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Live the Dream
Flying without boundaries
Pilots with amputated or paralyzed legs have been able to fly for years thanks to hand controls that have been created to move the rudder pedals. The same can't be said for those who don't have either arm. But that didn't stop Jessica Cox, of Tucson, Ariz. In this inspirational video, Cox discusses how she overcame the odds and earned her sport pilot certificate. Watch video >>
Hollywood pilot
He has flown in formation with boats, motorcycles, cars, and even a horse. He has doubled for Roger Moore and Catherine Zeta-Jones. With three decades of film stunt flying and aerial coordinating under his belt, J.W. "Corkey" Fornof is the authority on aerial film productions. Read more >>
Aviation brings couple closer
Dave and Sue Passmore of Great Falls, Va., found a new way to enjoy quality time together—flying! Each earned a private pilot certificate in 2008. Soon after becoming private pilots, the Passmores decided to challenge each other again, this time with the goal of earning instrument ratings in time for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. Read more >>
Gone flying? Tell us about your flight and submit photos and video of the experience!
Start Flying
'The Finer Points' releases iPhone application
The Finer Points of Flying and ForeFlight have teamed up to produce a new iPhone application, VFR Communications. The five-chapter instructional course available for the iPhone and iPod Touch features an hour of high-definition video, computer animation, and instruction from CFI Jason Miller. It's available as a $29.95 download at Apple's App Store at iTunes. You may also purchase a DVD version for $49.95 at The Finer Points Web site.
Pilots' group accepting scholarship applications
The National Gay Pilots Association has designated $15,000 to be awarded in student scholarships during 2010. Scholarships of between $3,000 and $4,000 are available to students pursuing an aviation career as a professional pilot. The scholarships are merit based; criteria include demonstrated academic ability, financial need, and active participation in matters of social justice and the betterment of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Scholarship awards will not discriminate on the basis of an applicant's sexual orientation. Applications are due March 1, 2010. For more information, see the Web site.
Cessna releases sport pilot program
Cessna Aircraft Co. has released its new sport/private pilot course to its Cessna Pilot Center network. The Web-based system allows customers to access training materials from any location with Internet access, and incorporates customizable scenarios. "This new training program, coupled with the anticipated deliveries of Cessna's new light sport aircraft, the 162 SkyCatcher, later this year, makes this the complete package for anyone who wants to learn to fly," said Tom Aniello, Cessna's vice president of marketing.
First Steps • Types of Certificates • Time and Cost
Choose a Flight Instructor • Safety • Take Your First Flight
Aircraft of the Month 
Remos GX: AOPA's 2010 sweepstakes aircraft
This month, AOPA unveiled its 2010 sweepstakes aircraft: a brand-new Remos GX light sport aircraft (LSA). The theme of next year's sweepstakes is "Fun to Fly"—and the Remos, N210FN, is sure to live up to that promise. The Remos has a comfortably wide cockpit—46.8 inches—and carries 22 gallons total fuel. It can hold two 200-pound pilots plus fuel and baggage. To learn more, visit the AOPA Sweepstakes Web page.
Ask a Pilot
Question: What type of medical tests do I need to pass to become a private pilot?
Answer: Recreational and private pilots must get a flight physical from an aviation medical examiner in order to receive a medical certificate. The flight physical is a basic examination. The aviation medical examiner will test your hearing, eyesight, color vision, blood pressure, and urine sample, to name a few. You will need to fill out a form regarding family medical history, any personal health issues, any alcohol-related motor vehicle actions, and past doctor visits or hospital stays. You should schedule an appointment with an aviation medical examiner early in your training. Your flight instructor should be able to recommend an aviation medical examiner in your area.
Do you have a question about flying? Ask a pilot! Call 877-58-PILOT or send an e-mail.
In the Blogs
Here are some recent highlights from our Let's Go Flying blog page.
In community
By Arty Trost
Last month a friend in Minnesota sent me an e-mail. "I saw an ad in Barnstormers last week about a Kolb Mark III for sale in southern Oregon," he wrote. "But now I can't find the ad. Do you know anything about it?" I live in northwestern Oregon, hundreds of miles away. But only two weeks before... Read more >>
Flying (soaring) on the cheap
By Bill Daniels
The country is in the midst of the "Great Recession" and it costs $250 to fill the tanks on a light airplane. You need some time in the air for "mental health" but the cost is daunting. What's a person to do? As a poor college student in the fall of 1959 I faced the same problem... Read more >>
Sharing aviation
By Jason Schappert
Sharing aviation with someone, now that's a rewarding experience! I recently had the opportunity to design and lead an after school aviation program for middle school age kids appropriately called "The Future Pilot Flight Academy." I've always had a huge passion for aviation, and try to be an ambassador... Read more >>
Aviation Calendar of Events
Airports all across the United States offer weekend activities, from pancake breakfasts and barbecues to car and air shows. Find out what's going on in your area. You can search by city, state, or geographic region.
Featured Event
Mall serves as aircraft hangar for a month
US Aviation of Denton is placing a Remos GX light sport aircraft, in Vista Rdige Mall, Lewisville, Tex., from Nov. 25 to Dec. 27. Along with the aircraft, US Aviation will offer certificates for discounted Discovery Flights, flying lessons, and partnerships for aircraft ownership. For additional information, read the press release at the US Sport Planes Web site.
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