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Live the Dream
A diagnosis, a reclaimed dream
 When he got the diagnosis, it felt like his life had turned upside down. Aeronautical engineer and private pilot Timothy Garrett thought multiple sclerosis could spell the end of his flying. But more than 22 years later, he is flying an airplane he built and sharing his story of hope with other MS patients across the country. Garrett returned to flying in 1992 with a special issuance medical certificate and finished building a Zenith airplane in 2006. Since then, “I’ve been flying like crazy,” he said. Read more >>
Start Flying
It's payback time - by Barry Schiff
Aviation has been good to me in a wide variety of ways. I cannot imagine how any other vocation or avocation could have provided me with such a lifetime of gratification and joy. Along the way and especially during my early years, there have been innumerable people who inspired, encouraged, and assisted my aeronautical growth. What I would like to do now is in their honor (and most of them know who they are). I am offering a “solo scholarship” to the winner of an essay contest. Read more >>
First Steps • Types of Certificates • Time and Cost
Choose a Flight Instructor • Safety • Take Your First Flight
Aircraft of the Month
Tecnam P92 Eaglet
The Tecnam P92 Eaglet is certificated as a Light Sport Aircraft. Built in Italy, it is one of four Tecnam models currently sold in the United States. The Eaglet has a roomy cabin that features in flight adjustable seats, increased visibility out of the doors as well as over the nose, leather interior, and even a center console with a cup holder. It can use auto fuel and aviation fuel and burns a reasonable three to five gallons per hour. According to Tecnam Aircraft, there are more than 2,500 Tecnam airplanes operating worldwide, and more than 100 are flying in the United States. Read more and watch a video of the Eaglet in flight.
Ask a Pilot
I am interested in earning a pilot certificate, but am not a U.S. citizen. Are there any additional requirements for me to begin flight training?
Answer: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires non-U.S. citizens to participate in the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP). You will be required to submit identification and fingerprints to the TSA and undergo a security threat assessment before you can begin flight training. It may take several weeks to receive approval to begin flight training, so we encourage you to begin the process as soon as practical. Your flight school can help guide you through the process. You also can find additional information on the AOPA website.
Do you have a question about flying? Ask a pilot! Call 800/872-2672 or send an e-mail.
In the Blogs
Here are some recent posts from our Let's Go Flying blogs.
Just Do It
The second hardest part of the flight training experience is making the decision to get started, and it's no surprise that for every pilot living the dream, there are two, three, or more people that are still sitting on the fence. Learning to fly might sound like a big commitment. It entails 40+ hours of flying, the equivalent of a college course in ground lessons, and many more hours of self study. And then there is the written exam and dreaded ground and flight portions of the practical test. But it's not. Read more >>
Flying to Oshkosh
How has this happened? Almost four months since I’ve posted to this blog! And SOOO much as happened since then – maybe that’s the problem. My last post was July 5, as I was getting ready to fly to Oshkosh. 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.
Sporty's Saturday Hot Dog Fly-In
Visit Sporty's Pilot Shop at Clermont County Airport in Batavia, Ohio and get a free hot dog! Each Saturday, year-round, free hot dogs are served from noon to 2:00 p.m. to all pilots who make the trip. Shop, eat, and enjoy a fun day at the airport. For details, visit the website.
Thanksgiving Fly-In & Aircraft Display
Aircraft and classic cars will be on display at Brackett Field in La Verne, Calif. on Sunday, Nov. 20. All are welcome to this free event. Biplane rides will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Yvonne at 626/576-8692.
Air Associates of Missouri Thanksgiving Dinner and Open House
Come join Air Associates for a Thanksgiving Feast at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Turkey, stuffing, and other delicious food will be served. Please feel free to bring family and friends. Air Associates is donating to a charity this holiday season to help children in need and will be accepting donations at the luncheon. Additional information is available online.
Understanding Weather Presentation
On Saturday, Nov. 26 visit Johnson County Executive Airport in Olathe, Kan. for a free presentation on how the weather works and how to be your own meteorologist. The presentation begins at 9:00 a.m. Coffee and doughnuts will be served. Visit the website for more information.
Pilots love to take photos, and they love to share them with other pilots. Now you can upload your flying photos to our online gallery, “Air Mail.” Share your special aviation images, or view and rate more than 7,000 photos (and growing). Photos are put into rotation on the AOPA home page! | 
