Larry Bothe

SAFE #: S0000022

Hometown: Seymour IN, United States

Home Airport: KSER

Occupation: Independent flight instructor (retired from plastics industry)

Education: Lehigh University, BS, Bus. Admin.

Pilot Certificates: Commercial, Instrument, CFI, CFII, ASEL. ASES, AMEL, Glider, Rotocraft-Helicopter, (CFI in ASEL only), Adv & IFR Grnd Instr, Gold Seal, Master CFI

Airplanes Flying/Flown: 1/3 owner of 1961 Champ 7EC

Educational Specialty: Pvt, Flt Rvws, Insurance checkouts

Q & A

What drew you to aviation?: During my senior year in college (1964) the Air Force paid for my roommate to get his Private certificate. We scraped together the money to rent a plane and go flying a couple times before we graduated. I was hooked.

How long have you been involved in aviation education?: More than 45 years.

What's your favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: Encountering either a very adept student that I get to instruct

What's your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: The rare instance when I have to tell somebody they don't have what it takes to become a safe pilot. And in general, flying with pilots who don't know how to use the rudder.

Do you have a memorable aviation experience you'd like to share?: Finally getting to fly a Stearman a few years ago was a great thrill! I was able to get it on the ground, unassisted, the 3rd try. Flying a Level D, full-motion Cessna 525 simulator at SimCom in 2012. (I have no other jet time.) Standing on Sunset Beach at St. Maartens, beer in hand, and having an A-320 land over me was, well, unique.

Why did you join SAFE?: Because I didn't like the direction of another professional organization to which I belong. SAFE can and will do better. They already are.

What would you like to see change in aviation?: The FAA could make life easier for DPE's. I know because I was one for 15 years, up until 2/1/18. They need to "fix" the learning statement code integration with the ACS, as they promised they would do. But it's been nearly 2 years and they haven't even let the contract yet.

Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished?: FAA officials tell me they can't do just the learning statement codes; the whole knowledge test management system has to be rewritten. That's going to take years. But I maintain that as an interim step they could publish an interchange list, that says that if an applicant missed a question PLT-XXX, then consider quizzing them on ACS knowledge or risk item XX.XX.XX.XX.

Any accomplishments in, or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you'd like to mention?: Being appointed to be an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner in 2002 is my greatest aviation accomplishment. It's pretty amazing since I have no experience as a corporate, charter or airline pilot. ….. I was a bit surprised when I was elected to the SAFE Board of Directors; I'm not very well known nationally. ….. Becoming a forum presenter at AirVenture in 2009, and being invited back again each year, is a great honor.

Who are your role models in aviation?: Bob Hoover, always the gentleman.

Anything else you'd like to add?: All of us should give something back to aviation. Give talks locally. Help reporters. Volunteer at AirVenture. Do Young Eagles rides.