| ||||||
| Bell 47 helicopter: Movie and TV star |
| |||||
| Sponsored by: | ||||||
| Click here to view this week’s custom content. | ||
FEATUREDBell 47 Helicopter: Movie and TV star
| ||
GA NEWS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | Your IFR rating in 10 days at your location … IFR finish-up in as little as 3 days! Professional teachers, specialized curriculum. IFR specialists for 30+ years. Whether flying G1000, Avidyne Entegra, Aspen, Cirrus Perspective or analog instruments, our instructors have the experience. Put “Instrument Rated” on your calendar NOW. 800-435-9437. Already Rated, but rusty? Our IFR Safety Course will get you current and make you a safer pilot. www.iflyifr.com |
One tough act
When Barbara Drndak was growing up, her family had three ways to travel: “IFR, VFR, and c-a-r.” Her family’s involvement in aviation helped shape her into an aviation business owner, and now, a volunteer airport commissioner protecting Florida’s Vero Beach airport. Serving as a commissioner is a volunteer’s post, but there’s nothing light-duty about the assignment. “If I bother to do this, I want to have an active role,” Drndak said in an interview with AOPA. So don’t show up at a commission meeting unprepared if you plan to take on Drndak. Read more >>
FAA satisfied with senator’s remedial pilot training
The FAA has pronounced itself satisfied with remedial pilot training taken by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and will not pursue enforcement action against him in the case of landing on a closed runway last October in Port Isabel, Texas. The FAA notified Inhofe, 76, by registered letter that he had provided evidence of “satisfactory completion” of remedial training. The training consisted of four hours of ground instruction and three hours of flight instruction in numerous preflight, planning, and piloting tasks, and aeronautical decision making. Read more >>
Side airbag solution allows bizjets to fill the seats
What’s an extra seat on a business jet worth? A lot. But, until recently, manufacturers could not allow side-facing divan seats next to a bulkhead or pillar to be counted as seats for takeoff and landing. Aviation airbag manufacturer AmSafe Industries and B/E Aerospace have teamed to offer a solution in the form of the industry’s first airbag system designed for side-facing seats. Read more >>
New pilots key to future of aviation
As government and industry leaders discussed how to meet future challenges through innovation at the FAA Aviation Forecast Conference Feb. 15 and 16, AOPA zeroed in on a human factor: What’s aviation without pilots? The FAA released its 20-year forecast during the conference, projecting slow growth of general aviation flight hours through 2031. During a breakout session on GA, AOPA Director of Flight Training Initiatives Jennifer Storm outlined AOPA’s plans to help ensure a brighter future. Storm explained how the association is working to address high student pilot attrition rates and grow the ranks of pilots. Read more >>
What is the optimal flight training experience?
Want a more in-depth look at the results of the Flight Training Student Retention Initiative research? Download the final report from the initiative Web page. You also can find a video of APCO Insight Chairman Mark Benson’s presentation on the findings, hear more about AOPA’s initial plans from Director of Flight Training Initiatives Jennifer Storm, and access publications and other flight training resources.
March AIM to include ‘line up and wait’
The new phraseology “line up and wait” will be included in the edition of the Aeronautical Information Manual to be published March 10, according to the FAA Office of Runway Safety. Just like “taxi into position and hold,” the phrase is used when a takeoff clearance cannot immediately be issued because of traffic or other reasons. Controllers have been issuing the instructions since Sept. 30. Find more information on airport operations in the Air Safety Institute’s Runway Safety online course.
Aviation art/writing contest open to girls, women
Girls and women of all ages are encouraged to enter essays, drawings, and paintings of first flights—actual flights or how the creator imagines a flight would be—in contests sponsored by Women of Aviation Worldwide. Women of Aviation Worldwide Week takes place March 7 to 14. Winners will receive $100 toward a flight lesson or $100 in pilot supplies. For complete entry deadlines and requirements, see the website.
Fuller looks to build on 2010 successes
AOPA expanded its reach to aviation enthusiasts in more than 160 countries through AOPA Live®, and it brought its message to influencers in the government through its daily e-mail newsletter, Aviation eBrief. During 2010, AOPA also enjoyed strong support on Capitol Hill, launched the Lifestyles Collection to allow pilots to support their other hobbies through AOPA, and reinforced the AOPA Foundation’s commitment to safety. In this AOPA Live interview, AOPA President Craig Fuller shared how he plans to build on those successes. Watch AOPA Live >>
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
Safety & Proficiency
Cold weather wisdom
Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted an early spring, but for most of us there’s still plenty of frosty weather in store. If you’re planning to fly in it, be sure to check out the recorded version of the Air Safety Institute’s “Cold Weather Ops” Webinar on AOPA Live. Hosted by AOPA Foundation president Bruce Landsberg, the program takes a practical look at coping with frigid engines, frosted wings, snowy taxiways, and ice-filled clouds. Watch AOPA Live >>
Back to basics
Getting checked out in an unfamiliar aircraft can be a lot of fun. But pilots should be careful when stepping up to a different aircraft. In a more complicated aircraft, it’s possible to get wrapped up in details—tank selection, optimal leaning technique, emergency gear extension, and the inescapable knobology—to the point of forgetting that this machine might not handle quite like anything you’ve flown before. On Feb. 12, 2009, the pilot of a Beech B95-A55 that he was recently checked out in crashed into trees just west of the North Houston Business Airport near Porter, Texas, killing himself and his passenger. Read more in this special report prepared by the Air Safety Institute.
| | Hertz offers AOPA members savings of up to 25 percent off and free enrollment in the #1 Club Gold Program Plus, you help support general aviation and AOPA with every rental when you mention the AOPA member discount code CDP#10232. |
Get a mountain flying checkout
Flatland flyers listen up! Want an incredible flight experience? Try mountain flying. But before you sign up with a qualified flight instructor for some exhilarating flight training, get prepared with the Air Safety Institute’s interactive Mountain Flying online course. You’ll be able to experiment with the effects of density altitude on aircraft performance and get to see what it’s like to traverse mountains during the daylight and at night. Take the course now >>
Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics | Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars | |||||||||
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can’t make it in person? Sign up for the CFI Refresher Online. |
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. | |||||||||
| | Steam Clean Your Panel Rebate Versatile and flexible, Evolution Flight Displays are the industry’s best value in EFIS technology. Our current rebates help you clean the steam gauges from your instrument panel and get shiny new Aspen Evolution Glass! Click for details… |
ADVOCACY
No user fees in president’s new budget
The White House on Feb. 14 released a budget that avoided user fees, provided funding to advance NextGen modernization, and set aside money specifically for improvement projects at general aviation airports. “Our initial reading indicates that the president has recognized the need to modernize our aviation system while maintaining critical infrastructure—all funded by a tried-and-true system of excise taxes and general fund contributions. All of us in the general aviation community find this encouraging,” said AOPA President Craig Fuller. The president’s budget sets aside $1.24 billion for NextGen modernization, an increase of $370 million over 2010 funding. Read more >>
Fuller talks FAA funding
While the president can propose a budget, Congress decides the final numbers. And it does that through reauthorization bills. The Senate is already working on its version of an FAA reauthorization. The House bill was introduced Feb. 11. In this wide-ranging AOPA Live interview, AOPA President Craig Fuller talked about the difference between the House and Senate on funding the FAA, and the general mood on Capitol Hill toward aviation. Watch AOPA Live >>
EPA meets with Alaska operators on avgas issue
While the Environmental Protection Agency studies lead emissions and considers the possibility of standards for general aviation emissions down the road, the agency will ask for comments at every step of the way, the EPA said at the Alaska FAA Industry Council meeting Feb. 9 and reaffirmed at the Alaska Forum on the Environment the following day. As AOPA reported in the Feb. 16 ePilot Special Report: Getting the Lead Out , AOPA Alaska Regional Representative Tom George met with the EPA representatives and gave them a firsthand look at some aircraft that rely on avgas, such as the C-46 and DC-6. Read more >>
Photo certificate proposal lacks safety, security benefits
AOPA has called for the FAA to withdraw its proposal to require all pilots to obtain a photo on their pilot certificate because it adds no safety or security benefit, while adding substantial costs to pilots and the federal government. Before pilots and the federal government incur new costs associated with changes to airman certification, further coordination is needed between industry stakeholders, the FAA, and other government agencies to ensure that any changes provide a true benefit with minimal impact, AOPA said in formal comments submitted Feb. 17. Read more >>
| | Touch ’n go with Garmin’s aera™ GPS portables Transition seamlessly from roadway to runway with the intuitive touchscreen control of Garmin’s aera series. Each model comes preloaded with automotive maps, built-in terrain/obstacles database, high and low Airways and more. Find out which is right for you at garmin.com/aviation. |
Practice of deleting enforcement action records halted
The FAA has temporarily suspended its policy of expunging certain legal enforcement actions from pilot files while it studies how to comply with a law establishing a database of pilot records to be used by air carriers to check backgrounds of potential hires. Read more >>
FAA needs to quash ‘patchwork’ airspace restrictions
Pilots are already on the lookout for pop-up temporary flight restrictions approved by the FAA, but recent attempts by other government entities, local municipalities, and private land owners to create their own airspace restrictions could create a patchwork of restrictions that would make it impossible for pilots to comply. In December, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposed restricting airspace over certain marine wildlife sanctuaries. More recently, a private landowner in California has sued balloonists and fixed-wing aircraft operators for flying over his olive farm, effectively creating restricted airspace by imposing fear of a suit on pilots. Read more >>
| | AOPA Aircraft Financing Program offers NEW lower rates Our goal is to get pilots into the aircraft of their dreams. To help make aircraft ownership more attainable we just lowered our rates to make monthly payments more affordable. For more information, or to have a representative call you to discuss financing, go to www.aopa.org/loans. |
Cleveland Class B to change in April
The FAA has issued its final rule that makes changes to Cleveland, Ohio’s Class B airspace effective April 7. The final rule expands the existing Class B airspace centered on Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport to ensure containment of all published instrument procedures within its limits. It also assures aircraft operating under instrument flight rules are separated from nonparticipating visual flight rules aircraft operating in the vicinity of the Class B airspace area. Read more >>
AOPA, GA associations host House GA Caucus reception
AOPA and 11 other aviation associations hosted a kick-off reception Feb. 15 for new, returning, and prospective members of the House GA Caucus. The caucus and its counterpart in the Senate give members of Congress the opportunity to discuss and learn more about issues affecting a vital but little understood sector of the nation’s transportation system. Read more >>
Join the Airport Support Network today
Ensuring the health and vitality of your airport is up to you—incompatible development and economic and political pressures can restrict your flying. Every day, more than 2,000 Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteers work with AOPA headquarters to help save their airports, but we need more. Below is a link to a list of the airports where an ASN volunteer could make a difference.
To nominate yourself or an associate to be a volunteer, visit AOPA Online.
To learn more about the Airport Support Network, visit ASN Online.
| | The Road Calls, and So Do the Savings When you’re ready to go, Enterprise makes it easy with great cars and great deals. Take advantage of your AOPA membership and enjoy a discount on our everyday low rates. Click here to learn more. |
Member Benefits
Tax breaks for business-use aircraft
If you recently purchased an airplane that you are using primarily for business—more than 50 percent of its use is for business—or thinking about improving the business aircraft you own with upgraded equipment or avionics, you’ll be interested to learn about recent changes to the tax law regarding bonus depreciation and Section 179 expensing. AOPA consulted its tax expert, Raymond C. Speciale, Esq., CPA, who is the author of the association’s online resource, The Pilot’s Guide to Taxes. He reviewed the tax guide and added some new information. Check out the highlights.
Help support AOPA's mission with the AOPA Credit Card
Supporting AOPA’s mission to keep general aviation safe, fun, and affordable takes on many forms, from keeping your membership current to your utilization of AOPA Member Products. One notable AOPA member product, the AOPA Credit Card from Bank of America, is critical to the association’s mission. Read more >>
| | Stay healthy, fly longer Enroll in the AOPA Medical Services Program and gain access to numerous resources designed to keep you in the air. Plus, receive assistance from our Medical Certification Specialists for FAA-related medical issues. |
New CATS testing locations make finding one nearby a breeze
CATS, the official testing company of AOPA, has opened new testing centers in Florida, Michigan, Montana, Utah, and Virginia, giving you even more access to state-of-the-art Windows-based software, same day registration and instant test results, and most importantly a professional and distraction-free environment when taking your exam. As an AOPA member, you will receive a $10 discount on all FAA written exams at any CATS testing center. See a listing of the new locations and download your $10-off CATS coupon online.
Prostates, clots and other thoughts
Dr. Jonathan M. Sackier delves deeper into prostate cancer and deep venous thrombosis in this installment from the Medical Services Program newsletter. AOPA members enrolled in the Medical Services Program receive information like this and more in an e-mail newsletter. Enroll in the program today.
| | FREE Video Tip! — Courses for Beginner to Pro! Click for a Free Video Training Tip and find a course to achieve your next goal, or to make your flying safer and more rewarding. Not sure? Call us at 800-854-1001 and talk to one of our pilot training advisors. |
AOPA 2011 Crossover Classic Sweepstakes
An interior’s exploratory surgery
It took Air Mod in Batavia, Ohio, just a few days to tear out the 2011 Crossover Classic Sweepstakes Cessna 182’s nasty old interior, pull up the floorboards, yank out the seats and side panels, and take a really good look at the aluminum and other structures that have been covered up for some 33 years. This is a hold-your-breath time. So far, all interior inspections have shown the airplane free of corrosion—but none of them involved disassembling the airplane to this degree. Read more >>
| | Flying the same airplane without incident for 12+ months? You’re entitled to 10% claims free credits your first year with Avemco—15% your second! Also receive up to 10% off your annual premium with Avemco’s Safety Rewards. Learn more>> |
AOPA Career Opportunities
Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We’re looking for an aviation technical specialist, financial analyst, program specialist—communications, and vice president of new product development and interactive marketing. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.
Community
Picture PerfectAOPA’s online photo gallery allows you to upload your own aviation photography as well as view, rate, and comment on others’ photos. Your favorite aviation images from AOPA Pilot are still available online through this new gallery. Take a look, and submit your own photos! | Video: Weekend flying adventureIt’s not every ski trip that includes an aerial view of the highest summit in the contiguous United States. Denise and Doug Winston shared that bird’s-eye view in this video, part of a series of flying adventures hosted by Denise. The couple flew their Cessna 210 across the Sierra Nevada at about 15,000 feet to Mammoth Lakes, Calif., as Doug, a geologist, explained the landscape below. Watch on YouTube >>
| |
Engage in AviationCheck out user-submitted events from your region. To include an event or to search all events in the calendar, visit AOPA Online. AOPA does not endorse the events listed below, nor have ePilot editors edited the submissions. AOPA assumes no responsibility for events listed. | ||
|
QUIZ ME!Here’s a question asked by an AOPA member who contacted our aviation services staff through the AOPA Pilot Information Center. Test your knowledge.
Question: Can I log instrument time while flying on an IFR flight plan above a solid layer of clouds without visual reference to the ground?
Answer: Part 61.51(g) of the federal aviation regulations describes logging instrument time. You should only log instrument time when the aircraft is operated solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions. Unless you were flying above the clouds with a view limiting device and an appropriately rated safety pilot, you should not log that time as instrument time. For other flight scenarios and how the time should be logged, see AOPA’s subject report. Got a question for our aviation services staff? The AOPA Pilot Information Center is a service available to all members as part of the annual dues. Call 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672), or e-mail to [email protected]. |
| |
| Did you know? AOPA offers an online resource to help you talk to students about aviation. The Pilots and Teachers Handbook (PATH) to Aviation helps introduce youth to aviation by effectively connecting classroom topics such as math, science, physics, history, and technology to the basics of general aviation. |
| |
My Membership
 | ||||
| ePilot Editor: Sarah Brown | Contributors: Alyssa Miller Jill W. Tallman Warren Morningstar Alton K. Marsh | | Production Team: William Rockenbaugh Lezlie Ramsey Melissa Whitehouse Mitch Mitchell | Advertise in ePilot: |
| Member Tools: Send feedback | ePilot Archive © 2011 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association | 421 Aviation Way Frederick, MD 21701 | Phone 800/USA-AOPA | Fax 301/695-2375 | ||||
