Training Tips
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Article
When the Mooney M20J's engine failed about 400 feet agl after takeoff, the pilot took two immediate actions that helped him and his fellow pilot passenger to walk away from the accident uninjured. First, he didn't try the so-called "impossible turn" but landed straight ahead. Second, he maintained control of the aircraft as the two had decided prior to flying that day. Read more...
 
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Flight Training News
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Advocacy
Beginning May 12, pilots will again be able to count up to 20 hours in an approved aviation training device toward the instrument rating. Read more...
Article
Simulator maker Redbird is traveling the country showing pilots the many ways they can learn and interact with flight training devices. Read more...
Article
Sporty's Pilot Shop has introduced a number of new products and services, including a new iPad application that provides training videos in a unique way. Read more...
Advocacy
The FAA no longer requires demonstrations of straight-in or 180-degree autorotations to touchdown on helicopter instructor practical tests. Read more...
Digital publication
Get firsthand tips on checkride preparation from a designated pilot examiner, learn why cell phone distractions and delayed decision making have no place in the cockpit, and get practical guidance on the new student pilot certification process from the AOPA Air Safety Institute's chief flight instructor. Read the institute's free newsletter brought to you by Lockheed Martin Flight Service...
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Photo contest
Combine your love of flying and photography in AOPA's photo contest, sponsored by Faro Aviation. Submit your best photo in one of three categories—aircraft, places, or people—between April 12 and May 15. AOPA will choose the top three submissions in each category, and then the public will vote between May 27 and June 6 to pick the winner of each category. Each finalist will receive an AOPA T-shirt and hat, and the winner of each category will receive a Faro headset and AOPA backpack. Learn more...
Teens compete in design challenge
Teams from 76 high schools are competing for a trip to Glasair Aviation in Arlington, Washington, to build an airplane in the fourth Aviation Design Challenge offered by Glasair and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. "Once again, we are excited and honored to be able to share our love of aviation with a group of motivated young people," Glasair Aviation President Nigel Mott said in a press release. "We are always impressed by the enthusiasm and willingness to learn of the students who spend the two weeks building a Sportsman." The winner will be announced May 12.
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AOPA Live
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AOPA Live This Week
The AirCam has earned a following among photo and video professionals who appreciate flying low, slow, and steady—and their work, in turn, helps sell the airplane. Also this week, Red Bull Air Race pilot Hannes Arch flies slalom through a set of wind turbines, and a father and daughter earn their seaplane ratings together. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, April 14...
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Plane Spotter
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A Howard homecoming
If an aviation hall of fame is the perfect place for an immersion in aviation history, a ceremony to mark the opening of one in Texas delivered even greater rewards. Almost 500 people who attended the inaugural dinner of San Antonio's Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame enjoyed static displays including the only two flyable examples of the 17 Howard 500s built. The 35,000-pound-gross-weight twin taildragger with R-2800 radial engines and striking vertical tail surfaces dates to 1959. It was manufactured in San Antonio, and its name honors designer Durrell U. "Dee" Howard, one of the Hall of Fame's first inductees.
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Training Products and Resources
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Bose offers CFI rebate program
Bose is offering a special program for certificated flight instructors on the purchase of noise-canceling aviation headsets. CFIs can get a $125 rebate if they purchase an A20 headset with Bluetooth, or they can receive a $100 rebate on the purchase of an A20 headset without Bluetooth. Sign up at the Bose website.
Aircraft tiedown kit borrows from boats
Tie Boss brings an innovative approach to aircraft tiedown rope-tightening without using moving parts. Three ropes and metal hooks attach an aircraft to anchor points while cleats tighten and grip the ropes. The multipurpose kit can tether other items (including bird feeders and boats) and is available from Sporty's Pilot Shop for $49.95.
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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.
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Member Benefits
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Pilot Protection Services
Take advantage of AOPA's TurboMedical tool and do a "trial run" of the medical application before you complete the FAA's online MedXPress. TurboMedical will save all your responses so you can refer to the completed form when you are ready to submit your application via MedXPress. Read more...
Member benefit
Every pilot should know what to do when an accident happens to ensure that no regulations have been violated and insurance matters are handled properly and expediently. Find out the first three things you must do immediately after an accident. Read more...
Member benefit
When purchasing a turbine aircraft, you should insist on a prebuy inspection, a title search, and a fair purchase and sale agreement. Read more...
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Blogs
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Ever thought about throwing caution to the wind and moving to a foreign country for endless hours of pleasure flying over new scenery? Opinion Leaders blogger Garrett Fisher did just that, moving to Germany and shipping his Piper PA-11 so he could fly it around Europe for an aerial photography book. Follow along as Fisher shares monthly updates on his adventure...
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Instrument Tip
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Flash-based; login required
During instrument flying, aeronautical charts correspond to various segments of a flight from departure to arrival. Understanding how to use the charts is essential to flying IFR safely. Boost your skills with practical tips and solid guidance offered in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's IFR Insights: Charts online course. Take the course...
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Final Exam
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Question
I am a private pilot without a current medical. Is it possible for me to log pilot-in-command flight time?
Answer
The short answer is yes. This question is specifically addressed in 14 CFR 61.51. Section (e)(i) allows a sport, recreational, private, commercial, or airline transport pilot to log pilot-in-command flight time when the individual is the sole manipulator of the controls in an aircraft in which the individual is rated or holds privileges. The important distinction is between logging pilot-in-command flight time and acting as pilot in command. Under the regulation just referenced, you don't need a current medical as long as another pilot on board the aircraft is acting as pilot in command. The acting pilot in command is required to hold a current medical. For more on this topic, including several real-world scenarios, read AOPA's subject report about logbooks and logging time.
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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. Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.
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Career Opportunities
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AOPA career opportunities
Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a communications director, pilot community development coordinator, Great Lakes "You Can Fly" ambassador, donor relations director, AOPA Foundation communications director, aviation technical specialist, Flying Clubs Initiative senior manager, marketing copywriter, interactive project manager, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.
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Education and Seminars
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Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Apr 16-17 - San Diego, California
Apr 23-24 - Atlanta, Georgia
May 14-15 - Sacramento, California; Pensacola, Florida; and Kansas City, Missouri
May 21-22 - Hollywood, Florida; Albany, New York; and Conroe, Texas
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the Air Safety Institute's Online eFIRC.
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Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars
Apr 18 - Portland, Oregon
Apr 19 - Towson, Maryland; Blaine, Minnesota; and Eugene, Oregon
Apr 20 - Rochester, Minnesota; Seattle, Washington; and Frederick, Maryland
Apr 25 - East Hartford, Connecticut
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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Rusty Pilots Seminars
Apr 16 - Lansing, Michigan; Dallas, Texas; and San Diego, California
Apr 23 - Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Apr 27 - Logan, Utah
Apr 29 - Blaine, Minnesota
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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ePilot Flight Training Editors:
Alyssa Miller
Jim Moore
David Tulis
Production Assistant:
Melissa Whitehouse |
Contributors:
Mike Collins
Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Alton K. Marsh
Warren Morningstar
Dan Namowitz
Jill W. Tallman
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker
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