JUNE 19, 2015 - VOL 17, ISSUE 25

Technique and Safety

Accident Case Study

Final approach

On Jan. 13, 2013, a Piper Arrow collided with trees during an emergency approach to Delaware's Dover Air Force Base. The cause of the crash? Fuel exhaustion. But that was only the final link in a long chain of mistakes and missed opportunities. The Air Safety Institute's latest Accident Case Study uses ATC audio to reconstruct the events of the flight and discuss the lessons pilots can take from it. Watch the video...

IFR Fix

Two loud bangs

It's a scenario no pilot enjoys contemplating: The aircraft is flying perfectly when a loud bang is heard, followed by indications of an impact and unknown damage. Two examples reported by pilots of pressurized twin turboprops to the Aviation Safety Reporting System capture the demands of such occurrences. Read more...  

Login required

Thunderstorm season in full swing

It's simple: Airplanes and thunderstorms don't mix. Sharing the skies with these convective beasts demands no small amount of caution and respect. Take the Air Safety Institute's "Thunderstorm Avoidance" safety quiz to learn practical tips you can use to stay safe. Take the quiz...  

Pilot Protection Services webinar

See and be seen

Do you know your piloting responsibilities under the federal aviation regulations and understand how these procedures help eliminate midair collisions by separating aircraft for orderly air traffic flow? Kathy Yodice of Yodice Associates will discuss the regulations and identify some of the common causes that lead to in-flight accidents in a Pilot Protection Services webinar on June 24 at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Register today...  

AOPA Premier Partner sponsored content

IFR clearances made easy

Every IFR flight starts with the clearance. This video from AOPA Premier Partner PilotWorkshops reviews the elements of an IFR clearance, covers best practices for copying them down, and shares some shortcuts to make it easier—even when the controller also moonlights as a record-setting auctioneer. The video is a great review if you haven't filed and flown in the system in a while. Watch the video...  

Accident analysis

Heels over head

Legitimate aerobatics performed in appropriate locations by qualified pilots flying airplanes engineered for that use are a very safe activity. Less-than-legitimate aerobatics, such as practicing aerobatics over a residential neighborhood, are irresponsible and a violation of federal aviation regulations. Read more in this special report from the Air Safety Institute...  

Advocacy

Advocacy

Baker to key lawmaker: User fees a no-go

AOPA President Mark Baker met with the head of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this week to discuss FAA reauthorization and the critical issues affecting general aviation. Read more...  

Advocacy

NTSB, AOPA talk medical reform

The head of the National Transportation Safety Board told AOPA President Mark Baker that he supports AOPA's development of a new course to educate pilots on medical health and well-being. Read more...  

Advocacy

Proposed rule would restore sim time credits

The FAA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would allow pilots to count more aviation training device time toward earning an instrument rating. The proposed rule is in line with AOPA requests and previous industry practice. Read more...  

Health

Online resource

Check out AOPA's medical information for pilots

Whether you have questions about completing the FAA MedXPress airman medical application online, documents that you need to take to your aviation medical examiner, medical conditions that you have, or medications that you are taking, the medical section of AOPA Online can provide answers. Learn more...  

Technology

Article

Drone tech outpaces regs

Representatives of drone associations, research institutes, and universities; drone enthusiasts; and those curious about the growing industry gathered June 14 at the UAS Academy near Warrenton, Virginia, for RoboFest 2015 to discuss the potential uses for unmanned aircraft and questions surrounding FAA regulations, training and safety, privacy, and other issues. Read more...  

Opinion

Blog

FAA shuts rulemaking back door on Cessna 210 wing-spar check

Opinion Leaders blogger Mike Busch explains how the FAA slammed shut a rulemaking back door that Cessna had been attempting to use to bypass the AD process for inspections on cantilever-wing Cessna 210s. Read more...  

Travel

Webinar

Explore fun destinations in Canada

Join AOPA staff and Pilot Getaways Editor in Chief John Kounis for a free webinar July 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern to find out how to prepare for a flight to Canada and to learn about exciting fly-in destinations in the country's beautiful eastern provinces, vast interior, and stunning western mountains. Register today...  

Financial

Contest

Enter now: BizAv and You contest

Don't miss your chance to fly a Pilatus PC-12 NG on missions that showcase the capabilities of business aircraft. AOPA is working with Pilatus Aircraft to offer the BizAv and You contest that will allow one pilot to bring along up to three friends, clients, or colleagues on a mission in the versatile turboprop. The contest is open to people who own or work for a company that would benefit from the use of a business aircraft such as the PC-12 NG. Learn more and enter the contest before the June 30 deadline...  

News and Notes

Article

Inspiration nation

The airplane remains a potent tool for sparking inspiration, and AOPA is offering new support to the growing movement to bring aeronautics into classrooms. Individual pilots, nonprofits, and schools have worked independently in communities across the country for a common purpose, and new AOPA efforts will bring them together to learn from each other, backing up those lessons with a range of support. Read more...  

Article

Baker joins seaplane association's board

AOPA President Mark Baker, a longtime land and sea pilot, recently joined the Seaplane Pilots Association's Board of Directors where he will "provide his informed perspective as head of the world's largest civilian aviation organization, and as an experienced and enthusiastic seaplane pilot and owner" to help the organization grow, said Steve McCaughey, the association's executive director. Read more...  

Pilot Protection Services

Celebrating dad: Memories take flight

Fathers have inspired many of their children to learn how to fly. In honor of Father's Day, AOPA Pilot Protection Services members share some of their favorite memories of flying with their dad or other father figure. Check out their stories and find out how you can send your father an aviation-themed card...  

Article

Cub Scouts learn aviation at Zenith

More than one hundred Missouri Cub Scouts climbed into cockpits, pulled rivets, and learned about aviation from pilot and Zenith Aircraft Co. President Sebastien Heintz. Read more...  

Article

'Girls in Aviation Day' set

Women in Aviation International has named Sept. 26 "Girls in Aviation Day," an offshoot of the organization's popular Girls in Aviation Day event held at its annual conference. Read more...  

Career Opportunities

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for a marketing project coordinator; account executive, AOPA corporate partnerships; videographer, Air Safety Institute; senior director of government affairs (airport advocacy); aviation technical specialist; vice president, information and technology; and director of studies, research, and analysis. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.

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