AOPA ONLINE
Who needs Willard Scott?
Amazing images of weather as it happens are a click away with AOPA Online's revamped aviation weather Web site ( www.aopa.org/members/wx/). Aviation weather for AOPA members is provided by Meteorlogix, the weather provider for some of the nation's largest airlines and more than 2,000 FBOs. Pilots can track weather in all regions of the country using various products: satellite imagery, radar imagery, surface forecasts, upper air winds aloft, and textual weather. For example, click on "Radar Imagery" and choose "Ohio Valley," then click on the map to watch rainstorms pass from Indianapolis to Cleveland; click on "Satellite Imagery" and select "U.S. Infrared," then click on the map to see storm systems developing in the Texas panhandle; click on "Upper Air" and choose "Winds Aloft" to see the current wind velocities all across the nation at five different flight levels. Planning your next flight with AOPA's Meteorlogix Web site will help you avoid severe weather systems, minimize fuel costs, and create a safe and efficient flight plan.
'The Ups and Downs of Takeoffs and Landings'
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation was scheduled to unveil a new safety seminar in October at AOPA Expo in Palm Springs, California. ASF created "The Ups and Downs of Takeoffs and Landings" in response to data showing that more accidents occur in the takeoff and landing phases of flight than any other phase. Fifty percent of all aviation accidents result from takeoff and landings, although only seven percent involve fatalities, according to ASF.
The primary cause of accidents in both those phases of flight is loss of control. Some pilots never really master the basics, and then it's only a matter of time before they have a problem. Is the runway long enough? Are there obstructions? What is the density altitude? Is there a crosswind? How good is your airspeed control? Do you know how to successfully recover from a bounced landing or when to go around? These are just some of the considerations that are addressed in this new interactive seminar.
The free course includes footage of actual takeoffs and landings that seminar participants are invited to analyze and critique. The seminar qualifies for the FAA "Wings" Pilot Proficiency Award program. Live ASF safety seminars are presented each week at selected locations across the country. ASF presents its original series of safety seminars to more than 33,000 pilots and student pilots each year.
To search for scheduled seminars in your area by month or topic, visit www.aopa.org/asf/schedules/seminar.cfm.
AOPA Legal Services Plan: Now more than ever
Since last year, the AOPA Legal Services Plan has reported a 31-percent increase in the number of members assisted in legal claims. Because of temporary flight restrictions reported at the last minute, continuing airspace changes, and heightened security concerns, more members are participating in the AOPA Legal Services Plan, first introduced in 1983, than ever before. Under the plan, members receive assistance from legal counselors with experience in aviation-related issues. The AOPA Legal Services Plan was developed to make aviation legal assistance and representation available and affordable to all pilots. The plan costs AOPA members from $26 per year.
Enroll in the AOPA Legal Services Plan online ( www.aopa.org/info/legalservices10/) or call 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672).
AOPA, 421 AVIATION WAY,
FREDERICK, MARYLAND 21701
TOLL-FREE PILOT INFORMATION CENTER
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AOPA CREDIT CARD PROGRAM
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AOPA AIRCRAFT INSURANCE
Call 800/622-AOPA (622-2672)
Click www.aopa.org/aircraftinsurance.html
AOPA LEGAL SERVICES PLAN
Call 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672)
Click www.aopa.org/legalservices.html
AOPA ONLINE TRAVEL
Click www.aopa.org/travel/
OTHER AOPA MEMBER PRODUCTS
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Click www.aopa.org/memberproducts/
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