🛩️

This week’s topic: Mandatory IFR Reports

This week we’re going to add to our toolbox the acronym MARVELOUSVFRC500. This acronym covers the requirements in 91.183 and AIM 5-3-3 for IFR reporting points.

Missed Approach (AIM 5-3-3)
Airspeed +/- 10kts or 5% change of filed TAS (AIM 5-3-3)
Reaching a holding fix (AIM 5-3-3)
VFR on top (AIM 5-3-3)
ETA change +/- 2 minutes
Leaving a holding fix (AIM 5-3-3)
Outer marker (AIM 5-3-3)
Unforecasted weather (91.183)
Safety of flight issue (91.183)
Vacating an assigned altitude (AIM 5-3-3)
Final approach fix in non-radar (AIM 5-3-3)
Radio/Navigation equipment failure (AIM 5-3-3)
Compulsory reporting point (91.183)
Cannot maintain a 500 foot per minute climb/descent rate (AIM 5-3-3)

Feel free to comment below any acronyms you’d like to see in the future! 👇

✈️ Moses Lake Airshow photo dump!!

We had a great time representing our school, meeting future students, and enjoying an incredible weekend of aviation. Thanks to all the performers who put on a show and everyone who took the time to stop by our booth!

Welcome to Aviation Acronyms of the Week — dropping every Wednesday🛩️

This week’s topic: Hazardous Attitudes

This week we’re going to add to our toolbox the acronym ARMII. This acronym covers all our hazardous attitudes listed in PHAK 2-5. Everyone has at least one of these attitudes, and it’s important to identify what yours are, and seek to mitigate it. You can find several self-assessments online that you can take to identify yours. Keep in mind that your hazardous attitude can change throughout the course of your life.

Anti-Authority: “Don’t tell me what to do.” Antidote -> Follow the rules. They are usually right.
Resignation: “What’s the use.” Antidote -> I’m not helpless. I can make a difference.
Macho: “I can do it.” Antidote -> Taking chances is foolish.
Invulnerability: “It won’t happen to me.” Antidote -> It could happen to me.
Impulsivity: “Do it quickly.” Antidote -> Not so fast. Think first.

Feel free to comment below any acronyms you’d like to see in the future! 👇

Congratulations to Hongli on passing his FAA Dispatcher exam!

Hongli is one of our international exchange students from the CAFUC in China! Growing up, Hongli was amazed by the interworking of the aviation industry, particularly the air traffic control and dispatch elements. He enjoyed the behind-the-scenes aspect of both roles, where he could contribute to the industry in a way that ensures safe travel for both people and passengers. After enrolling into the CAFUC, he was given the opportunity to participate in their exchange program with Green River College, and came over to learn about air traffic control and to become a dispatcher.

We asked Hongli a couple of questions about his experiences:
How did GRC help prepare you for your examination?
“The courses taught by the five top professors in the aviation field can be said to have laid the foundation. Professor George's course laid the foundation for my ability to operate ETOPS and my understanding of the airline and FAA regulatory systems. The courses taught by Tad and Frank laid the foundation for my understanding of the American airspace and instrument flying, and were also a crucial part of flight plan preparation. Professor Jamie helped me solidify my knowledge of being a pilot. As a dispatcher, you need to understand what the pilots are thinking, right? Professor Sharon, a truly renowned expert in ATC. After all, dispatching and ATC are one and the same.”

What is some advice that you would give to dispatch students?
1. Endure boredom
2. Pay attention to details
3. With reverence in heart
4. Maintain a state of physical and mental well-being
5. Pay attention to protecting your hair

What are your aviation goals?
1. Join the airline and realize the childhood dream.
2. Become a ground controller
3. Helping humanity achieve advancements in aerospace technology (a bit too esoteric) It is also unlikely.
4. Making money (this is actually quite important)
5. For the belief in one's heart and the commitment to aviation

This achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication. We're proud to have been part of his journey and wish him continued success as he takes the next step in his career! ✈️

Welcome to Aviation Acronyms of the Week — dropping every Wednesday🛩️

This week’s topic: Passenger Briefings
This week we’re going to add to our toolbox the acronym SAFETY. This covers the items that you should brief your passengers on before the flight. Most CFIs will have you practice this before some of your flights, but it is important to regularly practice your briefing before your checkride. I know several people who have failed their checkride in the run-up area because they failed to brief the DPE. Do not be like those people 😊.

Seatbelts: Ensure that your passengers are briefed on seatbelt usage according to 91.107.
Air Vents: Also interchangeable with “Actions in case of passenger discomfort.” Brief heaters, vents, barf bag, and any other discomfort items.
Fire Extinguisher: Explain where it is, how to use it, and that you will probably need to ventilate the cabin afterwards. Bonus points on the checkride if you know what kind of extinguisher it is and how the chemical agent works.
Exits & Emergency Procedures: Go over how to open the doors, and how to evacuate at groundspeed zero. Let them practice opening the door so that there is no confusion. Brief order of exit based on seating as well, especially in aircraft with only one door.
Talking & Traffic: Explain sterile cockpit rules and have them know when to shut up. Go over how to scan for traffic and tell them to be your second set of eyes.
Your Questions: Ask them if they have any questions, and clarify anything that they may be fuzzy on.

Feel free to comment below any acronyms you’d like to see in the future! 👇

Congratulations to former Gator Jane McLaughlin on successfully passing the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy!

Jane grew up the daughter and granddaughter of pilots, and when she was 15, she knew that she wanted a career in aviation. In August of last year, Jane earned her private pilot certificate while on our management track. After touring Seattle Tower and Seattle Center, she decided that she wanted to switch tracks and become an Air Traffic Controller. After graduating from GRC, she went to the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and after she successfully completed their program, she will now go to her facility, Twin Falls, to get on-the-job experience while working to become a certified controller.

We asked Jane about her experience:

How did GRC prepare you for the FAA Academy?
“I would say almost every aviation class I have taken at Green River played some sort of role in the prior knowledge I had going into the academy. Basics is the first five weeks of the academy, and it's almost exactly like private pilot and instrument ground school. You learn a lot of familiar subjects like weather, airspace, IFR procedures, aircraft instruments, aerodynamics, etc.”
“The tower labs at Green River are pretty similar to the ones at the academy. The airport layout is completely the same. The academy graphics are a little more detailed, but it doesn't really make a difference. The academy's technology is definitely more advanced.”

Advice to students:
“To people with prior aviation experience, and CTI students, be confident and humble. You know so much already, a lot of it will feel like a review and that's great, but you have to remember most people are learning this for the very first time. Being a know it all doesn't get you anywhere or make you any better of a student there. And to everyone, study your behind off. It is not the place to slack off and it is very hard to catch up if you fall behind. Absolutely take brain breaks.”

This incredible achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication. We're proud to have been part of her journey and wish her continued success as she takes the next step in her ATC career! ✈️

Today we welcomed students from the Cascadia Technical Academy. They drove all the way up from Vancouver Washington to see out Auburn Center facilities and chat with some of our faculty and current students. Cascadia Tech is one of our high school partners. Students can earn GRC credits through them, allowing students to get a leg-up when moving on to higher education. Additionally, those taking our pilot courses in Vancouver can start their flight training with our partner school, Aero Maintenance Flight Center, and start working towards becoming r-ATP eligible sooner!