Pierce courses to teach boaters, pilots

Los Angeles Pierce College Extension is offering a practical course on the rules of basic boating from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 17 through March 30 on the campus at 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills. The registration fee is $28. There’s also a $35 materials fee.

The overall theme of the class will be safe boat operation. "Basic Boating" will include boat terms and type, marine knots, basic handling, basic navigation, charts, buoys and other aids to navigation, how to use the radio and how to deal with adverse conditions and emergencies. The course, taught by Stephen Wolfe and John Chase, members of the U.S. Power Squadrons, will satisfy the state requirements and may earn participants a discount on their boat insurance.

Also being offered this winter through Pierce Extension is "Private Pilots Ground School" from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 18 through March 24, also on the Woodland Hills campus. The registration fee is $90 plus a $70 materials fee.

This course is designed to help private pilots-to-be prepare for the FAA Private Pilot written exam. The ground school is designed to provide participants with maximum exposure to the flight environment as well as satisfy the requirements for taking the FAA Private Pilot written exam.

Participants will learn the subjects essential to development as a pilot, such as weather, navigation, cross-country flight planning, airplane performance and test preparation. Teaching the course is Bruce Breslau, FAA-certified advanced ground instructor and certified flight instructor.

For additional information on either course or to register, please call (818) 719-6425.