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Just a few weeks remain until EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018, and we’re gearing up for another exciting week of aviation innovation, history, education, aerobatics, and much more with thousands of aviation enthusiasts from around the world. As we prepare for this year’s AirVenture, we’re highlighting some of the most interesting things to see and do at this year’s event that you won’t want to miss. Today, it’s the return of the popular Pilot Proficiency Center (PPC).

The PPC is dedicated to giving pilots of all types and skill levels, including beginners, an opportunity to explore the many proficiency tools and resources available to improve aviation abilities and promote safer flying. Located at the southeast corner of the EAA Four Corners, just west of Boeing Plaza, the PPC is open Monday through Saturday during AirVenture from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A one-of-a-kind professional training environment, the PPC houses 14 Redbird LD flight simulators with over 30 scenario missions and exercises for IFR and VFR proficiency as well as a Redbird Xwind crosswind landing trainer. Pilots work with a Certified Flight Instructor who provides a comprehensive flight evaluation and debriefing to help them identify areas for improvement and recommend future training.

New this year to the PPC will be a personalized post-flight debrief with CloudAhoy flight logging and debriefing tools, an information kiosk to educate pilots on at-home and year-round proficiency training, and customized simulator scenarios to match each pilot’s experience and skill level.

The PPC will also feature daily Early Bird Tech Talks presented by Jeppesen from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to educate pilots on topics such as mastering crosswind landings, situational awareness, tailwheel tips and tricks, and charts. Best of all, the Tech Talks and simulator time are eligible for FAA WINGS pilot proficiency program credit.

If you’re headed to AirVenture this summer, take advantage of this excellent opportunity to sharpen your skills and network with other pilots at the PPC! For more information on the Pilot Proficiency Center and specific simulator scenarios and exercises, visit eaapilotproficiency.com.

The PPC is sponsored by Hartzell Propeller, Jeppesen, Redbird Flight Simulations, AOPA, CloudAhoy, Community Aviation, Mindstar Aviation, NAFI, PilotEdge, Plane & Pilot magazine, SAFE, and the University of Maine at Augusta.