After seeing a decline in the pilot populations AOPA decided to research why only 20% of those in flight training complete the program. AOPA hired APCO Insight to conduct the research that surveyed 1,000 people who had taken flight training that included flight instructors, pilots, student pilots and lapsed student pilots.

Prior to the study most believed that time and cost were the biggest factors for students dropping out of flight training. However, the study unveiled that educational quality was actually the biggest reason. Another was that the students wanted a “sense of community” with more encouragement and support.

Are you a flight instructor or a flight school operator? What do you think of the research? Will it change the way you teach or organize the programs? What would you have changed about your own experience during flight school?

You can find out more about the study on the AOPA’s website.

Tomorrow, November 11 is Veterans Day. Each year the Veterans Day National Ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery to honor and thank everyone who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Remember to take a few moments out of your day to honor those that have served and are serving for everything they have done.

You can also find local sites that are holding Veterans Day ceremonies on the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ website.

History of Veterans Day

In November of 1919, President Wilson declared November 11 the first commemoration of Armistice Day and honor the veterans of World War I. On May 13, 1938 an Act was pass to dedicate the 11th of November each year to the cause of world peace and be named Armistice Day. In 1954 legislation approved November 11th as a day to honor American veterans of all wars. On October 8, 1954 President Eisenhower issue a Veterans Day Proclamation.

“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”

Click here to learn more about the history of Veterans Day.

How are you celebrating Veterans Day?

Here are a few ideas for how to make use of the AIRHAWK year-round.

1) Bleacher cushion

The winter months are prime seasons for several sports. Whether you’re watching football, hockey, basketball, wrestling, or figure skating the AIRHAWK makes those bleachers bearable to sit on. The added bonus is that if you’re outside it helps to keep your bum protected from those freezing metal seats.

2) Office cushion

Instead of throwing your AIRHAWK in the saddle bag, carry it into the office. It adds comfort to those office seats after 8 hours of sitting each day.

3) Snowmobile cushion

AIRHAWKs aren’t just for the two-wheeled vehicles; test out the two-tracked machines. Take it with you on the snowmobile whether you’re working or just out having fun.

4) Wagon/Sleigh cushion

One of my favorite things each year was our sleigh rides with the whole family. Maybe that’s not a tradition for you, but the cushion is always a bonus when sitting on a cold sled.

5) Travel cushion

The winter months usually include a lot of traveling to visit family for the holidays. Whether you’re driving or flying, take the cushion with you for the trip. The cushion can easily be deflated and stored for light packing.

6) Dining Room Chair Cushion

Don’t be afraid to use the AIRHAWK for some added comfort while you’re eating one of those holiday feasts. While playing a round of Texas Hold’em you can focus on your poker face instead of your sore bum.

7) Ice fishing cushion

If you’re an ice fisher, you know that it means you’ll be doing a lot of sitting. Why not bring the AIRHAWK along?

 8) Deer Stand Cushion

Deer hunting is long hours of sitting and waiting. Give your bum some comfort to prevent the squirming that might spook the deer.

9) Garage Stool Cushion

Pull out the AIRHAWK while you’re working in the garage or assembling the Christmas toys for the kids.

10) Cushion while sitting on the floor wrapping gifts

Why not sit in comfort while you’re wrapping presents? The cushion can be used on almost anything you can sit on, even the floor.

What other ways do you use your AIRHAWK during the winter months?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the deep veins rather than superficial ones. Blood clots can form in your veins when you are inactive for a long period of time – such as during long flights.

Of course, when you’re the one flying the plane, you don’t think of yourself as being inactive. Your mind and much of your body are very active, but your rear end certainly is not! And that’s where the problems begin.

Passengers on airplanes are encouraged to get up and walk the aisles once in a while to keep the blood flowing. Pilots, especially on small planes, just don’t have that luxury. So, as a pilot, you have to find ways to improve blood flow to the legs while strapped in.

Using an AIRHAWK cushion every time you fly is one good defense against DVT because it was specifically developed to maximize blood flow while seated. The AIRHAWK is made of the same material and uses the same engineering as the ROHO cushion that has been used on wheelchairs for decades. The ROHO is the most trusted cushion in the medical community for people who are at the highest risk for pressure sores. Pressure sores are caused by inadequate blood flow over time.

The AIRHAWK, like the ROHO, is built for the extreme. The ROHO was made for people who sit 12+ hours a day, and the AIRHAWK for pilots who may sit up to 8 hours in any given day, who are also getting the bumps of turbulence and the vibrations of the engines. Sitting on an AIRHAWK is the closest thing to sitting on air.

If you ever notice after a flight that one of your legs is swollen, looks a little red or feels warm, this could be the first sign of DVT. Or, you may feel some pain in your calf or thigh when you touch it or stand. Be sure to see your doctor right away, as DVT can be life-threatening.

We think every flight should be a joy, whether short or long, and there’s just no reason not to fly in comfort.