Safety Spotlight

Operations at Airports

Are you worried about ATC communications at a towered airport? Or perhaps you don’t know what to expect when entering the traffic pattern at a non-towered facility? Be prepared with courses, safety advisors, and quizzes. Check out the resources.

Webinar

Conflicts at the Crossroads: Avoiding Runway Incursions Webinar

Join AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg and a panel of runway safety experts as they discuss the hazard of runway incursions and how to avoid them. Improve your piloting skills as you learn to recognize and avoid Conflicts at the Crossroads. Sponsored by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc. View recorded presentation >>>

Resources

Runway Safety Online Course

Some of aviation's worst accidents have happened on the ground. Find out why—and learn how to avoid runway incursions—by taking this course (approx. 45-60 minutes). Take the course >>>

Say It Right: Mastering Radio Communication Online Course

Radio communication is one of a pilot's core skills — and a cornerstone of safe flying. This course covers both VFR and IFR radio operations and will help you communicate properly, efficiently, and effectively from the cockpit (approx. 45-60 minutes). Take the Course >>>

kneeboard sheet Quick Reference (Adobe PDF file)

Know Before You Go: Navigating Today’s Airspace

It’s critical to be well versed on any type of airspace that lies in your path. This comprehensive course covers everything you need to know to keep your pilot certificate (and yourself) safe (approx. 60-90 minutes).

Take the course >>

*This course qualifies for AOPA Accident Forgiveness and the FAA Wings program.

Ask ATC: Progressive Taxi

What's the most common mistake pilots make while taxiing?

Rundown Feeling Pilot Safety Announcement (PSA)

Being distracted while taxiing can have devastating consequences. Check it out >>>

Operations at Nontowered Airports Safety Advisor

It's a shorthand way to refer to airports not served by operating air traffic control towers, and that includes most of the airports in the United States. Millions of safe operations in all types of aircraft are conducted at nontowered airports in a variety of weather conditions. It works because pilots put safety first and use commonly known procedures. (PDF file—792KB) Download it now >>>

Operations at Towered Airports Safety Advisor

Runway incursions are occurring more frequently each year. This includes collisions on the ground and between aircraft and ground vehicles. This Safety Advisor gives pilots the information to operate safely at busy towered airports. (PDF file—1,072KB) Download it now >>>

Collision Avoidance Safety Advisor

Collision avoidance, in the air and on the ground, is one of the most basic responsibilities of a pilot operating an aircraft in VFR conditions. During primary training, pilots are taught to keep their eyes outside the cockpit and look for conflicting traffic. But little formal instruction is given on the best ways to visually identify potential collision threats—or in procedures that can lessen their risk of occurring. Make the strategies and tactics in this Safety Advisor part of your standard procedures to keep the skies safer for you, and for those you share it with. (PDF file—427KB) Download it now >>>

Runway Safety Flashcards

Runway Safety Flash Cards help pilots better understand runway signage and markings. The front of each card displays an airport sign or pavement marking, while the back provides a description and information on the required pilot action.

Airspace Flash Cards

The Airspace Flash Cards help pilots keep the different types of airspace straight. Each card includes a color depiction of the airspace, a description of its characteristics, and a discussion question.

ASI Safety Quizzes

Nontowered Airport Ops

No tower? No problem. Safe operations at nontowered airports rely on procedure. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.

Towered Airport Ops

Flying into, out of, or near towered airports present unique challenges. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.

Runway Safety

Pilot must maintain vigilance and situational awareness while operating in the airport environment. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.

Collision Avoidance

Whether in the air or on the ground, collision avoidance is one of a pilot's most basic responsibilities. 

Airport Lighting: IFR

When ceilings are low and visibility is poor, approach lighting can guide you in safely. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.

Airport Lighting: VFR

Airport can become a bewildering array of lights after the sun goes down. Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.

Radio Communication

Feeling a little rusty on the radio? Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.

ATC Terminology

The Pilot/Controller Glossary was developed to help promote a common understanding of the terms used in the Air Traffic Control system. Are you and ATC on the same page? Underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency, Inc.