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Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, MD 21701
Tel: 800/USA-AOPA or
301/695-2000
Copyright � 2002 AOPA. | Training Tips
| TRAINING UNDER THE HOOD
Basic instrument maneuvers are only a small–but a critically important–component of the private pilot training curriculum. Described in Area of Operation IX of the Practical Test Standards, this series of tasks tests the applicant's ability to keep the aircraft under control solely by reference to instruments while flying straight and level, as well as during turns, climbs, and descents. An additional task–and surely the most critical–is demonstrating the ability to recover from "unusual attitudes" that could occur as a result of turbulence or spatial disorientation (see the definition, causes, contributing factors, and some cures at AOPA�Online).
 General aviation safety statistics ( download the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Joseph T. Nall Report) prove that the importance of this training cannot be underestimated. Approach it with the utmost dedication and respect. While you're at it, review a comprehensive discussion of avoiding and escaping cloud encounters in the September 1997 AOPA Pilot.
Meeting the training standards means that you are demonstrating an understanding of the causes of spatial disorientation, the all-important ability to focus on flight instruments and discard unreliable sensory information during instrument flight, the ability to communicate and navigate, and the selection and use of the correct recovery technique if an unusual attitide should develop. As a rule, in a nose-down unusual attitude the recovery sequence is:
- Power (reduce, to avoid exceeding critical airspeed)
- Bank (decrease, before attempting to raise the nose) and
- Pitch (raise the nose gently).
In a nose-up unusual attitude the recovery sequence is slightly different: - Power (increase)
- Pitch (decrease, to lower the angle of attack and prevent a stall) and
- Bank (recover back to wings-level flight).
The first two steps may be accomplished simultaneously during a nose-up unusual attitude recovery. Keep in mind that all this is emergency training only–the training demanded of a certificated pilot who is seeking an instrument rating is far more extensive. Look over the minimum requirements for the training you will receive as a student pilot.
One sure way to avoid inadvertent instrument-flight encounters is to become a crack weather-watcher and maker of that crucial go/no-go decision. See the words of wisdom on these two topics respectively in the October 2000 AOPA Flight Training article "Cloud Watching" and the July 1997 feature in AOPA Pilot. Good practicing!
| Your Partner in Training
| Getting ready to go for your first FAA medical? Log on to AOPA�Online and get the essential information you should know. From FAA-accepted medications to medical subject reports, you'll find the resources to help you understand the application process. We even have a searchable listing of aviation medical examiners in the United States. And AOPA's TurboMedical® application will walk you through the form, cautioning you about potentially problematic answers. As a member, you also have access to medical certification specialists who deal with the FAA on a regular basis. You can reach them by calling our Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672).
AOPA Flight Training Trial Members 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
| BE A PILOT ADDS TO STUDENT STARTS
Nearly 6,000 new student pilots began flight training last year after receiving introductory flight coupons from Be A Pilot, according to the aviation community's program to encourage flight training. In a survey of pilot prospects who requested introductory flight certificates from Be A Pilot, some 28 percent reported that they had already taken their introductory lesson–and nearly two-thirds of those had already begun flight training. A whopping 94 percent of those who had not taken their introductory lesson planned to do so in the near future. Be A Pilot's study estimated that the program has generated nearly 20,000 new student pilots since its inception. For more information, visit the Web site.
LINDBERGH GRANDSON TO RECREATE HISTORIC FLIGHT
Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles A. Lindbergh, has announced plans to retrace his grandfather's history-making route in April and May using a Lancair Columbia 300 with a modified wing that can carry additional fuel. The nonstop Atlantic crossing is expected to be completed in 17 to 19 hours and require about 300 gallons of fuel. Dubbed "The New Spirit of St. Louis," the flight will be followed by The History Channel, which plans to air a two-hour documentary on May 20, the seventy-fifth anniversary of Lindbergh's flight from New York to Paris. On April 14, he will leave San Diego International-Lindbergh Field for St. Louis and New York, as did his grandfather just prior to the 1927 flight. For more on this story and photos, see AOPA Online.
NEW PIPER DELIVERS TRAINING AIRCRAFT
The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. in Vero Beach, Florida, is preparing to deliver the first of seven Seminole twin-engine airplanes to Comair Aviation Academy of Sanford, Florida. Comair, a flight school that is owned by Delta Airlines, ordered the planes in 2001 for delivery last fall. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, however, Comair asked to delay delivery until early 2002. In addition, Comair has leased a single-engine, retractable-gear Arrow to be tested in its flight-training program. New Piper hopes that Comair will purchase of a fleet of Arrow trainers after the trial.
STILL TIME TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
The March 31 deadline for the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's McAllister and Burnside Memorial scholarships is approaching, but there's still time to prepare your entries. For application forms and information, see AOPA Online or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Air Safety Foundation, Scholarship Coordinator, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701.
| Inside AOPA
| FAA IS SERIOUS ABOUT TFR VIOLATIONS, AOPA WARNS
AOPA is warning student pilots that the penalties for violating temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) implemented since September 11 could be severe. The FAA believes that any pilot who violates the TFRs has demonstrated a substantial disregard for safety and security, warranting a 150- to 240-day suspension or revocation of pilot certificates, according Kathy Yodice, an attorney for AOPA. "The FAA maintains this position even if it is a single, inadvertent, first-time violation, and just a clip of the restricted area," she said. Pilots are advised to make sure they have the latest notams before starting a flight.
ASF IMPROVES ONLINE SAFETY QUIZ FORMAT
Check out the AOPA Air Safety Foundation’s latest safety quiz about spatial disorientation. This is the first question under a new, more interactive format, providing explanations of right and wrong answers, and even includes pictures and graphs where appropriate. See AOPA�Online.
Changing your mailing or e-mail addresses? Click here to update.
| Training Products
| FIRSTFLIGHT TEACHES YOU TO FLY
FirstFlight was developed by a Gold Seal flight instructor to prepare students to fly, not just to pass the written exam. The online course is divided into a preflight lesson and 13 flights, each covering a different set of maneuvers or procedures from the practical test standards. A six-month subscription to FirstFlight can be purchased for $49.95. For more, visit the Web site.
| Final Exam
| Question: On a recent cross-country, I landed at an airport I had never been to before. As I was rolling out, I noticed black signs with white numbers on either side of the runway I was using. What do these mean?
Answer: These are runway distance remaining signs. These signs have a black background with white numbers and may be along one or both sides of the runway. The number on the signs indicates the distance, in thousands of feet, of landing runway remaining. For a listing of airport markings and signs, please refer to the Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 2, Section 3: Airport Marking Aids and Signs, available on 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
| NEW 'NEVER AGAIN' ARTICLE ONLINE
The most popular feature in AOPA Pilot is the "Never Again" column written by AOPA members about instructive–and often frightening–flight experiences. The lessons presented are instructive to student pilots, new pilots, and experienced pilots. Now, never-before-published "Never Again" features are available on AOPA Online. A new installment of " Never Again Online" was just posted.
| Picture Perfect
| Did you know you can create a personal e-card using the images from the AOPA Online Gallery? Send one to a friend today. See AOPA�Online.
| ePilot Calendar
| Check your weekend weather on AOPA Online.
WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Payallup, Washington. The nineteenth annual Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show takes place at the Western Washington Fairgrounds February 23 and 24. AOPA�President Phil Boyer is the keynote speaker. Call 253/288-2304 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado; and New Orleans February 16 and 17. Clinics are scheduled in Melbourne, Florida; Reston, Virginia; and Sacramento, California, February 23 and 24. 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 School will take place in Las Vegas February 10. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Mesa, Arizona, February 12; Tucson, Arizona, February 13; and Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 19. Spatial disorientation is the topic. For more information, visit the Web site.
For comments on calendar items or to make submissions, contact Julie S. Walker at [email protected].
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