June 19, 2015 - VOL 15, ISSUE 25

Flight Training News

Article

Pure joy

Raphaël Langumier suspected his 4-year-old daughter Léa would enjoy aerobatics, though her reaction—captured on a video that instantly went viral—exceeded his expectations. Read more...  

Students build Sportsman

Winners of the third General Aviation Manufacturers Association/Build A Plane Aviation Design Challenge are building a Glasair Sportsman airplane in two weeks through Glasair's "Two Weeks to Taxi" program. Four students, a teacher, and a chaperone from Cuba City, Wisconsin, who comprise team CHEF Homeschoolers, are working with airplane owner Paolo Buonfante to build the airplane with oversight from GAMA, Glasair Aviation, and Jeppesen, according to GAMA. Glasair is tracking the students' progress online.

Article

Inspiration nation

The airplane remains a potent tool for sparking inspiration, and AOPA is offering new support to the growing movement to bring aeronautics into classrooms. Individual pilots, nonprofits, and schools have worked independently in communities across the country for a common purpose, and new AOPA efforts will bring them together to learn from each other, backing up those lessons with a range of support. Read more...  

Article

'Girls in Aviation Day' set

Women in Aviation International has named Sept. 26 "Girls in Aviation Day," an offshoot of the organization's popular Girls in Aviation Day event held at its annual conference. Read more...  

Login required

Thunderstorm season in full swing

It's simple: Airplanes and thunderstorms don't mix. Sharing the skies with these convective beasts demands no small amount of caution and respect. Take the Air Safety Institute's "Thunderstorm Avoidance" safety quiz to learn practical tips you can use to stay safe. Take the quiz...  

Training Resources

Video

Time for a vacation?

While it's nice to use your airplane to bypass those busy roads to your vacation destination, there are some things to watch out for. This tongue-in-cheek Pilot Safety Announcement reminds you to fly safely to your next outing by avoiding common pitfalls and mistakes. Watch the video...  

Did you know that student pilots who join AOPA are three times more likely to complete their flight training? Membership includes unlimited access to aviation information by phone (800/USA-AOPA, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time) or from Flight Training Online or AOPA Online. If you're not already a member, join today and get the pilot's edge.

Career Pilot

New pilot agreement to give Delta E190s, more 737-900ERs

Delta Air Lines announced that it will acquire 20 Embraer E190 aircraft and 40 additional new Boeing 737-900ERs upon ratification of a tentative labor agreement covering Delta's more than 12,000 pilots. The agreement, approved for membership ratification June 10 by the Delta Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association, also would increase pilot compensation, including base pay, and revises the airline's profit-sharing formula beginning next year.

Seaplane operators seek Boston docks

Cape Air crews are sharpening their aquatic skills working with a seaplane operator on the Miami-to-Bimini route with an eye on restoring scheduled seaplane service to Boston. Cape Air CEO Dan Wolf told The Boston Globe he hopes to have Cessna Caravans on floats running scheduled trips between Boston and New York within two years, connecting the downtowns in just over an hour. Wolf said he'd like to find a dock within walking distance to Boston's Financial District. Charter operator Tailwind also is seeking dock space in Boston.

For more aviation career news, see the Flight Training website.

Plane Spotter

'Outsmarting gravity'

With their faired fuselages, contoured canopies, and long thin wings that illustrate the concept of a high-aspect-ratio design, gliders soaring silently overhead set the standard as symbols of the freedom of flight, as documented in this program on PBS. One company that is "outsmarting gravity" with its line of self-launching gliders, or motorgliders, is German manufacturer Stemme, which offers technological advances such as the Stemme-Retrac variable-pitch propeller on several models. According to Stemme's website, the prop "disappears completely into the propeller dome" for glider operations, and can return to engine mode in five seconds.

Training Products

'Advanced Avionics Handbook' covers glass essentials

A glass cockpit's primary flight display integrates many individual instruments into one digital display and delivers the benefits of more sophisticated instrument sensor systems. However, pilots transitioning from the standard six-pack of flight instruments must learn to interpret these instruments and avoid common pitfalls such as fixation. Learn more about advanced avionics, from cross-checking the primary instruments to understanding navigation systems, in the FAA's Advanced Avionics Handbook, available online as a free PDF.

Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by ePilot editors unless otherwise noted. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors.

Member Benefits

Pilot Protection Services

Celebrating dad: Memories take flight

Fathers have inspired many of their children to learn how to fly. In honor of Father's Day, AOPA Pilot Protection Services members share some of their favorite memories of flying with their dad or other father figure. Check out their stories and find out how you can send your father an aviation-themed card...  

Pilot Protection Services webinar

See and be seen

It's a big sky out there, but pilots must remain vigilant while flying to avoid running into one other. Kathy Yodice of Yodice Associates will discuss how federal aviation regulations serve to keep aircraft separated and provide for the orderly flow of air traffic, and what you can do as a pilot to ensure your safety. The Pilot Protection Services webinar will take place June 24 at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Register today...  

Blogs

A (very) brief explanation of ticket prices

Airline ticket prices can vary wildly even on the same flight. Why? Read more...  

Instrument Tip

IFR Fix

Two loud bangs

It's a scenario no pilot enjoys contemplating: The aircraft is flying perfectly when a loud bang is heard, followed by indications of an impact and unknown damage. Two examples reported by pilots of pressurized twin turboprops to the Aviation Safety Reporting System capture the demands of such occurrences. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

Which V-speed is represented at the upper limit of the white arc on the airspeed indicator?

Answer

The upper limit of the white arc is V_FE, the maximum speed at which the aircraft can be operated with the flaps extended. (Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 7.)

Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

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 marketing project coordinator; account executive, AOPA corporate partnerships; videographer, Air Safety Institute; senior director of government affairs (airport advocacy); aviation technical specialist; vice president, information and technology; and director of studies, research, and analysis. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.