May 8, 2015 - VOL 15, ISSUE 19

Flight Training News

Video

Ready for takeoff?

What's your definition of a perfect liftoff and departure? In Takeoffs and Landings: Normal Takeoffs, flight instructors examine the process, while in-flight footage shows what a normal takeoff should look like and what it often turns out to be. May all of your takeoffs be well-managed and safe. Watch the video...  

ACE Academy accepting 2015 applications

The Indianapolis Aviation Career Education (ACE) Academy is accepting applications for its 2015 program. The weeklong summer program, which runs July 6 through 11, introduces middle and high school students to careers and opportunities in the aviation industry. Students will have an opportunity to observe and interact with professionals from the aviation community, receive career mentoring, and take field trips in the program, one of many co-sponsored by the FAA.

Cincinnati college approved for R-ATP

The University of Cincinnati - Clermont College Aviation Technology: Professional Pilot Training Program graduates now may earn the restricted airline transport pilot certificate, which allows pilots to fill first-officer positions with fewer than 1,500 hours, the university announced April 28. Pilots earning R-ATP certification must graduate from an FAA-approved program, and may earn credit for specific education and training in lieu of the standard 1,500 hours for an airline transport certificate. Flight training for the two-year program is conducted at Sporty's Academy at Clermont County Airport in Batavia, Ohio.

Fly like a fighter

Spin cycle

A "simple" power-on stall got really exciting, but then turned into a nonevent because of the training the pilot had received. Is it time for you to get some spin training? Read more...  

Scholarships

Article

Scholarship puts aviation career in student's reach

A Michigan high school senior whose dream of a piloting career overmatched the reach of his family's finances got game-changing news on April 30. Read more...  

Article

20 students awarded Duncan Aviation scholarships

Duncan Aviation, a Lincoln, Nebraska-based aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul company, has announced annual scholarship awards to 20 students. Read more...  

Training Resources

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Do you know the meaning of alpha?

If aerodynamics textbooks and dense equations make you sleepy, then it's time to wake up and discover the significance of "critical angle of attack." You may know an airplane can stall at any airspeed or pitch attitude, but do you really understand why? Learn more with this Aerodynamics quiz from the Air Safety Institute...  

Did you know that student pilots who join AOPA are three times more likely to complete their flight training? Membership includes unlimited access to aviation information by phone (800/USA-AOPA, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time) or from Flight Training Online or AOPA Online. If you're not already a member, join today and get the pilot's edge.

Career Pilot

Article

Pilot shortage: Yes or no?

Can the United States provide enough pilots to meet industry needs in the coming years? Industry officials debated the question of whether a pilot shortage is imminent or a reality at a panel discussion April 28. Read more...  

Article

Bell to lay off 1,100

Low oil prices, the V-22 Osprey, and U.S. Army surplus sales likely all play a role in job cuts at Bell Helicopter, an analyst said. The Textron company announced 1,100 layoffs April 27. Read more...  

For more aviation career news, see the Flight Training website.

Plane Spotter

Stylish by convention

Back when conventional landing gear was truly the convention, it was common for a general aviation aircraft designed for business or luxury travel to have a big, powerful radial engine. And if that conventional landing gear—meaning two mains and a tailwheel—retracted, the eye-catching aircraft would be capable of serious speed and altitude performance. Such was, and remains, the case with the Depression-era-built Spartan Executive 7W, powered by a 450-horsepower Pratt and Whitney engine, and capable of cruising at 200 mph while lifting 4,400 pounds to 24,000 feet.

Training Products

Free videos cover landing tips

The University of North Dakota's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences introduces a number of training topics in free instructional videos available on YouTube. For a look at takeoffs and landings—from normal approach and landing to how poor energy management can lead to a faulty approach—see the university's Takeoffs and Landings playlist.

Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by ePilot editors unless otherwise noted. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors.

Member Benefits

Member benefits

What will your airplane really cost?

When negotiating the price of buying an airplane, it's easy to get so caught up in getting the best deal on the purchase price that other costs associated with aircraft ownership get neglected. Read more...  

Pilot Protection Services

What tests does the FAA require if you have atrial fibrillation?

AOPA Pilot Protection Services has received some questions recently about what information the FAA needs from an airman who has an episode of atrial fibrillation. Read more...  

Blogs

Writing letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation: You will at some point need to ask for some, and at some point you will likely be asked to provide some. Blogger Chip Wright offers advice for writing a successful letter of recommendation. Read more...  

Those lousy checklists

Not all checklists are equal—some are lousy while others are expertly crafted. The important lesson is to use the checklist, according to Opinion Leaders blogger Ron Rapp, because "it's not the neophyte who is at greatest risk for missing something, it's the grizzled veteran who whips through the flows at lightning speed and then neglects to use the checklist at all." Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

Your flight school bought an airplane that is a newer model of the one you were flying previously. Although the flight characteristics are similar, there are a few differences in airspeed limitations. Where can a pilot find this information?

Answer

This information can be found in the Airplane Flight Manual, sometimes referred to as the Pilot's Operating Handbook. Limitations are found in Section 2. (Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Chapter 8.)

Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Flight instructor, Florida Flyers

Florida Flyers is looking for qualified flight instructors to join its busy Part 141 operation. With more than 30 airplanes, successful candidates can expect average monthly flight time/dual instruction of at least 120 hours per month. Multiple positions are available now! Apply for this exciting opportunity today.

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for part time, temporary digital product support; an account executive, AOPA corporate partnerships; editorial intern; manager, airport policy; graphic design intern; contractual marketing copywriter; videographer, Air Safety Institute; senior director of government affairs (airport advocacy); director of government affairs (airspace/air traffic); aviation technical specialist; director, pilot community development; vice president, information and technology; senior ambassador, You Can Fly; outreach and events coordinator; vice president for major and leadership gifts; Sitecore developer; director of studies, research, and analysis; and account executive. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.