Get Back into Flying

Table of Contents

Overview

Welcome back to flying! Please take advantage of AOPA’s many resources and services to help make your return to the sky fun, safe, and as economical as possible. New technologies as well as security regulations have impacted flying over the past several years. This subject report will bring you up-to-date on these aviation events and how they may affect your flying. The content is divided into sections that cover major changes to general aviation operations over the indicated period of time.

Pilots returning to aviation should familiarize themselves with changes to procedures and regulations in order to make a smooth transition back to flying. The following information highlights changes that have affected the aviation industry – both in terms of equipment and regulations. The overview section discusses new types of aircraft and the duration of medical certificate. The technical information section highlights significant events affecting general aviation listed from the present back to1990.

Finding an Instructor

If you haven’t flown in a while, you may have lost touch with the flight instructor who recommended you for your last certificate or rating. AOPA has resources to help you find a new CFI.

Search the AOPA Online Flight School Directory or the AOPA Online flight instructor database to find an instructor near you. When contacting the instructor or flight school talk to the staff about what you are looking for — a flight review, an IFR proficiency check, or completing a rating begun long ago. Find out what kind of aircraft you would be flying, and the cost of instruction. Ask a lot of questions, because in addition to being a pilot, you’re also a consumer.

What Will You Fly?

Will you be renting or buying an aircraft? Are you getting back into flying for business or pleasure, or some of each? How many hours each month will you fly? Answers to these questions may help you decide whether to rent or buy an aircraft. Perhaps getting together with a few partners to buy that airplane you’ve always dreamed of might not be so far-fetched. AOPA covers some things you should consider when renting or owning an aircraft in the online subject report, Reducing the Cost of Flying. If you’re thinking about purchasing an aircraft, make use of AOPA’s extensive online resources in the AOPA Aircraft Ownership Information Center.

To rejoin your fellow aviators in the sky, you will need:

• A Flight Review
  FAR Part 61.56 (c) requires active pilots to complete a flight review with a CFI every 24 calendar months. Each pilot’s logbook must show that he or she has successfully completed that review. The Pilot’s Guide to the Flight Review and the AOPA Online Pilot Information Center subject report on the Flight Review will provide detailed information about what to expect during the flight review process.
• A Current Medical Certificate
  Certain medical conditions that were previously disqualifying can now be approved. If you haven’t visited an FAA physician — now called an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)—recently, you can locate one by using the online AME searchable database. Also, In July, 2008, the durations of both first and third class medical certificates were extended for pilots under age 40.  Under the new regulation, third class medicals issued to pilots under age 40 became valid for a maximum of 60 months, up from 36 months. Additional changes can be reviewed online.
  
  If you have questions concerning your medical, or the medical certification process, contact the Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672) and speak to one of AOPA’s Medical Certification experts. A medical certificate may not be required if you plan to limit your privileges to that of a Sport Pilot Certificate.

The Plastic Pilot Certificate

All pilots had to upgrade to a plastic pilot certificate by March 31, 2010. Plastic certificates are deemed more counterfeit-resistant. All newly issued plastic certificates automatically include the English Proficient endorsement, which is required to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) rule that all member countries (that includes the U.S.) issue pilot certificates that state the pilot is English Proficient if that pilot plans to use the certificate outside of his or her home country.

GA Airport Security

Airport security at general aviation airports is determined by the airport owner/operator according to recommendations made by the FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). All pilots should become familiar with the security procedures that may be in place at their local airport. 

AOPA’s Airport Watch

AOPA has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a nationwide Airport Watch Program that uses the more than 600,000 pilots as eyes and ears for observing and reporting suspicious activity. This helps general aviation keep our airports secure without needless and expensive security requirements. AOPA Airport Watch is supported by a centralized, government-provided toll-free hotline (866/GA-SECURE) and system for reporting and acting on information provided by general aviation pilots. The Airport Watch program includes warning signs for airports, informational literature, and a security training course for pilots and airport employees.

Notams and TFRs

AOPA is constantly working both publicly and behind the scenes to keep the nation’s airspace open to general aviation. Most security-related (Temporary Flight Restrictions) TFRs are assumed to coincide with Presidential trips outside Washington, D.C. Pilots should know that TFRs cover military facilities, nuclear power plants, some theme parks and sporting events. While some of these restrictions have been in place for a long time, many will “pop up” with little prior notice.

It’s no longer enough to look at the chart, pick out the prohibited and restricted areas, and avoid them. Heightened airspace awareness during flight planning, accurate navigation, and precise pilotage is necessary to avoid potential airspace violations. AOPA posts current Notams and TFRs online. You can obtain real-time, interactive, information on airspace restrictions for your specific route of flight when you use the AOPA Internet Flight Planner.  The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has developed an online program to help you understand and navigate in today’s airspace. “Know Before You Go” is designed to help you understand how to navigate in changing airspace restrictions without incident.

• I last flew between 2007 and 2012
• I last flew between 2000 and 2006

I last flew between 2007 and 2012

Aircraft Re-registration

Effective October 1, 2010, aircraft owners are required to re-register their aircraft every three years. Read more 

eAPIS – Electronic Advance Passenger System

Beginning May 18, 2009, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) required pilots who fly internationally to provide passenger information to CBP for flights departing from and arriving back into the U.S. using a new electronic reporting system, known as eAPIS. In order to use the eAPIS system, you must register for an online account. Once the account is approved—a process that CBP officials say takes about a week—you will be able to use the system to file passenger manifests electronically.

ELTs

Satellite monitoring of 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) ended on Feb. 1, 2009. However, existing 121.5 MHz ELTs will continue to meet the FAA’s regulatory requirements after that date.

Even though the satellites will no longer monitor 121.5 MHz signals, the search and rescue community will still respond when notified through other means. ELTs were originally intended to use 121.5 MHz to inform air traffic control and pilots monitoring the frequency of an emergency. It will continue to serve in that role in a limited capacity, relying on fellow pilots and ground-based radio facilities to monitor the signals.

406 MHz ELTs are monitored by satellites and each contains a 121.5 MHz ELT within it. When linked to a GPS, it provides precise coordinates to search and rescue responders, narrowing the search area. Read more online about the differences between the two ELTs.

Medical Certificate Validity Revision

In July, 2008, the durations of both first and third class medical certificates were extended for pilots under age 40.  Under the new regulation, third class medicals issued to pilots under age 40 became valid for a maximum of 60 months, up from 36 months. Additional changes can be reviewed online.