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Copyright © 2002 AOPA. | Training Tips
| KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE SKIES
A student pilot who flies well but is having trouble performing a particular maneuver may discover that the problem is more a question of where to be looking rather than  what to be doing. If you are attempting to fly visual maneuvers solely by reference to flight instruments, or if you are using the wrong instrument to establish, let us say, a desired pitch or bank attitude, it will be difficult to fly the maneuver successfully. Excessive dependence on flight instruments also leaves you vulnerable to inadequate lookout for conflicting traffic-risky, as well as disqualifying on a flight test. Traffic avoidance starts with correct area-clearing procedures to be followed before and during all maneuvering; review the proper procedures by reading "The Art of Air Work" from the January 2002 AOPA Flight Training.
Remember, you are being trained to fly under "visual flight rules." The portion of your training that focuses on controlling the aircraft solely by reference to instruments is emergency training designed only to provide you with techniques for escaping an inadvertent weather encounter. While many flight instructors employ the recommended private-pilot training method known as "integrated flight instruction" (read an analysis of the concept in the May 1995 Flight Training), be sure you can perform the maneuvers on the private pilot practical test ( click here to download the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards) with your eyes on outside references only.
AOPA Flight Training columnist Ralph Butcher urges this same preparation in his January 2002 "Insights" commentary. For his critique of the integrated flight instruction method-and this remains an ongoing discussion in the flight-training community-see "Insights: Time For Change," April 2002 AOPA Flight Training. And for some solid guidelines on how to combine visual and instrument references to make your maneuvers come out on target, see the "Instructor Tips" offered by Jeff Falkner to fellow CFIs in the September 1998 Flight Training. Remember, small adjustments in technique can bring big results.
| Your Partner in Training
| For timely reading, be sure to search the aviation subject reports in the members-only section of AOPA Online. One report features information and tips on winter flying. Additional questions? Our aviation experts are available weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time to answer your questions toll-free at 800/872-2672.
As an AOPA Flight Training Member, you have access to all of the features within AOPA Online. For login information click here.
| Flight Training News
| BE A PILOT INQUIRIES UP 6.2 PERCENT THIS YEAR
Inquiries in flight training generated through the aviation industry's Be A Pilot program increased 6.2 percent in 2002 through early December, Be A Pilot reported. The program has generated more than 32,000 prospects so far this year. A follow-up survey estimates this could produce some 5,000 new student pilots, Be A Pilot President/CEO Drew Steketee said. "We're back from September 11, 2001-up 4 percent most of the year and now, even more," said Steketee. "Response to the program this autumn was 50 percent to 70 percent higher each month compared to post-9/11 months in 2001." Through November, more than 750,000 people had visited the Be A Pilot Web site, where they can download or print out a $49 Introductory First Flight Certificate, or locate a nearby flight school.
PAN AM OFFERS FREE HEADSETS TO NEW ENROLLEES
A free headset will be given to each new eligible student in a winter/spring 2003 promotion sponsored by Pan Am International Flight Academy and Sennheiser, the school announced December 17. To receive the Sennheiser HME 100 headset, students must mention the promotion and begin their training before April 1, 2003. For more information, visit the Web site or call 800/83-PILOT.
DIAMOND TWINSTAR MAKES MAIDEN FLIGHT
The diesel-powered Diamond DA42 TwinStar made its first flight on December 9 from the Austrian factory at Wiener Neustadt. The TwinStar's Thielert Centurion 1.7 engines are certified to operate on both diesel and Jet A1 fuel. The composite-construction aircraft, which if successful could see wide use as a multiengine trainer, has single-lever power controls for each engine and an optional all-glass cockpit. European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) certification of the TwinStar is projected for the end of 2003, with North American certification and initial deliveries projected for mid-2004. The target price is $360,000. For information visit the Web site.
| Inside AOPA
| AOPA TO RUN TV SPOTS ABOUT GA
Building on the success of a print advertising campaign earlier this year, AOPA will reach out to the nonflying public with new TV commercials. Beginning next week, AOPA will run a "flight" of ads on The Weather Channel. The 30-second commercials will be viewed in some 24 million households across the country. The ads will present interesting facts to viewers about general aviation, and direct them to the GA Serving America Web site to learn more. The campaign will also include banner ads on the aviation page of The Weather Channel's Web site and on the Intellicast weather Web site. "By running this campaign during the busy holiday travel season, we'll reach a lot of folks who might otherwise never give GA a second thought as they watch for the forecasts at their destinations," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
AOPA TAKES 'TIME' TO TASK FOR 'INFLAMMATORY' AD
AOPA President Phil Boyer responded quickly when Time magazine this week tried to reignite the argument over whether or not general aviation aircraft pose a threat to nuclear power plants. In a full-page ad paid for by Time Inc., Time showed two small aircraft tied down with cooling towers in the background. The caption read, "Remember when only environmentalists would have been alarmed by this photo? Join the conversation." In a letter to the editor, Boyer responded, "By using such an inflammatory caption, you have chosen to begin the conversation by yelling 'Fire!' in a crowded movie house. You preclude any further rational discussion." Boyer pointed out the physical improbability of a light GA aircraft causing any kind of significant damage to a hardened nuclear power plant. In addition, he directed Time's editors to an independent study commissioned by AOPA confirming that GA aircraft simply don't have the destructive potential to harm a nuclear power plant. See the letter on AOPA Online.
Changing your mailing or e-mail addresses? Click here to update.
| Training Products
| ON TOP VERSION 8.0 IFR DESKTOP SIM NOW AVAILABLE
Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. has released On Top Version 8.0, the newest version of its IFR desktop flight simulator. New features include updated U.S. and international databases covering airports, airways, navaids, intersections, and fixes. A database editor lets users add, delete, or edit the database. The new version now supports dual monitors with an instructor's station so that CFIs can modify the flight environment while the student is unaware of changing circumstances. The suggested retail price for the software is $124.95. For more information or to view a free demo go to ASA's Web site.
| Final Exam
| Question: What is the difference between "rime," "clear," and "mixed" ice?
Answer: "Rime ice" has a rough, milky white appearance, and it generally closely follows the contours of the surface of the aircraft. Much of it can be removed by deice systems or prevented by anti-ice. "Clear" (or "glaze ice") is sometimes clear and smooth, but it usually contains some air pockets that result in a lumpy translucent appearance. The larger the accretion, the less glaze ice conforms to the shape of the wing; the shape is often characterized by the presence of upper and lower "horns." Clear ice is denser, harder, and sometimes more transparent than rime ice, and it is generally hard to break. "Mixed ice" is a combination of rime and clear ice. For more information about icing, click here to view or download the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Aircraft Icing Safety Advisor. You may also want to look at AOPA's subject report Winter Flying .
Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? E-mail to [email protected] or call 800/872-2672.
| Picture Perfect
| | The AOPA Online Gallery allows you to download your favorite images to use for wallpaper, send a personalized e-card, and order high-quality prints to be shipped directly to your doorstep. Search the hundreds of fabulous images in our archives and select your favorites today! For more details, see AOPA Online.
| What's New At AOPA Online
| Does your airport need an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer? Could you be that person? ASN volunteers provide a vital link between the general public and AOPA by promoting general aviation and being on the lookout for problems that could affect their airport-like encroaching development or unrealistic noise restrictions. See the updated list of airports in need of volunteers on AOPA Online; you'll also find a link to nominate a candidate here.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Due to the upcoming holiday, there are no calendar events for this week. To submit an event to the calendar, or search all events, visit AOPA Online. For airport details, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online .
For comments on calendar items, contact [email protected].
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 San Jose, California; Jackson, Mississippi; and Portland, Oregon, January 4 and 5. Clinics are also scheduled in Detroit; Rochester, New York; and Seattle, January 11 and 12. Attend a FIRC during the month of December and receive a free ASF umbrella! 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® Ground Schools will take place in Detroit, and Seattle, January 12. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Reno, Nevada, January 6; Sacramento, California, January 7; San Jose, California, January 8; Oakland, California, January 9; and Santa Rosa, California, January 10. The topic is "The Ups and Downs of Takeoffs and Landings." For the complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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