PENN TWP — “Once a pilot, always a pilot.” Those were speaker Dale Robinson's words at Saturday's Rusty Pilots seminar at the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport. It also was his sentiment for the session, which was primarily attended by former pilots who wanted to brush up on piloting skills to get back into the air.

Robinson, an ambassador for Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, educated about 60 people from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia on pilot safety and techniques.

“Everybody holds onto a passion and a dream to fly that they start with, and this is an opportunity to reactivate their skills,” Robinson said.

Once a pilot has a license, that license is good for life, Robinson said. However, biannual flight reviews in the form of two hours each in the air and in an informational setting are required.

Saturday's session covered the informational setting for all interested in flying. A medical examination every two years also is required.

Robinson educated the public on everything from weather safety, to air restrictions, to providing runway and airplane information.

He said that stick and rutters skills “come back really quick,” and stressed the importance of understanding air spaces.

“You don't fly into temporary air restrictions,” Robinson said.

Robinson noted that pilots should check weather conditions before flying by calling 800-wx-brief or by going online.

He also recommended that pilots check the AOPA's website to see what medications they are allowed to take and still fly an aircraft. He also urged them not to stop taking medications that they can take while flying an aircraft.

“Check it and make sure because it might be something that you need that can save your life,” he said.

Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport board member Andy Allen was glad to have the seminar at the airport.

“(People are) interested in getting back in and this is a great avenue for getting associated with (flying) again,” he said.

Allen said because of the high turnout, the airport may hold the seminar again.

The seminar was well-received by many who attended.

Jack McCarthy of Cranberry Township was there and was eager to get back into the air after two years off because of a medical condition. He was glad to be in an educational setting among his peers.

“When you talk to other pilots and instructors you'll be surprised at what you remember,” he said. “Just pilot insight and things you forget as time passes.”

McCarthy, a recreational pilot, also described why he loved to fly planes, calling the experience “euphoria.”

“(You're) kind of away from all the problems in life when you're up there,” he said.

Lloyd Eagal of Center Township also attended and shared his sentiment.

“When you get on the runway and lift off it's the greatest high you'll ever have,” he said.

Eagal and his friend, Daniel Gray of Meridian, are new to flying. They were happy to learn about weather-related facts and issues.

Scott Mullins of Sewickley, Allegheny County, is another recreational pilot. He hasn't flown in four years and returned because he missed being a pilot. He said he learned about the new electronic and weather capabilities.

“It's good to get up to date on the new regulations, too,” he said. “That's a primary reason I wanted to do this.”

Diana Wulff of Center Township also pilots for fun. She hasn't flown in five years but wants to get back into the pilot's seat.

“Everything's basically the same as it was before,” she said. “It's a pretty simple program. It's just picking it back up.”