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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. |  ATTENTION�SUBSCRIBERS:
Your ePilot newsletter is being sent early this week, in order to bring you the latest airspace information before the July 4 holiday weekend. Concerns about potential terrorist activity could result in additional TFRs. Check AOPA Online for updates and obtain a full briefing before flying.
| Training Tips
| TAMING NONTOWERED AIRPORTS
Whether you're based at a nontowered airport or you visit one on training flights, don't assume that the lack of air traffic control's presence implies a more casual environment. The opposite can be true. There is indeed an air traffic control  presence at a nontowered airport. See it the next time you stand at the mirror. Having neither the training nor the vantage point of a tower controller–and having an aircraft to fly–should be incentive to become familiar and comfortable with nontowered-airport procedures. The name of the game, and the title of an article in the December 2001 AOPA Flight Training, is "Avoiding Close Calls." See the discussion of hazards in the vicinity of airports on AOPA Online. Here, the "see and avoid" rule in Section 91.113 of the Federal Aviation Regulations rules the roost.
The key to safe and efficient operations is to follow set procedures for nontowered airports and to apply any exceptions in effect at the airport where you're flying. Study arrival and departure procedures in AOPA's online Handbook for Pilots . Consult the Airport/Facilities Directory or AOPA's Airport Directory for the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) or unicom, and other facts about airports that you will fly to–including nonstandard traffic patterns or altitudes, displaced runway thresholds, approach obstructions, and noise-abatement requirements.
Before flying to a new airport, spend time visualizing how you would enter the pattern to any runway likely to be in use. Monitor the CTAF within 20 miles to determine traffic volume at the destination. Entering the pattern, slow the aircraft to its initial approach speed, and fly a comfortable approach. (First arrivals at new airports are often challenging for student pilots.) If things get a bit cramped, don't be afraid to go around and try again. Avoid overshooting the turn to final, as discussed in an AOPA Air Safety Foundation newsletter article. Be prepared to compensate for the improper actions of other pilots. One student pilot and instructor turned such an opportunity into a learning experience as recounted in the July 1998 Flight Training article titled "Active Safety".
None of the above suggests that a tower-controlled airport is better or worse for training. (See the "Towered-Nontowered Debate" article in the January 2001 AOPA Flight Training). Both kinds of airports have their advocates, and are routinely used by student pilots. All agree that comprehensive training requires exposure to both. Look, listen–and enjoy expanding your horizons.
| Your Partner in Training
| One of the first people who you should see when you begin flight training is an AME–an aviation medical examiner. He or she will ensure that you do not have any physical problems that will preclude you from obtaining a pilot certificate. To locate a medical examiner in your area, see AOPA Online. Check our list of medical FAQs. Still have questions? Call our aviation experts at 800/USA-AOPA weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time.
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
| AIRSPACE CHANGES CONTINUE, AOPA WARNS
Three times last weekend, pilots entered the prohibited airspace P-40 over Camp David in western Maryland while President Bush's family was there. The pilots of two aircraft–a Beech A23 and a Cessna–were forced to land by military aircraft. Interviews with the pilots determined the incursions were accidental and no criminal charges will be filed, although the pilots still face possible administrative action by the FAA. "Accidental or not, these incursions hurt general aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Every time a GA pilot strays into prohibited or restricted space, it leaves the impression with federal authorities that we are at best careless, and at worst, a threat." Security warnings about possible terrorist activities during the July 4 holiday have led to the establishment of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) over the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor, Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. As the holiday nears, additional restrictions are possible. AOPA urges all pilots to obtain briefings and carefully check notams before any flight. Many of the national security-related TFRs are depicted on AOPA Online.
OMF SYMPHONY 160 RECEIVES IFR CERTIFICATION
The OMF Symphony 160, a two-seat, single-engine airplane currently in production as a VFR aircraft, won its IFR certification from the FAA on June 28. The VFR model has proved popular as a training aircraft. The Symphony had received LBA (German) IFR certification in May. Changes to the model include a split electrical bus, lightning protection, an alternate static source, and antenna and wiring changes. Garmin avionics have been added to the panel. The IFR-equipped Symphony retails for $140,000, with the VFR version priced at $120,000. For more, see the Web site.
FOSSETT REACHES GOAL
American adventurer Steve Fossett drifted into aviation history Tuesday, becoming the first person to fly a balloon solo around the world. Flying through the darkness over the ocean south of Australia in his silvery Spirit of Freedom balloon, Fossett crossed east of 117 degrees longitude, the line from which he set off two weeks ago. The Chicago investment millionaire covered more than 19,250 miles on the trip, finally succeeding in his sixth attempt at the record. "Steve has crossed the finishing line," said mission controller Joe Ritchie. Speaking by satellite telephone, a calm-sounding Fossett said: "It is a wonderful time for me." After breaking the record, Fossett was expected to continue drifting across Australia until daylight, when he would be able to find a safe place to land most likely on southern Australia's vast Nullarbor Plain.
| Inside AOPA
| AOPA OBJECTS TO NEW YORK PLAN FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS
Last week the New York Assembly approved a measure, A.B. 11863, requiring criminal history records checks for individuals seeking to learn to fly, to obtain flight training for an advanced rating or certificate, or even obtain basic recurrent training such as a flight review or instrument proficiency check. This week the measure goes to the Senate Committee on Rules. AOPA has raised its objections to the legislation in a letter to the committee. New York is the seventh state where this type of legislation is being considered; only Michigan has enacted such a requirement. AOPA argues that states should not be in the role of regulating a federally controlled activity like flight training. AOPA urges its members in New York to contact their state senators immediately and object to Assembly Bill 11863. For more information, see AOPA Online.
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| Training Products
| MONTAGUE OFFERS THE RIDE YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU
Montague Corporation recently introduced a folding bike made with pilots in mind–it requires no tools to fold and reassemble. The DX Crossover Bike folds into a 3-by-3-by-1-foot size for easy storage in many aircraft baggage compartments. The bike weighs 29 pounds and has grip shifters and semismooth tires for city streets and back roads. Retail price is $399 and it comes with a bag for storage. For more, see the Web site.
| Final Exam
| Question:
Why are pilots encouraged to use supplemental oxygen above 10,000 feet during the day, and only 5,000 feet at night?
Answer:
The major concern is hypoxia and its effect on night vision. Hypoxia is a deficiency of oxygen in the body. The common symptoms of hypoxia include increased breathing rate, headache, sweating, dizziness, reduced peripheral vision, fatigue, and a feeling of euphoria. Hypoxia also impairs night vision. Because the rod cells in the eye, which give us night vision, require a lot of oxygen, a lack of oxygen causes visual impairment. For more information on hypoxia, see the following AOPA Flight Training articles: "Form and Function: Oxygen Systems" and "Detecting Hypoxia".
Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? E-mail to [email protected] or call 800/872-2672.
| 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.
| What's New At AOPA Online
| NEVER AGAIN, AGAIN
A heavy airplane, rising terrain, and a landing strip that was truly unimproved lead a pilot to remember this flight, logged in the Arizona desert 25 years ago. "Never Again" articles relate the experiences of their authors, much like "Learning Experiences" does in AOPA Flight Training. See the latest Never Again Online, titled "Why I'll never forget my 1,000th hour," exclusively on AOPA Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA�Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Homestead, Florida. The Light Aircraft Flyers Association Sixth Annual Air Fair takes place July 6 and 7 at Homestead General Aviation Airport (X51). Displays, exhibits, aircraft rides, food, and fun for everyone. Contact Ron Andersen, 954/721-2373.
Grass Valley, California. Nevada County AirFest 2002 takes place July 6 at Nevada County Air Park (O17). All-day event, featuring antique, classic, and experimental aircraft. Contact Tim O'Brien, 530/273-1972, or visit the Web site.
Fargo, North Dakota. The Marion Jayne 1800 and Fargo 300 Air Races take place July 13 through 19, starting and finishing at Hector International Airport (FAR). Contact Patricia Jayne Keefer, 817/491-2848, or visit the Web site.
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 Portland, Maine and Memphis, Tennessee, July 13 and 14. 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 Jacksonville, Florida, and San Diego on July 28. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 24 through 27. The topics vary. For the complete schedule, see AOPA�Online.
To make submissions to the calendar, visit AOPA Online. For comments on calendar items, e-mail [email protected].
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