Safety Spotlight
Aerodynamics
Getting a handle on aerodynamics doesn’t have to involve dry textbooks and dense equations. But it does require a thorough understanding of aerodynamic performance during critical phases in flight. You may know an airplane can stall at any airspeed or pitch attitude, but do you really understand why? Get to know the true meaning of “Alpha” and “critical AOA.” Check out the resources below.
Webinar
Aerodynamics: The Alpha Factor Webinar
Venture beyond Bernoulli and Newton when you join AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg and panelists Rich Stowell (Master Aerobatic Instructor and 2006 National CFI of the Year) and Brian E. Smith (NASA Ames Research Center) in an energetic review of aerodynamic principles beyond the four forces of flight. As Landsberg leads a high-paced discussion with amazing video clips you’ll discover the true meaning of power and pitch and what flying angle of attack is all about. Grab this chance to come away a precise aviator in all flight regimes. Sponsored by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.
Resources
Essential Aerodynamics: Stalls, Spins and Safety Online Course
Getting a handle on aerodynamics doesn’t have to involve dry textbooks and dense equations. In this course, you’ll learn need-to-know concepts that will help you avoid unintentional stalls and spins (approx. 45-60 minutes). Take the course >>>
The Impossible Turn Real Pilot Story
Dave Keller needed to land immediately—but rather than landing straight ahead or off to the side, he chose to execute the “Impossible Turn” back to the airport: a risky and often fatal maneuver. With aerial footage captured by Keller’s own video camera, this Real Pilot Story puts you in the right seat as the event develops. Learn why returning to the runway below pattern altitude is a dangerous gamble (approx. 9 mins). Hear the pilot tell the story >>>
School Daze Pilot Safety Announcement
Just when you thought it was safe to sleep through ground school: A satirical look at a serious problem. Check it out >>>
Real Aviation Heroes Pilot Safety Announcement
This is one hero you don't want to emulate: A satirical look at a serious problem.Check it out >>>
Maneuvering Flight--Hazardous to Your Health? Safety Advisor
More than one-quarter (26.6 percent) of all fatal accidents in the last 10 years occurred during maneuvering flight, which includes buzzing, formation flying, aerial work, stalls/spins, canyon flying, aerobatics, and normal flight operation. Basically, any type of flying performed close to the ground — the traffic pattern, for example — or involving steep turns and aerobatics is considered maneuvering. Read this Safety Advisor to learn about performing maneuvering flight safely.(PDF file—169KB) Download it now >>>
Mastering Takeoffs and Landings Safety Advisor
More accidents occur in the take off and landing phases of flight than any other. It is the close proximity to the ground that leaves less margin for error. Some pilots never really master the basics, then it's only a matter of time before they have a problem. Is the runway long enough? Are there obstructions? What is the density altitude? Is there a cross-wind? How good is your airspeed control? Do you know how to successfully recover from a bounced landing or when to go around? These are just some of the considerations that are addressed in this new Safety Avisor. (PDF file—334KB) Download it now >>>
ASI Safety Quizzes
While you may not hear about it on weather reports, density altitude is a concept all pilots should be familiar with. Get a better grasp of how this unseen danger affects your flight. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc
Don't get spun around by maneuvering flight. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.
