Q: What are the system requirements to participate in a webinar?
A: Bright Spot Inc. subscribes to a commercial webinar service provider and has no control over the system requirements. Our experience has shown that most "standard" computer systems will work as long as high speed Internet service is available. Marginal Internet connections may produce some breaks in the audio stream and other minor interruptions. Very high settings on virus protection or firewalls sometimes interfere with the ability to connect to the service. The system is supposed to work with Mac computers and generally does. However, 98% of the difficulties reported to us involve Mac computers.

There are also aps available for viewing the system on the Ipad or some Android devices. However, the aps do not allow participation in the short quiz type questions referred to as polls. The FAA does not allow Wings credit to be issued if participation in the polls is not recorded.

For a detailed listing of the system requirements provided by the webinar service in a new window, click here.

Q: Can I check my system and connections prior to the event?
Yes. Citrix Corporation, the company that provides the GoToWebinar service, provides a link to check your connection in real-time. If you cannot connect, there is help available to solve the problem. Click here to visit that page.

Q: Do I need a microphone and speakers?
A: Speakers or a headset are required to hear the audio which is a critical part of the presentation. A microphone or microphone/headset combination is necessary only if you would like to participate in discussions.

Q: Will I have an opportunity to participate in discussions?
A: The system makes it possible for any attendee with a microphone to participate. All attendees can hear comments from any other attendee. However, many webinars draw a very large number of attendees, sometimes upward of 500. Just as in an auditorium setting, a seminar with many attendees makes it impossible for everyone to have an opportunity to be recognized.

Q: Are the webinars recorded for later viewing?
A: No. The webinars are conducted just like other live aviation safety seminars and are not available for later viewing.

Q: Why is there no registration on FAASafety.gov? (For events valid for FAA Wings credit)
A: The webinar method of seminar delivery is new to the FAA so there is not yet any integration of the two systems. We hope to have a more streamlined system in the future.

Q: How do I get Wings credit for webinar attendance? (For events valid for FAA Wings credit)
A: Wings credit is usually issued within 48 hours after the webinar has ended. Email addresses of those meeting minimum attendance requirements are uploaded to the FAA's server. If you did not register for the event with your FAASafety.gov registration email, you will have an opportunity to enter that address in an evaluation form after the event.

Q: Can others who view the webinar with me also receive Wings credit? (For events valid for FAA Wings credit)
A: Yes. The evaluation form after the event will provide an opportunity to enter the FAASafety.gov registration email addresses for others who attend with you. Be sure to have the FAASafety.gov registration email addresses or credit cannot be awarded.

Q: How was the time for the event chosen?
A: The events are targeted at specific regions of the country. The times are chosen to be convenient for people living in those regions. Of course, the events are open to anyone, regardless of their location. Please convert the advertised time to your local time.

Q: What if I register and then cannot attend?
A: That's not a problem. It is not necessary to cancel your registration. However, the pilot certificates of those who "no-show" will be promptly suspended. (Just kidding!)

Q: Is this really a live event?
A: Yes. The presenter is conducting the presentation in real time. However, this is not a live seminar simply being broadcast. You will see the slides and not the presenter. (We hear he's not very pleasant to look at anyway.)

Q: How do I log on?
A: You will receive a confirmation email that contains a unique log-on link. A few minutes before the time of the event, simply click the link or copy it and paste it into your browser. The unique log-on link identifies you so that you can receive your Wings credit.

Q: Will I receive reminders?
A: Yes. Email reminders will automatically be sent one week, one day, and one hour prior to the event start time. (This is our best effort to remind those who need to be reminded and to annoy those who don't.) Each reminder will also include your unique log-on link.