MARCH 14, 2014 - VOL 16, ISSUE 11

Technique and Safety

Aircraft Maintenance

Proper engine preheating

Preheating is about far more than just oil temperature. Proper preheating involves heating the entire engine, so that all critical engine parts can be brought into the "safe" temperature range. Read more... Share:  

Fly like a fighter

Missile shot

With a closing speed of about 900 knots, Air Force pilots on a training mission have seconds to aim and shoot heat-seeking and radar-guided missiles at a drone target. Their success comes from repeated rehearsals. But, as author Larry Brown writes, "there is nothing like the real thing to gain experience." Read more... Share:  

IFR Fix

Trains at the DER

At 500 feet per minute and 95 knots of groundspeed in the windless conditions, was the altitude gain per nautical mile sufficient? Read more... Share:  

Video

Brief your passengers, they'll thank you

When an accident happens, a little information can sometimes make a big difference. The Air Safety Institute's video Critical Information: The Passenger Safety Briefing helps broach this sensitive issue, with tips on how to prepare your passengers. Watch the video to learn more... Share:  

Flash-based, login required

GPS for IFR 101

GPS units require study and practice to be used safely before launching into instrument meteorological conditions. For a rock-solid foundation of practical knowledge, start with this basic introduction course, full of safety tips and advice that will help you avoid common mistakes, before you delve into a receiver-specific course. Take the course...

Rotorcraft Rookie

Robinson factory tour

Touring an aircraft factory is the only way to see everything that goes into your flying machine. Read more... Share:  

Blog

'Meat missiles'

Some pilots use this pejorative term to describe skydivers, who in freefall are impossible to see and may reach speeds of about 120 miles per hour. After the chute has opened, the target should be easier to spot, but even then a pilot may not see a skydiver approaching, as illustrated by a recent accident in Florida. Read more... Share:  

Advocacy

Article

AOPA asks CBP head to investigate stops

AOPA is asking the newly confirmed head of Customs and Border Protection to investigate the ongoing stops of general aviation aircraft that are being made without probable cause or reasonable suspicion of illegal activity. Read more... Share:  

Health

Members only

The next five most common medical conditions at FAA

After discussing the top five medical conditions seen at the FAA's Aerospace Medical Certification Division, former manager of FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Warren Silberman presents the next five—and the associated certification requirements. Read more... Share:  

Technology

Article

Aspen introduces new VFR glass cockpit

Aspen Avionics introduced a new VFR primary flight display at the Aircraft Electronics Association convention. The new Evolution 1000 VFR PFD is a stripped-down version of the company's popular Evolution 1000 Pro PFD. Read more... Share:  

Article

G1000 upgrade for King Airs

Garmin has announced an upgrade making new features and options available to operators of G1000-equipped King Airs in the 200/250/300/350 series. Read more... Share:  

Article

Free 10 hours of synthetic vision

Aspen Avionics is offering 10 free flight hours of synthetic vision to its primary flight display customers. Don't buy it and the system goes away after 10 hours—once you're back safely on the ground. Read more... Share:  

Article

FAA asks NTSB to review unmanned-aircraft ruling

The FAA, expressing concern about the "safe operation" of the nation's airspace, has asked the National Transportation Safety Board to review a judge's ruling that deals a blow to the agency's efforts to regulate flights of unmanned aircraft systems. Read more... Share:  

Opinion

Blog

Do piston-engine TBOs make sense?

Opinion Leaders blogger Mike Busch argues that the 1950s-vintage time-based preventive maintenance used in piston general aviation is counterproductive, worthless, unnecessary, wasteful, and costly. But we're still doing it. Why? Read more... Share:  

Blog

You and user fees

The aviation community's efforts have helped protect the industry from user fees in the past, writes Opinion Leaders blogger and former National Business Aviation Association president Jack Olcott. But to quote a common phrase, "Past performance is no guarantee of future results." Read more... Share:  

Blog

Community events make airports good neighbors, Part 1

According to Opinion Leaders blogger Jolie Lucas, there are three kinds of people: those who watch their lives happen, those who make their lives happen, and those who wonder, "How does life happen?" Which are you? Share:  

Gear

Article

Jeppesen upgrades VFR app

Interactive airspace alerts, notam organization, enhanced flight tracking, and expanded European coverage have been added with the latest release of Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck VFR. Read more... Share:  

Apps of the week

Wrangle weather with these apps

Take a look at five apps designed to help pilots check and track the weather. Read more... Share:  

Article

BendixKing ends product support for myWingMan app

Product support for BendixKing's myWingMan electronic flight bag app has ended effective immediately, reports the company. Read more... Share:  

Travel

Article

Always something going on at AOPA campus at Sun 'n Fun

Whether you're at Sun 'n Fun for a day or the week, there will always be something happening at the expanded AOPA campus. In addition to the primary membership tent, the association will offer a new "activity tent" for education, programming, and socializing, and an outdoor courtyard area. Read more... Share:  

Financial

Article

Eclipse makes first 550 delivery

Eclipse Aerospace has made its first customer delivery of the Eclipse 550 twin-engine personal jet. Read more... Share:  

Article

Growth spurs avionics industry

The general aviation avionics business generates some $2.4 billion in sales, spurring economic activity at hundreds of airports across the nation, according to a new report from the Aircraft Electronics Association. Read more... Share:  

Article

Stearman back in production

In a major deal between two of the best-known U.S. antique aircraft firms, Rare Aircraft has purchased a huge inventory of Stearman parts from Air Repair and will begin producing as-new Golden Age biplanes. Read more... Share:  

Member benefits

FYI from AOPA Insurance Services

AOPA Insurance Services extends its coverage beyond aviation aircraft and renter's insurance in order to provide pilots like you with the most complete protection possible. Find out about other types of coverage. Share:  

Member benefits

Members get $10 off $100 at Desser Tire & Rubber

Desser Tire & Rubber is offering AOPA members $10 off any online order of $100 or more through the AOPA Lifestyles Collection. Plus, get free shipping in the continental U.S. Visit the discounts page for details and to take advantage of the offer. Share:  

Article

Colorado pilot creates barter website

An Aurora, Colo., pilot has launched a new website to enable users to barter goods and services for flight instruction. Read more... Share:  

More News

AOPA Foundation donation to fund Able Flight training

Tucson Soaring Club: Growing the sport

News and Notes

Article

FAA predicts continued GA decline

The FAA's annual forecast of air travel demand predicts steady growth in airline and cargo demand, and a steady decline in general aviation piston aircraft. The 20-year outlook predicts growth in the GA turbine sector that will offset the loss of piston aircraft, with turbine hours flown surpassing piston hours flown for the first time in 2023. Read more... Share:  

Article

Stamp honors black aviator

The chief flight instructor of the Tuskegee Airmen, C. Alfred "Chief" Anderson, is honored with a stamp from the U.S. Postal Service. Read more... Share:  

Article

'Fly it Forward' turnout strong

AOPA regional managers "flew it forward" to give women and girls their first taste of aviation during Women of Aviation Worldwide Week. Read more... Share:  

Best Aircraft Showdown

View 'Best Aircraft' bracket

AOPA has posted the bracket for the Best Aircraft Showdown competition, presented by Aero-Space Reports, where your votes determine which aircraft will earn the title of the best. Make your predictions now, and get ready to vote starting March 18. Find out if your favorite aircraft is in the running... Share:  

Article

Women mechanics connect in AWAM

Women interested in aviation maintenance careers have access to scholarships, mentoring, and professional development with the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance. Read more... Share:  

Blog

Strange but true general aviation news

Interesting GoPro video, helicopter to the rescue, and asleep at the yoke. Read more... Share:  

More News

Hartzell prop approved for diesel Skyhawk

Hersman to leave NTSB

Women in Aviation holds record-setting event

Organization promotes women in FAA technical jobs

Women airline pilot org needed despite advances

Delta State offers low-cost, small classes for aviation degrees

Sweepstakes

Blog

The installation begins

Genesis Engines has completed the sweepstakes Debonair's engine build. The engine is even done up in colored baffling seals that match elements of the final paint scheme. Read more... Share:  

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the Week: A&P mechanic at Old City Helicopter

Old City Helicopter Sales LLC is looking for a skilled piston fixed-wing A&P or IA mechanic interested in helicopter maintenance. He or she must have general aviation and Lycoming experience. The position consists of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, 12-year inspections, 2,200-hour overhauls, component overhauls, and used helicopter export services. Learn more about this and other opportunities.

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for an accounting operations supervisor, Air Safety Institute intern, director of insurance business operations, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.

Forums

Asking vs. selling price

What is the difference between the asking and selling price of an aircraft? Read more...