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Copyright � 2002 AOPA. | Training Tips
| OVERCOMING TRAINING SLUMPS
Some student pilots reach a point of stagnation during training. Perhaps it's learning  stalls, or other concepts or maneuvers remain mystifying. Whether you call it a slump or a "learning plateau," do not be discouraged. Stay focused on your goal. Temporary setbacks are a normal part of learning. Later, when you have triumphed and are savoring your accomplishment, much satisfaction will come from overcoming such obstacles. "This is one of life's valuable lessons. It's the means by which we keep ourselves motivated to pursue goals of epic proportion–goals like earning a pilot certificate, building a business, landing a career with an airline," writes AOPA columnist Rod Machado in his June 2002 AOPA Flight Training essay "Progress." (See this inspirational piece on AOPA Online).
But we do not simply accept adversity and wait for it to pass. You and your flight instructor have many resources to draw on. The problem can be "macro" in nature, such as the self-induced stress of unrealistic training deadlines (see "Continuing Ed" in the December 2001 AOPA Flight Training for a look at goals in one student's training program). The problem could be apprehension–see the frank June 2002 AOPA Flight Training discussion. Is your flight instructor doing enough to help you out of this state? See what students admire in their instructors.
Or the issue can be "micro" in nature, as when a maneuver is not being flown properly because you are using the wrong instrument to establish a flight attitude. Or perhaps you should be flying the maneuver strictly visually. If the cause of the difficulty remains elusive, try a change of training technique. Reversing roles (but not seats) is one strategy. The instructor flies the maneuver and you, the student, analyze. Take an evaluation flight with a second instructor. The different presentation by this CFI may offer insights. Going along as an observer on another student's dual training flight (see Backseat Driver in the May 24, 2002, newsletter) is another idea.
If the maneuver is a product of multiple skills (such as landings) go back to basics and review your understanding of the components. Or, take some time off. You may discover that when you return to training after a brief respite, you have left the problem behind!
| Your Partner in Training
| AOPA is your best training partner! Your membership offers many resources to help you earn your wings. Our extensive collection of subject reports, for instance, is a library of information right at your fingertips. Do you have a question about aviation terminology? You'll find the answer on AOPA Online. Or, learn the dos and don'ts of keeping a logbook. Still have questions? Call our aviation experts at 800/USA-AOPA weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time.
As an AOPA Flight Training Member, you have access to all of the features within AOPA Online. For login information, click here.
| Flight Training News
| AOPA FINDS SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS
As we reported last week, applicants for private pilot, commercial pilot, and flight instructor certificates will have to meet newly revised FAA practical test standards beginning August 1. AOPA's Aviation Services department has conducted a thorough analysis and strongly advises applicants and flight instructors to thoroughly read the new standards, paying extra attention to the "Introduction" and "Notes" sections. If an examiner determines that a private pilot candidate did not complete a task, or the outcome was uncertain, the examiner may require the applicant to repeat the task, or portions of that task. "This is the first time that FAA has provided this guidance to examiners and it is a welcome clarification," said Melissa Bailey, AOPA vice president of air traffic, regulatory, and certification policy. Both private and commercial applicants will also be subject to more precise maneuvering standards during slow flight, power-off stalls and, in the case of private pilots, turns to a heading.
OMF SYMPHONY GETS USEFUL LOAD INCREASE
With the blessing of both the FAA and German LBA (the German government entity with general aviation oversight), OMF Aircraft announced at EAA AirVenture 2002 in Oshkosh a useful load increase for its Symphony 160, which the company is marketing as a training airplane. The Symphony's gross weight goes from 1,960 pounds to 2,150 pounds, and the useful load increases 10 percent, from 635 pounds to 700 pounds. The increase realizes OMF's goal of offering a capable two-seat airplane, one that can carry two large adults, full fuel, baggage, and have a decent range. OMF is proceeding with plans to test a German-built Thielert diesel engine in the Symphony later this year.
INTEREST HIGH IN HELICOPTER TRAINING DEVICES
Simulator manufacturer Frasca International, Inc. reports increased sales of its helicopter flight training devices (FTDs). Recent orders mark an increased interest in simulation and training among helicopter operators who are concerned about safety, as well as rising insurance and training costs. Most of the FTDs feature Frasca's new 220-degree visual system, which provides the visual cues that are needed to simulate VFR operations, and two will incorporate actual helicopter cockpits and three-channel projected visual systems. For more information, visit Frasca International's Web site.
| Inside AOPA
| AOPA GETS MOVING MAPS EXEMPTED FROM NEW REG
Those portable electronic moving maps you've been eyeing at trade shows are exempt in small aircraft from the provisions of a recent FAA advisory circular. Although the FAA had intended to require certification of all devices with moving maps, AOPA argued that the handheld GPS receivers currently used by pilots increase safety and their continued use should not be prohibited or discouraged by a certification requirement. The exemption to AC 120-76 permits pilots operating nonturbine powered aircraft under FAR Part 91 to continue utilizing portable navigation, moving map, and datalink equipment. "AOPA has steadfastly maintained that there is much to benefit, and little to lose, when these devices supplement pilot operations," said Randy Kenagy, AOPA director of advanced technology. AOPA also educated the FAA on the many new technologies emerging, such as those that use personal digital assistants (PDAs). See AOPA�Online.
NTSB SUA RECOMMENDATIONS MIRROR AOPA EFFORTS
In response to the tragic accident over Bradenton, Florida, where an Air Force F-16 collided with a Cessna 172, killing the Cessna pilot, the NTSB has published recommendations ( click here to download) regarding special use airspace (SUA). The NTSB believes the FAA and Department of Defense must do a better job of providing real-time status of SUA to civilian pilots. "The recommendations echo what AOPA's has advocated for years–give us real-time SUA status reports and the result will be improved safety for GA operations in SUA that may also be used by military aircraft," explained Melissa Bailey, AOPA vice president of air traffic, regulatory, and certification policy. Key is distribution to pilots, flight service briefers, and air traffic controllers of understandable, real-time information on SUA use, the NTSB said. Real-time information has been a cornerstone of AOPA's SUA advocacy efforts.
Changing your mailing or e-mail addresses? Click here to update.
| Training Products
| Could the Electronic Map Measure, available from Sporty's Pilot Shop, make your plotter obsolete? You be the judge. This $19.95 device, easily programmed to accommodate the scale of a sectional chart, measures distances by rolling a wheel along your course line. The distance is displayed digitally in miles or kilometers. The unit also includes a timer, clock, thermometer, and calculator; it doubles as a keychain and has a built-in LED flashlight. Order from Sporty's at 800/SPORTYS or through the Web site.
| Final Exam
| Question: Where do I find the place to check my VOR receiver on the airport?
Answer: What you are looking for is the VOR receiver checkpoint. The actual checkpoint is a painted white and yellow circle with a yellow arrow in the middle. The arrow is aligned in the direction of the checkpoint azimuth. It is accompanied by a sign that gives the VOR station identification letters and the published course selected for the check. The sign also states "VOR check course" and will give DME data when applicable. The sign is yellow with black letters and numbers. Both the painted circle and the accompanying sign are located on the airport apron or taxiway at a point easily accessible by aircraft but where other airport traffic will not be blocked. For more information on the VOR receiver checkpoint and other airport markings, see the Aeronautical Information Manual .
Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? E-mail to [email protected] or call 800/872-2672.
| Picture Perfect
| | Jump to the AOPA Online Gallery to see the featured airplane of the day. Click on the link for details on how to capture wallpaper for your work area. See AOPA Online.
| What's New At AOPA Online
| Looking for ways to cut the cost of flying? AOPA's Guide to Reducing the Cost of Flying has been updated. See AOPA Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA�Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Elkhard, Indiana. The sixteenth annual Elkhart Airshow takes place August 3 and 4 at Elkhart Municipal Airport (EKM). Includes aerobatic acts, static displays, and the first Hoosier Aviation Invitational Air Challenge. See the Web site for more information.
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Airport Awareness Days take place August 3 and 4 at Punxsutawney Municipal Airport (N35). Two-day event to promote local airport awareness. Attractions include aircraft art show, hot air balloons, airplane rides, radio-controlled airplane demonstration. Contact Rick Young, 814/938-2997.
For more airport details, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online . For more events, see Aviation Calendar of Events.
ASF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS
(All clinics start at 7:30 a.m.)
The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are scheduled in Champaign, Illinois, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, August 3 and 4. Clinics are also scheduled in Boulder, Colorado, and Dallas/Ft. Worth, on August 10 and 11. For the Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic schedule, see AOPA Online.
ASF PINCH-HITTER GROUND-SCHOOL COURSES
(Pinch-Hitter courses start at 9:30 a.m.)
The next Pinch-Hitter� Ground Schools will take place in Allentown, Pennsylvania, August 4, and Dallas/Ft. Worth on August 11. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Little Rock, Arkansas, August 5; Memphis, Tennessee, August 6; Nashville, Tennessee, August 7; and Maryville, Tennessee, August 8. The topic is Single Pilot IFR. For the complete schedule, see AOPA�Online.
To make submissions to the calendar, visit AOPA Online. For comments on calendar items, e-mail [email protected].
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