AUGUST 8, 2014 - VOL 16, ISSUE 32

EAA AirVenture

Article

'One heck of a week'

Experimental Aircraft Association Chairman Jack Pelton said Aug. 3 that AirVenture 2014 was one of the best in years, and previewed coming attractions for 2015. Read more...  

Article

Tucker pays it forward

Hall of Fame pilot Sean D. Tucker strapped fellow pilot Aaron Wypyszynski into the Oracle Extra 300L to say "thank you." Tucker, chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program, taught Wypyszynski (who has flown more than 200 Young Eagles in four years) the outside loop, hammerhead, barrel roll, Cuban 8, and even an inverted flat spin during a flight over Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Read more...  

Article

Superior plans 'aviation town' in China

Superior Aviation is building a town and executive airport near Beijing to accommodate the needs of companies doing business in China. Read more...  

Article

Redbird 'Flying' Challenge Cup wraps up

With sweaty palms and racing hearts, they walked onto the stage to strap on the simulator. It may not have been the pressure of a real airplane, but with an audience, performing a spot landing, steep turn, and lazy 8 in a simulator feels far beyond any stress of a normal flight. Read more...  

Article

Mahindra to put floats on Airvan 8

Mahindra Aerospace, a part of India's Mahindra Group, announced that it intends to offer Wipline's 3450 amphibious floats for its eight-passenger utility airplane, the Airvan 8. Wipaire Inc. has begun feasibility testing on the Airvan 8. If the results are successful, a certification program to install the floats will be launched in late 2014, a Mahindra spokesman said. Read more...  

Article

More questions than answers on ADS-B

More than 150 attendees were treated to some frank discussion and useful insight into the stunningly complex world of ADS-B at an AOPA-hosted seminar on the subject at EAA AirVenture. Read more...  

Article

Pup redux

Pilot Glenn Burt has the rakish grin, twinkling eye, and handlebar mustache to match his vintage Royal Flying Corps uniform with full effect. His replica Sopwith Pup (a Camel predecessor), flown to EAA AirVenture and displayed with pride, set him back about $30,000—engine and all. And it is much more flyable than a Camel ever was, he insists. Read more...  

Article

Firm creates national restorers' network

As an alternative to exorbitantly priced new aircraft, AVweb publisher Tom Bliss is forming a national network of aircraft rebuilders to refurbish existing aircraft to as-new condition and market them. Read more...  

Article

Pilot to use L-139 to draw girls to aviation

When Dianna Stanger hops out of her new L-139 prototype fighter on the flight line at airshows and fly-ins among the other warbirds, she hopes girls and young women will become inspired to enter aviation as a hobby or career. Read more...  

Article

'152Reimagined' intrigues pilots

AOPA's '152Reimagined,' a yellow-and-black refurbished Cessna 152, caused a flurry of excitement at the association's exhibit during EAA AirVenture. Pilots interested in flying clubs and aircraft partnerships were interested in the aircraft's price point—about $65 an hour—which makes it a viable option as an affordable, entry-level aircraft for flight training or ownership. Read more...  

Article

Teacher, students: VIPs

A teacher and the students he inspired to raise $120,000 to fight cancer got a VIP tour of EAA AirVenture. Read more...  

Top 10 stories from AirVenture

Updated: Fatal accident at Oshkosh

Medical reform moves forward

Cessna to offer diesel-powered Skyhawk

AOPA tests new ways to open doors to aviation

MVP Aero developing light sport amphib

Continental 310-hp diesel makes first flight

Avgas replacement: It’s not just about octane

Boeing introduces solution to stem global pilot shortage

A new Mooney delivers its first new Mooney

Pelton hits FAA delays on third class medical

AOPA Fly-Ins

Pilot Getaways feature

Potpourri at the 49th Parallel

The murmur of a breeze in the evergreens sings a soft harmony to the deep blue of a brightening sky—it's morning in the Idaho mountains. At Priest Lake, the choices of fun and relaxation, from water-skiing to huckleberry picking, are nearly limitless. Explore the area during your visit to AOPA's Spokane Fly-In. It's just 60 nautical miles from Washington's Felts Field. Read more...  

Article

Outrageous outdoors

Aviation in the West started at places such as Spokane's Felts Field (SFF). The historic airfield was once known as Parkwater because it is situated along the south bank of the Spokane River. Read more...  

AOPA Fly-In procedures

Review Spokane Fly-In procedures

Start planning your arrival at the Aug. 16 AOPA Fly-In at Felts Field in Spokane, Washington! Everything you need to know—arrival procedures, frequencies, and camping and parking information—is in the pilot information packet. Spokane International Airport is the official reliever for the AOPA Fly-In. AOPA will be offering complimentary ground transportation Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. between the XN Air FBO at Spokane International and Felts Field. Download the fly-in procedures...

Technique and Safety

PDF

Nall Report analyzes GA accidents

The Air Safety Institute's twenty-third Joseph T. Nall Report offers a detailed analysis of general aviation accidents during 2011, a year that in many ways looked a lot like 2010. The numbers of accidents on helicopter and noncommercial airplane flights were almost identical. However, the preliminary data for 2012-2013 in the accompanying GA Accident Scorecard provides some surprises, especially in the noncommercial fixed-wing sector, whose 2013 record appears to have been its best in decades. Download the report and accident scorecard...  

Fly like a fighter

O say, can you see?

On his first lesson in defensive dogfighting in an F-15B, an Air Force pilot learns that stepping up to the new aircraft is harder than he thought. In a 7-G turn at 420 knots, he couldn't lift his head to look outside the cockpit, forcing him to fly blind off his instructor's commands. Read more...  

IFR Fix

'Trust my instincts'

The center controller who had issued the flight's late-night IFR clearance heard the truncated transmission but thought little of it. Read more...  

AOPA Partner Spotlight

Beyond the weather brief: T-storm forecasts

In this free 13-minute video available to AOPA members courtesy of Premier Partner PilotWorkshops.com, former FAA meteorologist and CFII Scott Dennstaedt delves into thunderstorm forecasts and analyzes a variety of online tools you can use to get a better picture of storm potential. You'll learn which products are most useful for aviation and how best to interpret them. Watch the video...  

Flash-based; login required

Prop attack

In this Real Pilot Story, find out how a hot magneto and pilot complacency converged at the wrong time. It's a good reminder of why you should always handle a propeller as though it will turn over unexpectedly, because it might. Just ask Bruce Stanfield. Watch the Real Pilot Story...

Article

5 features that make CFI renewal easier

Some flight instructor refresher courses can be dry, monotonous, tedious, and downright painful—but the Air Safety Institute's eFIRC makes the process easier and more engaging. Read more...  

Blog

Criminalizing accidents?

Online commenters rushed to judgment—some calling for manslaughter or murder charges and even the banning of personal flight—after two people on the ground were killed when a Piper Cherokee made an emergency landing on a beach. The pilot, maneuvering to land, apparently failed to see a young father and his daughter walking along the shore. Read more...  

Advocacy

Advocacy

AOPA leads effort to improve border crossings

AOPA has been leading an effort to bring together government officials and other pilot groups in Canada and the United States to simplify border crossings for international general aviation flights. Read more...  

Technology

Article

Ignition gains approvals

Electroair's fuel-saving electronic ignition systems are an option for more certified aircraft than ever. The company announced fresh approvals at EAA AirVenture, allowing installation in normally aspirated Continental 470 and 520 engines, as well as Lycoming's 540 series. Read more...  

Article

Flight data recorder for GA

Hilton Software announced at EAA AirVenture a new feature for WingX Pro7 that captures and records digital flight data 10 times per second. Founder and CEO Hilton Goldstein said WingX Rewind will be a valuable tool for flight instructors, students, and anyone who wants to digitally re-create a flight. Read more...  

Article

Trig announces Garmin STC

Trig Avionics announced July 31 that its Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) capable transponders can now be paired with Garmin 430W and 530W navigation systems in certified aircraft. Read more...  

Opinion

Blog

The ab initio flaw

The pilot shortage debate has Opinion Leaders blogger Ron Rapp thinking about "the long-term possibility of ab initio schemes migrating to the United States and what a profoundly bad thing that would be for aviation at every level." Read more...  

Gear

Article

A hotspot for everywhere

Sporty's Pilot Shop is offering a solution for pilots who need to stay in touch everywhere: a mobile hotspot delivering voice and data via satellite. Read more...  

Apps of the week

Apps take over paper logbook functions

Thinking about retiring that paper logbook? Take a look at apps that will transform your logbook from paper to digital. Read more...  

Article

Jeppesen lowers data costs

Jeppesen at EAA AirVenture introduced simplified data subscriptions for general aviation customers, dramatically lowering costs for many IFR pilots. Read more...  

Article

Whelen upgrades LED lighting

Whelen Engineering, the leading manufacturer of lighting products for general aviation aircraft, has introduced its Parmetheus Plus landing and taxi LEDs. Read more...  

Travel

Article

Pilot flies Citabria to Oshkosh for Wounded Warriors

After flying 5,600 miles over six days at 85 knots in a Citabria from Fairbanks, Alaska, to Oshkosh, Wisconsin; camping out at airports along the way; and eating Mountain House dried food, 21-year-old Alex Mumley-Dupuis said he was ready for a good meal upon arrival at EAA AirVenture. Read more...  

Aircraft Maintenance

Summer vacation flying: Packing for your trip

Before taking off on a trip where you'll be gone for an extended period of time or flying in remote areas, gather some spare parts and tools to take along in case a maintenance issue arises along the way. Read more...  

Financial

Article

New GA deliveries 'encouraging'

Growth in two key segments of the aircraft manufacturing industry in 2014 is setting the stage for a "sustainable recovery" of the industry. Read more...  

Article

Own the airplane, share the cost

Minnesota's Flywell Flying Club offers ownership shares for up to 40 members. Read more...  

Podcasts

Two new AOPA podcasts for aircraft shoppers

If you are thinking of purchasing an aircraft, check out these two new AOPA Pilot Information Center podcasts, "Aviation Finance" and "How to Buy an Airplane," brought to you by the AOPA Aviation Finance Co. and AOPA Insurance Services. Listen on your computer or mobile device.

Members only

Pro rata cost sharing: Math matters

Pilots are a practical-minded lot. Most seek opportunities to reduce flying expenses, and cost sharing is a common practice. FAR 61.113 (c) dictates how pilots may share the cost of flying with passengers. Read more...  

Member benefits

AOPA member recommends 'anything AOPA'

When it came time to choose insurance for his Cessna 182, former Naval aviator Ron Cuff selected AOPA for its "superior service and fair pricing." In fact, said Cuff, "My aircraft insurance with AOPA costs less than my auto policy." Read more...  

News and Notes

Poll

Vote for favorite 1977 'Pilot' cover

Check out prototypes of the Aries T-250 and Falcon Aircraft F-1 sport biplane, the Cessna Skymaster, Grumman American Lynx, Cessna 152, Polish Wilga, Piper Commanche, Hawker Siddeley HS 125 series 700, and more on the covers of AOPA Pilot from 1977. Vote for your favorite…  

Article

Happenstance leads to WWI film

A chance sighting in a bookstore led to the making of a documentary film about a group of college students who formed what became the basis for U.S. air power in both world wars. Read more...  

Article

Hoover documentary to premiere

The late Neil Armstrong, Harrison Ford, and Dick and Burt Rutan are among those featured in a documentary on legendary airshow pilot Bob Hoover. Read more...  

Lifestyles Member Discounts

Save $50 on select space camps

AOPA members can save $50 on weeklong overnight camp, family camp, or adult camp programs from Space Camp, Aviation Challenge, or Space Camp Robotics with an offer through AOPA Lifestyles Member Discounts. The offer is not valid with any other offer or discount. Registration must be before Sept. 26, 2015. Learn more and take advantage of the offer...  

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Emergency preparedness coordinator at KDCA

Put your experience in emergency management or public administration to good use at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. Responsibilities include developing and coordinating emergency and disaster response plans, business/ops continuity plans, and recovery plans, and identifying associated training needs. Find more information on this unique career opportunity here.

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, human resources assistant, payroll technician, contract Air Safety Institute presenter, member services representative, major gift officer, AOPA Live producer/videographer I, and account manager II. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.

Forums

Flying club fundraisers

What are some ideas for flying club fundraisers? Read more...