SBAviators

54 Years into 10 Minutes
2026-02-05 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | SBA Administrative Conference Room, 601 Firestone Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93117, United States
Presented by: Richard Jensen
What happens when a routine flight turns into a fight for survival?
Join us for our next SBAviators meeting to hear Richard Jensen share his firsthand account of an in-flight emergency that tested 54 years of flying experience in just 10 critical minutes.
On May 5, 2020, Richard was on a proficiency flight in his Cessna when an exhaust valve catastrophically failed, punching through the cylinder wall and destroying the piston. With limited power and altitude, he had to quickly assess his options—Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo, Oceano, the beach, or ditching—while staying calm and flying the airplane.
Richard will walk us through the moment-by-moment decisions, the emergency procedures that saved his life, and the sobering post-flight analysis showing just how close things came to going very wrong. He’ll also share key takeaways every pilot can apply to their own flying.
About the Presenter:Richard Jensen learned to fly at Long Beach Airport in 1966 at age 17 and earned his professional certifications at UCSB. His career has spanned general aviation and regional airline flying, and he currently serves as a FAAST Team member and flight instructor. Richard is an FAA Master Pilot and Gold Seal CFI.
SCHEDULE
5:00 PM: Doors Open5:30 PM: Tips & Tricks5:40 PM: Main Program Starts6:30 PM: Food and Social Begins

FAAST WINGS Credit
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3

IFR Mastery: That Slow Sinking Sensation
2026-03-05 17:00 - 19:30
Presented by: SBAviators
Join us for an engaging hangar flying session focused on building real-world aviation skills and judgment. Through realistic in-flight scenarios, we’ll facilitate lively discussions that allow pilots to share experiences and insights.
During this interactive seminar, you can expect:

Thought-provoking flight scenarios to exercise decision-making
Open dialogue with fellow pilots about handling various situations
Valuable perspectives on topics that deepen flying knowledge
Boosting confidence in routine operations
Sharpening abilities to manage abnormal circumstances

Be sure to bring your tablets or devices so you can reference charts and materials as we analyze real-world flying examples.
Don’t miss this chance to participate in a productive seminar that will expand your skills and preparedness as a pilot. Reserve your spot today!
SCHEDULE
5:00 PM: Doors Open5:30 PM: Main Program Starts6:30 PM: Food and Social Begins

FAAST WINGS Credit
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3

2026 Pilot & Controller Forum
2026-04-02 17:00 - 20:00
Presented by: SBA TRACON
Join us for our annual Q&A session with the esteemed Air Traffic Controllers of the Santa Barbara Airport. This is your chance to dive deep into the intricacies of air traffic control and understand more about what keeps our skies safe. Whether you’re a seasoned aviator or new to the aviation community, this session promises insights and knowledge for everyone.
What to Expect:

Insightful Q&A session with Santa Barbara Airport’s Air Traffic Controllers.
An opportunity to meet and network with fellow aviation enthusiasts.
Food will be served!
This seminar is an FAA Wings approved event and you’ll receive 1 Credit for your attendance.

Please mark your calendars and make plans to join us for this enlightening session. Your participation is what makes our community soar, and we look forward to seeing you there.
SCHEDULE
5:00 PM: Doors Open5:30 PM: Tips & Tricks5:40 PM: Main Program Starts6:30 PM: Food and Social Begins

FAAST WINGS Credit
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3

Ferry Flight: Australia to USA in a Cirrus SR22 — Lessons in Risk Management and Decision Making
2026-05-07 17:00 - 19:30
Presented by: Roman Lewicki & Piotr Dlugiewicz
Roman (CFI SBA) and Piotr (Imagine Flying) will share their experience ferrying a Cirrus SR22 from Gold Coast, Australia to Jacksonville, Florida — 108 flight hours, 14 legs, 4 continents, and approximately 15 countries in 18 days.
This isn’t just an adventure story. Roman and Piotr will present the trip through the lens of risk management and aeronautical decision making: What does CAPS planning look like over the open ocean? How do you manage fuel when avgas is sold from roadside petrol stations and 55-gallon drums? What happens when a weather diversion means getting stuck for weeks at an airport with no Customs?
From the Bay of Bengal (10.4 hours overwater) to the North Atlantic crossing in immersion suits, from navigating bureaucracy across three continents to the moment Starlink goes dark at a foreign border — this presentation covers everything a GA pilot wouldn’t expect about flying a stock Cirrus halfway around the world.
SCHEDULE
5:00 PM: Doors Open5:30 PM: Tips & Tricks5:40 PM: Main Program Starts6:30 PM: Food and Social Begins

FAAST WINGS Credit
1 Credit for Basic Knowledge Topic 3

VFR Mastery: Gulf Coast Gauntlet
2026-06-04 17:00 - 19:30
