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Copyright © 2002 AOPA. | Training Tips
| NO NOISE IS GOOD NOISE
A pilot's obligation to comply with any noise abatement procedures in effect at an airport gets only a passing mention in training. But those procedures, which may include specific  arrival and departure profiles that require some precision flying by all pilots, are instituted based on a considerable volume of environmental study, federal regulatory process, and the sensitivity of the nonflying public. There is no exemption for student pilots; indeed, the Practical Test Standards ( click here to download) for private pilot applicants require that tasks associated with takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds be performed in compliance with noise abatement procedures. Failure to do so could lead to more than just a flight-test disqualification. "At one airport in the Los Angeles basin, for example, a pilot can be cited with a misdemeanor for performing a full-stop landing followed by a taxi back to a runway under certain circumstances," according to Christopher Parker's "Flying Quiet" in the August 2000 AOPA Flight Training.
Why do such conflicts exist? "Many of the problems existing at airports today are the direct result of poor or non-existent airport land-use planning decisions made by elected officials," notes AOPA's Guide to Airport Noise and Compatible Land Use . But exist they do-and it is our obligation to "fly friendly" and comply with any programs in effect at our home airport or destinations.
Noise compatibility planning for an airport must be conducted in compliance with Part 150 of the federal aviation regulations. You can determine if a noise abatement program is in effect at an airport by looking it up in AOPA's Airport Directory Online or in the "airport remarks" section of an airport's listing in the Airport/Facilities Directory. Then, for some examples of the work AOPA does to prevent unfair curbs on flying, check out "AOPA Action in California" in the October 2002 AOPA Pilot. And don't forget to always "fly friendly"-even if airport noise is not a controversial subject in your area.
| Your Partner in Training
| Wow! You passed your private pilot checkride! You've undergone months of learning new skills and successfully jumped so many hurdles-so now what? What can you do to receive more valuable training? Try bumming rides from pilots flying other types of planes or getting a checkout in different airplanes. And, continue to fly short cross-country flights. Take some friends along, keep the distances to fewer than 100 nautical miles, and fly to some fun destinations. This is a good way to build time and continue flexing the navigational skills that you worked so hard to develop during training. For more ideas, take a look at "After the Private" in the September 2001 AOPA Flight Training. When pursuing a new rating, remember that the regulations for logging pilot-in-command time may vary. You'll find the rules laid out in Kathy Yodice's "Legal Briefing" column in the August 2002 AOPA Flight Training.
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
| AOPA AIRPORT WATCH PROGRAM GETS UNDER WAY
The toll-free number to report suspicious activity at an airport-866/GA-SECURE (866/427-3287)-goes live on Monday (December 2). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is funding and operating the 24-hour hotline, has partnered with AOPA in providing an easy-to-remember national number as part of AOPA's Airport Watch program to help protect national security at our nation's general aviation airports. AOPA also has created posters and pamphlets to show pilots examples of suspicious activities, steps pilots can take to help law enforcement, and sensible precautions for improving airport security. The brochure is available online and will be mailed to the more than 388,000 AOPA member next month. See AOPA Online.
TIME TO GET CURRENT ON NIGHT LANDINGS
Now that the days are shorter and the United States is back on Standard time, earlier sunsets make this a good time to get current on night landings. FAR 61.57(b)(1) states that in order to act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers during the period from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, the pilot must have made at least three takeoffs and landings to a full stop during the same period (1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise) within the preceding 90 days.
DOWLING GETS TWIN-ENGINE FTD
Dowling College School of Aviation purchased a Frasca 242 flight training device (FTD) for use at its 105-acre Brookhaven Center, adjacent Brookhaven Airport in Oakdale, New York. The FTD is designed to simulate flight in a twin-engine aircraft. Dowling utilizes Piper Seminoles in its fleet of trainers. The 242 is the third Frasca simulator purchased by the college. For more information, see the Dowling Web site.
| Inside AOPA
| AOPA DEVELOPS CONTACTS IN NEW DEPARTMENT
President Bush on Monday signed into law the bill creating the Department of Homeland Security, the largest reorganization of the U.S. government in more than 50 years. The law consolidates all government security-related functions under one department. Among the agencies that are moving into the new department that have a direct impact on general aviation are the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs Service. "The Department of Homeland Security will have a significant role in the future of general aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "Fortunately, AOPA already has an extensive range of contacts within the new department, starting at the very top." AOPA secured language in the bill requiring TSA to use "all reasonable measures to ensure efficiency and a viable transportation system as it fulfills its security obligations." Language opposed by AOPA that would have expanded temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) over chemical weapons plants, further breaking up airspace, was removed from the bill before final passage. See AOPA Online.
AOPA PRESIDENT BOYER HOLDS 288th PILOT TOWN MEETING
AOPA President Phil Boyer wrapped up 2002's slate of 26 Pilot Town Meetings on November 14 with a gathering in Denver, Colorado. Five hundred pilots turned out, bringing the total number of pilots attending PTMs this year to more than 8,200-some 1,000 more than last year. The meetings offer pilots a lively forum for discussion of important general aviation issues with Boyer, who uses a computer presentation and video clips to entertain the audience. "Pilot Town Meetings are one of the best ways for me and AOPA to know what's really on the minds of GA pilots," he said. "And in this year of constant change since the September 11 terrorist attacks, they have allowed us to keep pilots up to date on airspace and regulatory changes." For a schedule of PTMs, see AOPA Online.
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| Training Products
| AVIATION KNOWLEDGE BOARD GAME
Hold Short, a new aviation trivia and knowledge board game, takes players on a flight across a mounted IFR en route chart, which can be replaced with a local VFR sectional or IFR en route chart. As you progress, you're challenged by ATC instructions, thunderstorms, altitude changes, and FAA ramp checks-wild-card questions that allow the FAA Inspector to ask you any question about aviation. The game, from CAVU Companies, is designed for pilots ranging from student to ATP. Hold Short sells for $39.95. To order, visit the Web site, or call 800/464-3375.
| Final Exam
| Question: Where can I find an explanation of light gun signals and what they mean?
Answer: Light gun signals are explained in Section 4-3-13 of the Aeronautical Informational Manual . Light gun signals are used by air traffic control towers to communicate with aircraft not equipped with radios, or when radio contact cannot be established. A pilot should look toward the control tower to see the signal. 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. For more information on light gun signals, see "Operations at Towered Airports" in the November 1998 AOPA Flight Training and "Embraced by the Light" in the April 1997 AOPA Flight Training.
Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? E-mail to [email protected] or call 800/872-2672.
| Picture Perfect
| | Just in time for holiday gift giving, we've made it easier than ever to order photographic prints from the AOPA Online Gallery. The fabulous photography that has helped make AOPA Pilot the world's most popular aviation magazine can now be yours to enjoy anywhere, in a variety of sizes. Select your favorite photo from among the hundreds in our collection, make a few keystrokes into a secure e-mail form, and a high-quality print of your selection will be shipped to your doorstep. And of course you can still download your favorite images to use on your computer. For more details, see AOPA Online.
| What's New At AOPA Online
| How's that Waco UPF-7 coming along? An update on the AOPA Centennial of Flight Sweepstakes grand prize aircraft reveals the beautiful bird has not yet flown, but she should be ready to shine at the Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In in April 2003. Get the details on AOPA Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Houston, Texas. The American Yankee Association South Central Grumman Fly-in takes place December 7 at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Contact Tom Jackson Jr., 361/442-5440, or visit the Web site.
North Canton, Ohio. A Mr. and Mrs. Claus Fly-in takes place December 8 at the Military Restoration Museum at the west end of the Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK). Sponsored by Women With Wings, a chapter of The International Ninety-Nines. The famous couple will arrive at 1 p.m. Contact Patricia Synk, 330/945-7518.
Aviation activities traditionally slow down at this time of year, and you may not receive a regional calendar each 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 Austin, Texas, and Denver, December 7 and 8. Clinics are also scheduled in Orlando, Florida, and Chicago, December 14 and 15. 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 Denver, December 8; and Orlando, Florida, December 15. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminar schedule will resume in January, featuring The Ups and Downs of Takeoffs and Landings. See video clips and read the Safety Advisor publication that accompanies this new program on the ASF Web site.
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