The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators is a professional organization open to all aviation educators, including flight instructors, ground instructors, academicians, and others who have an interest in aviation education. Founded in Connecticut in early 2009, SAFE "facilitates the professional development of aviation educators seeks to create a safer aviation environment through enhanced education." SAFE is governed by a Board of Directorscomposed of nine members, all of whom are elected by the SAFE membership in a rotating three-year cycle. SAFE introduced scenario-based training into aviation in 2009 with the creation of the Pilot Proficiency Program. Using the Redbird Flight Simulator, this program challenged pilots with adventurous skill and risk-management story lines. In 2011 SAFE transformed the flight training system in the United States with the Pilot Training Reform Symposium. This meeting attracted users, partners and major FAA officials including FAA AdministratorRandy Babbitt and led to extensive changes in FAA guidance and policy. One significant outcome of this symposium was the introduction of the Airman Testing Standards in June 2016. This revolutionary change introduced the third pillar of flight safety, risk management, into the previous skill and knowledge test requirements of the Practical Test Standards. The ACS also integrated the knowledge and flight testing components into a more efficient and valid evaluation formatted into a real-life scenario structure. SAFE was also revolutionary in developing their own aviation educator insurance program to protect their members. This program, launched in collaboration with STARR insurance, provides comprehensive insurance specifically for flight instructors, including all categories and class aircraft they are rated to fly. Significant discounts are available to Master Flight Instructors and FAA Wings participants to incentivize professional development and the pursuit of excellence. SAFE has signed letters of understanding with a number of organizations, including Cessna Aircraft Company and the FAA Safety Team. SAFE is also a sponsor of the General Aviation Awards Program. The organization is proactive on issues that affect aviation educators and has partnered with others to develop a mentoring program for aviation educators. In July 2010, SAFE launched a flight instructorliability insurance program developed for its member-instructors. In November 2010, SAFE announced plans to chair the GA Pilot Training Reform Symposium.
