It is an educational
resource and software development and training consultant group
formed in 1980 by H.C. Ward. His first product was a mathematics
education computer program titled, Basic Math Skill Series.
It provides students with practice on math skills found in 1st through
8th grade. He has worked independently since 1980 developing and
selling mathematics education, and aviation education products,
conducting computer applications workshops, and serving as a technology
consultant to educators and businesses. He sells his products to
wholesale and retail customers through North America.
Who is H. C. Ward?
 Hugh
C. Ward Jr. (H.C. Ward) was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He
received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate from
the University of Florida. He has been an educator for over thirty
years and he has taught a wide variety of subjects ranging from
mathematics, astronomy, computer programming and applications to
American History and reading. Hugh has also taught at a wide range
of education institutions ranging from middle schools through graduate
schools. He has held a variety of positions in education including
teacher, media specialist, project facilitator, college professor,
and educational consultant. He formed an educational resource and
software development and training consultant group in 1980. He has
worked independently since that time developing mathematics education,
and aviation education products, conducting computer applications
workshops, and serving as a technology consultant to educators and
businesses.
Currently, Hugh
lives in DeLand, Florida with his family. He enjoys star gazing,
golf, some traveling, and of course flying.
Why did you create the VFR Communications Kit ?
A number of
years ago, I resumed my lifelong desire to secure my private pilot
license. One Saturday morning, I was on my second trip to a busy
Class C controlled airport. My flight instructor said, before the
flight, "Now you got to do all the talking. Are you ready?"
Not really understanding
the implications of his question, I said, "Sure." I thought,
"Hey, I have given hundreds of talks to students, business
groups, and fellow educators for over twenty five years. So what
is the big deal!"
I wasn't ready.
The first time I called ATC, I gave my position and request information
in a normal talking manner. I thought the Air Traffic Controller
would do the same. It didn't happen that way! He immediately and
quickly gave me about five pieces of information and then uttered
the feared term, "Give me a read back."
I was startled
and a bit confused. I said to the Controller, "Which one of
those items do you want me to say back, because you surely don't
expect me to say them ALL back." My flight instructor immediately
grabbed his mic and said, "Tower, I'll take care of this."
The tower said
to him, "Do so, because he does not belong in this airspace
yet."
After I landed
back at my quiet and uncontrolled airport, my flight instructor
said, "Don't let what happened get to you, your communications
will get better."
I wondered how.
The idea for
the VFR Communications Kit was born that day.
To avoid my
experience, use whatever number of templates you need for every
VFR flight. Fill them out in advance, as much as possible, so if
ATC gives YOU 5 pieces of information, you just write them in the
correct blank spaces and YOU can immediately say them back with
no problem at all.
What a relief!
Why
do all the aviation products seem to be about assisting a pilot’s
memory?
 As
the cartoon implies, a competent pilot depends, to very large measure,
upon remembering a multitude of facts, processes, and protocols
about how to physically and mentally operate an airplane, traverse
the airspace he or she is in, and be prepared for the unexpected.
In short, a
successful pilot is a knowledgeable and prepared pilot. H. C. Ward
Co. will continue to develop new aviation related "memory"
products, and continue to improve our current selection.
|
