IFR Fix: Pattern B
One idea that emerges fairly clearly about instrument pilots is that the prospect of flying a real-world circling approach triggers considerable avoidance. Give pilots a plausible alternative, and circle-to-land loses. Photo credit: FAA Instrument Flying Handbook Read more >>
LightSquared files for bankruptcy
LightSquared filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 on May 14. The wireless network based on mobile-satellite technology that was found to overpower GPS navigation signals made the filing two weeks after it negotiated an extension for making a payment on its debt.
Bombardier, Cessna announce new jets
Analyst Richard Aboulafia described the jet market as “an absence of pessimism,” and that, given the past four years, is seen as an improvement. In this environment, two manufacturers have launched three new models.
‘Naked’ airplane plies West Virginia skies
The lore goes that the Breezy became known as the “naked airplane” after the pilot unknowingly made an unscheduled landing in a nudist camp. The aircraft drew quite a crowd among the nudists who noted that the homebuilt “...looks like us. It’s got nothing on.”
Kestrel seeks to tap into Wichita workforce
Often dubbed the "Air Capital of the World," Wichita, Kan., has taken several severe blows since the economic downturn that started in 2008, with aircraft manufacturers laying off thousands. Kestrel Aircraft Co. is seeking to tap into that knowledgeable workforce.
Fourth HondaJet joins test fleet
Honda Aircraft Co. marked a milestone toward certification of its HondaJet May 4 with the first flight of its fourth FAA-conforming test aircraft, the company announced at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exposition in Geneva, Switzerland.
First pilot completes Redbird's experimental training
Pilots pursuing advanced training and ratings regularly use full-motion flight simulators; some gain type certificates in sims having never flown the actual aircraft. How would that training format translate to primary instruction? Redbird Flight Simulations is putting an experimental training program to the test at its headquarters in San Marcos, Texas.
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May 2012 AOPA Pilot Features
- Magic in the Air
- The New Rainmaker
- Fly-Outs: French Valley Airport
- Dream Big
- Wx Watch: Advanced Warnings
- Northwest Fest
- Happy Traveler
- AOPA Media
- Avionics: KSN700 Ready for Prime Time
- Products: Do You FlyQ?
- Safety Pilot: Backwards!
- Hawker 4000: Lots to Offer, But Too Late?
- The Ultimate Hawker
- 'Go Fast, Slow Down'
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AOPA Featured Pictures
- Learn to Fly Day | Jun. 02 - Frederick,
- FATA Annual Conference | Jun. 12 - Palm Beach, FL
- AOPA Aviation Summit | Oct. 11 - Oct. 13 - Palm Springs, CA
- TPE331 Pilot's Familiarization Course | May. 16 - May. 17 - Columbus, OH
- Young Eagles and Pancake Breakfast | May. 16 - Lee's Summit, MO
- EAA's Ford Tri-Motor Tour | May. 17 - May. 20 - Alabaster, AL
- United States Pilots Association Fly-In | May. 17 - May. 20 - Branson, MO
- US Aviation & Aspen Avionics Hands On! | May. 17 - Wichita Falls, TX
- United States Pilots Association Fly- In | May. 17 - May. 20 - Branson, MO
- Pinch Hitter Course | May. 18 - May. 20 - Ann Arbor, MI
- Ada Air Expo | May. 18 - May. 19 - Ada, OK
- Trade Show Aviation Idaho | May. 18 - May. 19 - Idaho Falls, ID
- Intenet Training | May. 18 - Oklahoma City, OK
View Calendar | Add Event | Learn how you can engage others in aviation!
Get dates and locations near you for
Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars and Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics.
AOPA/EAA 3rd Class Medical Exemption Petition
Get more information about the request that AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) submitted to the FAA on March 20; if successful, it would offer pilots the option of obtaining a third class FAA medical or instead becoming educated on medical self-assessment to operate familiar aircraft recreationally using the driver’s license as the baseline of health.
National issues, local focus at Maryland event
Pilots around the country are affected by efforts to promote flight safety, protect airports, defend against costly proposals, and build aviation communities. On May 4 and 5, AOPA staff discussed national issues and their local implications with an audience close to home.
Will Big Oil bring back an airport?
Revitalizing a dormant general aviation airport doesn't happen every day, but a surge in oil industry activity in North Dakota has raised that hope in one community--and pilots can help make it happen.
Unmanned aircraft tests must 'do no harm'
AOPA supports the integration of unmanned aircraft systems but reminds the FAA that the creation of test sites for them must do no harm to other airspace users, and should tap the expertise of stakeholders, the association said in a regulatory filing.
