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Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, MD 21701
Tel: 800/USA-AOPA or
301/695-2000
Copyright � 2001 AOPA. | Training Tips
| READY FOR TAKEOFF
"Ready for takeoff." Whether you speak these words into a microphone at a tower-controlled airport or say them to yourself at a nontowered field, the implications are the same. Now is the time to put your plans into action. By speaking or thinking those words, you are affirming that no reasons exist to scrub your flight. Weather is suitable. Aircraft systems are working. There is sufficient fuel based on calculations you performed from data in your aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook (plus required reserves). Notams and destination airport information have been studied. And you have verified that you are authorized to conduct the local or solo flight under Section 61.87 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
Especially if a long flight lies ahead, the cramped confines of a trainer should be well organized. Charts should be within reach, folded and secured in a way that lets you view the area your route will cross. Radio frequencies should be written on your route plan in expected order of use. Radios should be tuned to frequencies (and courses, if you are navigating by VOR) before you need them, to save yourself a high workload when things get busy. Visualize approaches to the runways you expect to be in use at the destination based on forecast surface winds. Cockpit management is not only good practice but also will be scrutinized on your private pilot flight examination. Click here to download the file.
If all this has been accomplished, and the aircraft runup and systems checks have passed muster, then you are indeed ready for takeoff. Key that mic and advise the tower. Or at a nontowered field, carefully scan for other aircraft, broadcast your intentions on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency, taxi onto the runway, and begin your takeoff roll without delay. Use caution if wake turbulence may have been generated by an arriving or departing aircraft. And have a great flight!
| Accessing AOPA Online
| As an AOPA Flight Training Trial Member, you have access to all of the features within AOPA Online. If you have received a copy of the magazine or your membership credentials in the mail, log in using your eight-digit member number, which is also your username. If you have not yet received your number, please call AOPA Member Assistance at 800/872-2672 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern for assistance.
| Flight Training News
| TRAVOLTA GIVES JET TO EMBRY-RIDDLE
Actor John Travolta has donated a personal airplane, a Canadair CL41 Tutor, to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The gift, including spare parts, is valued at $700,000. The 480-knot Tutor, a two-seat jet originally designed as a trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force, is also flown by the Snowbirds, Canada's military demonstration team. Embry-Riddle plans to use the jet in its aircraft maintenance technology program and fly it for demonstrations. Travolta has been an aviation enthusiast from an early age, and named his son Jett.
FLIGHTSAFETY TAKES DELIVERY OF SEMINOLE
The FlightSafety Academy at Vero Beach, Florida, has taken delivery of the first of its new fleet of twin-engine training aircraft. The keys to the first new Piper Seminole to join the academy's 90-aircraft fleet were handed over on November 27. The balance of the 20-aircraft order will be delivered by the end of the first quarter of 2002.
AVIATION WEATHER CENTER CHANGES WEB ADDRESS
NOAA's Aviation Weather Center (AWC), a popular preflight Web site for checking aviation weather, announced that its Web address has changed. The Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS) Web address has also changed.
| Inside AOPA
| GA GROUPS CREATE PLAN TO ENHANCE AVIATION SECURITY
A group of general aviation organizations is offering the new Transportation Security Administration an action plan for enhancing aviation security. AOPA, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the National Business Aviation Association worked with a nationally recognized security expert Admiral Cathal Flynn, former head of security for the FAA, to develop a set of practical recommendations to reduce domestic security risks. "These recommendations would further ensure public confidence and raise additional barriers to terrorist use of general aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. The recommendations include issuing new, difficult-to-counterfeit pilot certificates; requiring the government to review all existing and new pilot certificates to ensure that the pilots are not on any terrorist "watch lists"; having aircraft owners take steps to prevent aircraft theft; asking pilots to report suspicious activity at airports; and requiring the federal government to develop a profile to identify individuals that should receive additional scrutiny before being permitted to buy or rent aircraft, receive pilot training, or work in areas that provide access to GA aircraft.
Changing your mailing or e-mail addresses? Click here to update.
| Training Products
| HOLIDAY GIFT WITH SOFTWARE PURCHASE
Still shopping for a student pilot on your list–or for yourself? Through December 25, Comm1 Radio Simulator is offering a free multimedia stereo computer headset with the purchase of any of its audio-interactive pilot communications training software–Comm1 VFR, IFR, or Clearances on Request. For information or to order, visit the Web site or call 888/333-2855.
| Final Exam
| Question: Where does it mean when I receive a flashing red light gun signal from an air traffic control tower?
Answer: If your aircraft is on the ground, the flashing red light means taxi clear of the runway in use. If your aircraft is in flight, the same signal means the airport is unsafe–do not land. Acknowledge receipt of a light gun signal by either moving the ailerons or rudder of your aircraft during the day, or by blinking the landing or navigation lights at night. Air traffic control tower light gun signals are explained in section 4-3-13 of the Aeronautical Information Manual. See AOPA Online.
Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? E-mail to [email protected] or call 800/872-2672.
| What's New At AOPA Online
| Because the increased number of airspace restrictions–some changing frequently–since the terrorist attacks of September 11 are resulting in FAA action against pilots, AOPA has updated AOPA's Overview of FAA Enforcement by AOPA counsel and AOPA Pilot columnist John Yodice. It's available now on AOPA Online.
| Picture Perfect
| | Jump to the AOPA Online Gallery to see the featured airplane of the day. Click on the link for details on how to capture wallpaper for your work area. See AOPA Online. | ePilot Calendar
| Check your weekend weather on AOPA Online.
WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Richmond, Virginia. The Virginia Aviation Museum at Richmond International Airport (RIC) hosts a Wright Brothers Celebration December 15. Call 804/236-3622 for event information.
For more airport details, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online . For more events, see Aviation Calendar of Events
ASF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS
(All clinics start at 7:30 a.m.)
The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are scheduled in Orlando, Florida, and Reston, Virginia, December 15 and 16. For the Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic schedule, see AOPA Online.
ASF PINCH-HITTER GROUND-SCHOOL COURSES
(Pinch-Hitter courses start at 9:30 a.m.)
The next Pinch-Hitter(R) Ground Schools will take place December 16 in Orlando, Florida. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
For comments on calendar items or to make submissions, contact Julie S. Walker at [email protected].
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