Story ID: 
Piper M-Class Org Seeks To Elevate Training
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Training program rolled out during PMOPA's annual convention
Word Count: 225
The Piper M-Class Owners & Pilots Association (PMOPA) rolled out two safety initiatives to bolster training of its members during its annual convention and fly-in, held November 1 to 3 in Austin, Texas. Featuring an exhibit hall and 29 educational sessions, the convention drew more than 300 attendees and 65 owner-flown aircraft.
Safety initiatives unveiled included the M-Class Elevate training program and M-Class Standardized Instructor Pilot (MSIP) program. M-Class Elevate was designed to provide owners and pilots with consistent, quality training to reduce accidents, while the corresponding MSIP program recognizes certified flight instructors (CFIs) with experience in Piper M-Class training and who are committed to the Elevate program, PMOPA said. The inaugural MSIP class counts 23 participating CFIs.
“M-Class Elevate was created by leading M-Class flight instructors, with guidance from external training experts from other owner-pilot associations, to provide a comprehensive curriculum based on best practices in owner-flown aircraft training to help pilots become safer and more proficient,” said PMOPA CEO Mike Nichols.
The program focuses on risk management and decision-making, aeronautical knowledge and systems, avionics and panel instruments, and flight procedures and training. Pilots receive the basic curriculum through initial training and undergo recurrent training to delve deeper into specific content areas.
PMOPA’s next convention will be held Sept. 11 to 14, 2025, at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.