AOPA Online: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Sim-ple solution

Can low-cost, full-motion flight simulation revive general aviation? Early adopters report success with Redbird flight simulators. Read more >>

Summit News

September 2, 2010 - For airshow pilot Sean Tucker, luck comes to the prepared

September 2, 2010 - AOPA Foundation announces ‘A Night for Flight’

August 26, 2010 - Sgt. Michael Blair - Sport Pilot

August 26, 2010 - Hijacking survivor to discuss ‘cockpit courage’

Obama calls for transportation infrastructure investment

AOPA welcomed President Barack Obama’s announcement Sept. 6 that his administration will press for a major investment in the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including at airports and in the Next Generation air transportation system (NextGen).

FAA hints at details of upcoming through-the-fence proposal

In a meeting with general aviation advocacy groups, the FAA Office of Airport Compliance and Field Operations Director Randall Fiertz described the criteria that will be outlined in the office's soon-to-be-released revision of its policy on residential through-the-fence access at federally funded airports.

Swift fuel to power record attempt

Air racer and airshow performer Smokey Young says he will attempt a closed-course speed record Sept. 11 in Palm Springs, Calif., using Swift fuel, promoted as an alternative to 100LL.

LSA flight into IMC to be prohibited

Proposals under consideration by ASTM committees for light sport aircraft could ban flight in instrument meteorological conditions for future aircraft until such time as ASTM reaches a consensus on standards for IFR aircraft. However, it is important to note that the aircraft could still be used in VMC for IFR flight training.

New Mexico honors aviation

New Mexico relies on GA for businesses, tourism, aviation training, agricultural applications, and police and fire protection. Gov. Bill Richardson recognized the importance of aviation to his state by proclaiming September 2010 "Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month."

FAA resolves Kings issue

kings FAA officials have resolved the lingering issue of listing a Cessna 172S leased to John and Martha King, owners of King Schools, as stolen. Photos courtesy Robby Barthelmess, Santa Barbara News/Press; Reprinted with permission from the Santa Barbara News-Press.

GA event brings pilots, members of Congress together

Oklahoma pilots talked about user fees, avgas, and more with AOPA President Craig Fuller and AOPA member U.S. Sen. James Inhofe during an Aug. 18 General Aviation Serves America community event at Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City.

Avgas endangerment finding not ready for prime time

There is not enough data nor is there a requirement for the Environmental Protection Agency to find that avgas represents an “endangerment” under the Clean Air Act, and careful study is needed before any decision about an alternative to leaded fuel can be reached, a coalition of industry groups told the agency in formal comments submitted Aug. 27.

September 2010 AOPA Pilot Features

Security TFRs

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AOPA Featured Pictures

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Engage in AOPA

New Mexico Aviation Conference | Sep. 07 - Sep. 09 - Sante Fe, NM: Brings together airport managers, pilots and consultants to hear about aviation issues. AOPA's Bill Dunn, vice president for Local Airport Advocacy will discuss the need for the aviation community to be actively engaged in aviation and airport protection measures.
20th Annual Wings n’ Wheels Show | Sep. 11 - Blue Bell, PA: Join AOPA and the Remos Sweepstakes plane for a Family fun day of wings, wheels and aviation history - unique display of vintage aircraft & new light sport planes, classic cars. Sightseeing flights, great food, hot wings sampling & live music by local bands. Proceeds benefit Angel Flight East, a nonprofit that facilitates FREE air transport for critically ill children & adults needing medical treatment far from home, and for other humanitarian needs. $8.00 admission event takes place 10-3 [ Web site ]
AOPA Webinar on FAA Enforcement | Sep. 14 - National, US: No one ever plans to have a bad day…but they do happen. Ramp checks, accidents, flying into restricted airspace…all may result in FAA actions. What is the best way to handle the situation? What are your rights? Do you have to comply with FAA’s requests? Hear Woody Cahall, VP AOPA Pilot Information Canter and John Yodice, AOPA General Counsel review several enforcement scenarios and their possible outcomes. Join us on Tuesday, September 14 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Sign up online. [ Web site ]
AOPA Aviation Summit 2010 | Nov. 11 - Nov. 13 - Long Beach, CA: Aviation-themed action for all ages and levels of aviation enthusiasm. No matter if you’re a student pilot, have had your pilot certificate for decades, or still have your feet firmly planted on the ground but have always kept an eye high in the sky, there is plenty to see and do – you can’t afford to miss it! Airportfest, educational forums, a 500-booth exhibit hall, evening events... [ Web site ]

Engage in Aviation: Events

National Stearman Fly-in | Sep. 06 - Sep. 11 - Galesburg, IL: Stearman Fest! The 39th Fly-In will feature programs on history, technical seminars, flying contests, a Dawn Patrol, lunchtime flyouts, a pizza party and a Labor Day evening picnic. Annual awards banquet Saturday night. Sunday morning airport breakfast. And plenty of time to enjoy the sound of radial engines and relax with friends. ( Web site )
Triple Tree Aerodrome Fly-In | Sep. 08 - Sep. 12 - Woodruff, SC: Join your fellow pilots at the Triple Tree Aerodrome Fly-In in South Carolina for several fun-filled days of classic fly-in activities, including an outdoor movie, Parade of Aircraft, raffle prizes, Evening for Heroes Dinner, and more. Camping sites available. ( Web site )
TBM Owners and Pilots Association - Annual Convention | Sep. 08 - Sep. 11 - Hot Springs, VA: TBMOPA will present 3 days of dynamic academic sessions customized just for the owners of TBM aircraft. Featured speaker this year will be Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA. ( Web site )
EAA Chapter 936 Meeting | Sep. 09 - St. George, UT: 6-7 pm Udvar Hazy room 219
Great Reno Balloon Race | Sep. 10 - Sep. 12 - Reno, NV: Lockheed Martin Flight Services will provide preflight services at this event Friday through Sunday.
KY 36th Annual Sport Aviation Weekend | Sep. 10 - Sep. 12 - Falls of Rough, KY: Friday night social, Saturday flying all day with lunch grill, snacks at airport. Homebuilts, antique, classic, production, ultralights. Saturday night banquet, speaker. Rooms, cabins, underwing camping. Reservations 270-257-2311(Mention Sport Aviation Weekend for Special rate). ( Web site )
Wings Over Big South Fork Airshow | Sep. 10 - Sep. 11 - Oneida, TN: Airshow 7th year. Facebook: wingsoverbigsouthforkairshow Food vendors, music concerts, aerobatic shows, something for entire family ( Web site )
Fly the Ford TriMotor | Sep. 10 - Sep. 12 - West Memphis, AR: EAA 182 hosts the Ford TriMotor. Experience the golden age of aviation. 1-800-843-3612 or www.flytheford.org
Ontario Air Faire | Sep. 11 - Ontario, OR: $1 Admission, children under 12 free to the Ontario Air Faire, Saturday, September 11, 2010 on the Ontario Municipal Airport in Ontario, Oregon. The event features Merle Maine's Warbirds with a full day of planned aerobatic acts, other fly-bys, static displays of fly-in, military, antique and many unique sport and experimental aircraft. The fun starts at 8:00AM with an all-you-can-eat breakfast, classic car show, helicopter rides, food booths, live bands on stage and more! ( Web site )
The Boy Scouts of America Aviation Merit Badge Program. | Sep. 11 - Sep. 12 - Huron , OH: The 2 Day, On Airport Camp Over Program Complies With All BSA Requirements And Participants Will Be Awarded The Boy Scout Aviation Merit Badge Public Welcome! ( Web site )

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BLOGS

Never Again Podcasts

Endangered in the Andes: Our airplane’s flight controls weren’t responding in a normal manner and he shouted over the laboring engine noise, “Estamos en peril!” (“We’re in peril!”). The stall warning alarm blared as our Cessna 150 neared impact… Download the iTunes podcast or the mp3 file.