Program Schedule

Registration

Hotels

FBO

Ground Transportation

Pensacola Activities & Dining

Sponsorship Opportunities

1:00pm-4:00pm

Docent-Led Tour: National Naval Aviation Museum (optional experience)

PMOPA members are encouraged to come a day early to Pensacola to tour the fascinating and inspiring National Naval Aviation Museum. Our group’s tour will kick off at 1:00pm sharp and will take approximately 90 minutes. Our docent will focus on some of the museum’s highlights. Participants will have 90 minutes after the tour to explore the rest of the museum’s artifacts, or to experience the state-of-the-art MaxFlight 360 simulator. Under your control, these fully interactive 360 degree pitch and roll technology, high definition simulators are capable of air-to-air combat and stunt flying. While there is no charge to enter the Museum or for our group’s tour, tickets are required for the simulator and are available at the museum or on-line in advance.

Please review and comply with the National Naval Aviation Museum's Security Requirements.

Directions to the National Naval Aviation Museum.

Promptly at 8:45am

Arrivals & Registration

We are fortunate to be able to hold our Regional Event in the National Naval Aviation Museum. The Museum's opening time is 9:00am. Since we have a full day planned, at 8:45am we will meet under the F-14 Tomcat (the aircraft on the pylon), directly in front of the Museum's entrance, then head inside at 9:00am when the Museum opens to the public.

9:00am-9:15am

Welcome & Introductions

Presenter: Monty Chicola

9:15am-10:00am

Born to Fly: Pensacola’s Aviation Legacy

Captain Sterling Gilliam, USN (Ret), Director, National Naval Aviation Museum

Known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” Pensacola has inspired generations of aviators and continues to represent the very best of flying tradition, innovation, and excellence. In this uplifting session, we’ll explore the city’s rich aviation heritage and the enduring spirit that connects military aviators and general aviation pilots alike. From the earliest flight training programs to the iconic Blue Angels, Pensacola’s story reminds us why we fly — for the challenge, the mastery, and the sheer joy of taking to the skies.

10:00am-10:30am

Flying with a Purpose

Facilitator: Monty Chicola

Flying with a Purpose is a facilitated discussion exploring the many ways PA-46 pilots use their aircraft and skills to serve others, from flying veterans and patients to medical care, supporting animal rescue and humanitarian relief, or helping families in crisis. Attendees will be invited to share personal stories, lessons learned, and practical insights from charitable flights, while learning how others can get involved responsibly and safely. Beyond the mission itself, charitable flying offers meaningful opportunities to build real-world proficiency in planning, decision-making, and flight operations, reinforcing the skills that make PA-46 pilots safer and more capable every time they fly.

10:30am-11:00am

Morning Break

11:00am-12:00noon

Flight 360°: Human Factors and Managing Risk Before, During, and After Flight

Presenter: Tom Rau, MSIP Platinum CFI

Risk management begins before the engine starts and continues after the wheels touch down. In this interactive session, you’ll explore how human factors affect every phase of flight — pre-flight planning, in-flight decisions, and post-flight reflection. You’ll learn strategies to recognize risks, make smarter decisions under pressure, and enhance situational awareness, giving you practical tools to fly safer and more proficiently in your PA-46.

12:00noon-1:00pm

Lunch

12:45pm-1:30pm

Flight 360°: Human Factors and Managing Risk Before, During, and After Flight (Part 2)

Presenter: Tom Rau, MSIP Platinum CFI

Continuing from Part 1, this session explores real-world case studies and FAA enforcement examples, showing how human factors and risk management intersect with safety and compliance. You’ll gain practical strategies to strengthen judgment and minimize risk on every flight.

1:30pm-2:30pm

Flight Data Monitoring: Looking in the Mirror to Fly It Right

Moderator: Kimberly Coryat, PMOPA Safety Committee Chair
Panelists: Ryan Oltman, Dan Torgeson, Ed Trautman

The best pilots are always learning, and post-flight analysis is one of the most powerful tools for improvement. In this moderated panel, experienced PA-46 pilots share how they consistently review their flights to identify areas for refinement and enhance future performance. Using tools like CloudAhoy and FlySto, they’ll demonstrate practical methods for analyzing flight data, discuss common lessons learned, and offer personal best practices that you can apply to your own flying. You’ll leave this session with actionable insights to help you “fly it right” every time.

2:30pm-2:45pm

Afternoon Break

2:45pm-3:30pm

Making the Go No-Go Decision

Moderator: Bill Archer, MSIP Platinum CFI

Every pilot faces the critical question: should I fly today, or not? In this moderated panel, experienced PA-46 owner-pilots share how they approach flight planning, establish personal minimums, and communicate with passengers when making the go/no-go decision. They’ll discuss real-world scenarios, including when to divert or execute a go-around if conditions aren’t right for the intended destination. You’ll gain practical strategies to make safer, more confident decisions before and during every flight.

3:30pm-3:45pm

Closing Comments

Courtyard by Marriott Pensacola Downtown
700 E Chase Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 439-3330

Hilton Garden Inn Pensacola Downtown
8 S 9th Avenue
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: (850) 438-7900

Lily Hall - A Boutique Hotel
415 N Alcaniz Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: (850) 304-7944