NOVEMBER 22, 2013 - VOL 15, ISSUE 47

Technique and Safety

Accident analysis

A question of emphasis

On Nov. 23, 2012, a 68-year-old private pilot with more than 5,000 hours of flight experience undertook some flight testing in an amateur-built Coot-A amphibian. After two successful flights with other pilots, the pilot took off solo. He crashed and was killed on a base-to-final turn. Read more in this special report from the Air Safety Institute. Share:  

IFR Fix

Worse weather wanted

After prolonged flight by instrument references, any chance to return to visual flying will be a strong temptation. But will it be the safe call? Read more... Share:  

Rotorcraft Rookie

A lean machine

Airplanes are made to fly. For helicopters it isn't so easy. Robinson Helicopter uses a number of creative and inexpensive features to make the most of the Robinson R22. Read more... Share:  

Rotorcraft Rookie

Keep it welded to the pole

Learn how to hover a helicopter, or how to fly on a balance beam. Read more... Share:  

Digital edition

Hone your skills with digital CFI newsletter

Whether you're an active CFI, getting back into instructing, or have an interest in flight training, the Air Safety Institute recommends its free CFI to CFI newsletter, optimized for PCs and tablets. You'll find tips on stall recovery, staying healthy while instructing, and helping restore a student's confidence. Use the "Leave a Comment" tab to exchange ideas with other CFIs, and share videos, safety quizzes, and courses with your students. Sign up now for your free quarterly issue. Read this issue...

Advocacy

Advocacy

Criminal charge for hangar golf cart?

Rob Moore was looking at a criminal charge for keeping a golf cart in his rented hangar at Hawaii's Honolulu International Airport, a golf cart he had received permission to use for moving his aircraft. Read more... Share:  

Advocacy

AOPA opposes $15 'takeoff fee'

AOPA has notified the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey of the association's strong objections to a new fee to be levied against general aviation aircraft taking off from Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, N.Y., beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Read more... Share:  

Advocacy

Avgas is lifeblood of GA, AOPA tells caucus

Avgas is critical to the operation of general aviation and must continue to be available while the work to bring alternatives to market continues, AOPA told Senate GA Caucus members during a briefing on the future of aviation fuel. Read more... Share:  

Health

Article

Fly Well: Insure, insure, insure

Many aviators, fearful of losing their medical, decry disease-screening modalities or ignore early signs of impending doom. Yet Dr. Jonathan Sackier advises pilots to address your health first, and then your flying privileges. Read more... Share:  

Technology

Article

Resin for runways

A petroleum-based wax resin developed three decades ago to stabilize and suppress dust on mining roads is now being marketed for runway use. Airport operators may find the performance and cost savings appealing. Read more... Share:  

Article

Layering STCs: Understand, manage risks

A Cessna T337G that broke up in New Jersey during climbout from a low pass over the runway in 2010 had been modified under 22 different supplemental type certificates. The concept of implementing STCs on previously modified aircraft is known as "layering STCs," and doing it properly is paramount to safety. Read more... Share:  

Opinion

Blog

Preventing spoilage: Currency, proficiency, and winter

Are you prepared if you suffer an electrical failure that forces you to reduce electrical loads and rethink your routing mid-trip? How long has it been since you thought about the no-radio procedures if your VHF communication fails and you need to shoot an IFR approach? Read more... Share:  

Blog

Dream machine

One look at Bob Walwyn's immaculate 1950 "B" model Beechcraft Bonanza will show how off-the-charts one man's ambitious quest for perfection can go when renovating a vintage airplane. Read more... Share:  

Blog

Personal aircraft as business tools

Realizing the broad potential of general aviation as a means of business transportation requires at least two foundational elements: The first is safety, and the second is designing aircraft that are easier to operate. Read more... Share:  

Gear

Apps of the week

Five more instrument simulator apps

This week, AOPA highlights another five instrument simulator apps: Radionav Sim, ADFVis, Aircraft Altimeter, iHUD, and GPSCockpit. Read more... Share:  

Article

ASA announces checkride, flight review apps

ASA has released apps for the private, instrument, commercial, flight instructor, helicopter, and multiengine checkrides, as well as one for pilots prepping for a flight review. Read more... Share:  

Gift guide

Find holiday gift ideas for pilots

Find the perfect holiday gift for pilots—choose from headsets, build-your-own flight bags, and stunning aviation posters or framed prints. Read more... Share:  

Financial

Member benefit

Lienholder coverage

The lending institution that helped fund your aircraft purchase wants to ensure that your loan will be repaid in the event of an accident in which your insurance company denies the hull claim. The most common example of such a violation would be a loss arising when your aircraft is being operated by a non-approved pilot. Read more... Share:  

Article

Nantucket Flying Association: No aircraft yet, but promotes GA

Despite having no aircraft for now, the Nantucket Flying Association does everything else a typical flying club does: promote general aviation and serve the community. Read more... Share:  

AOPA Foundation focus

Support the AOPA Foundation on #GivingTuesday

Members can help the AOPA Foundation in its continued efforts to safeguard general aviation by making a donation on Dec. 3, the second annual #GivingTuesday. Read more... Share:  

AOPA Foundation focus

Matching gift challenge supports GA safety

The AOPA Foundation has been offered a $50,000 matching gift challenge grant, but to receive the full benefit of this challenge, the foundation needs to obtain new Hat in the Ring Society members by Dec. 31. Read more... Share:  

News and Notes

Article

Super Legend wins LSA approval

Delayed seven weeks by the government shutdown, a Super Legend with a more powerful engine than its Legend Cub sibling has won approval as a light sport aircraft. Read more... Share:  

Members only

Time to file a NASA report

The Aviation Safety Reporting System is a voluntary safety reporting program that allows airmen to make anonymous reports to the government about issues encountered in aviation, with anonymity allowing the airman to be candid—even when his or her actions may have been a violation of the regulations. Read more... Share:  

Article

'Planes' available on Blu-ray, DVD

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Disney's Planes was released Nov. 19 as digital HD, on demand, and as a Blu-ray 3-D combo pack, Blu-ray combo pack, and DVD. Read more... Share:  

Article

Grants fund mission work, pilot outreach

An organization dedicated to transporting rescue, shelter, and foster animals was selected as the top charity in Lightspeed Aviation Foundation's 2013 Pilot's Choice Awards. Read more... Share:  

Blog

Strange but true general aviation news

Miracle survivor stories, jets as time tools, and an interesting place to deliver pizza. Read more... Share:  

Forums

Best South Bay Area airport

What is the best South Bay Area airport? Read more...

Career Opportunities

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for a financial analyst. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Aviation captain at Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics is currently seeking an aviation captain to act as the pilot in command of the company's aircraft while executing safe and efficient transport of medical specimens. The captain will work closely with dispatch, management, and other pilots. Learn more and check out other exciting opportunities.