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Copyright © 2003 AOPA. | Training Tips
| FLY THE AIRPLANE!
Flight instructors love oral quizzes. They especially enjoy asking questions that make their students sift through what they have learned to find a solution to a  hypothetical in-flight problem. Questions like, "What's the first thing you would do if the engine quit just after liftoff?" Or, "What would you do if you looked at the gauges right now and noticed that you had no oil pressure?" Or, "What's the first thing you would do if the passenger-side door popped open on takeoff?"
Yes, there are checklists to follow in such cases, and emergency procedures to memorize (see AOPA's Handbook for Pilots and your aircraft's pilot operating handbook). But that's not the response the instructor is looking for. The answer to the above questions-and many more like them-is the same: "The first thing I would do is fly the airplane." With that task (and your aircraft) under control, go about solving the problem posed in the instructor's question.
The purpose of this particular oral quiz is to provide a "memory cue" so as not to let any kind of problem or emergency distract you from basic aircraft control. Distractions can make bad situations worse or prevent a pilot from seeing the real problem. See Bruce Landsberg's "Safety Pilot" article in the September 2001 AOPA Flight Training. Also see Rod Machado's discussion of using memory cues at the next step-solving the problem-in "A Rhyme for the Time" in the December 2003 AOPA Flight Training.
A close kin to distraction is disbelief that something has gone wrong. "I stared, stupefied and unmoving, hoping for the bad dream to pass. But as the gauge sat there on zero, my rational mind grabbed hold and I began to take control of the situation," recalled one pilot in "Never Again," as published in the July 2003 AOPA Pilot. Also see the "Learning Experiences" article in the December 2003 AOPA Flight Training. It recounts how the simple reminder to fly the airplane helped a soloing student pilot to deal with deteriorating weather that required him to divert to another airport-and emerge from the experience as a safer, more confident aviator.
So, fly the airplane! And let these pilots' shared insights about safety work for you.
| Your Partner in Training
| As a student pilot, you are closely supervised to ensure your safety. But once you receive your private pilot certificate, you may tend to grow more complacent in your skills, or lack proficiency or understanding in some aircraft operations. That's dangerous. Did you know pilots with private and commercial certificates are the most likely to suffer fatal stall/spin accidents? Click here to read more and be sure to visit the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's seminar schedule to learn about free safety seminars in your area.
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
| PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS FAA FUNDING BILL
President Bush last Friday signed into law the long-anticipated FAA four-year funding bill, which sets spending priorities and limits for the agency. "Much of what AOPA fought for survived into the final bill, and that's good for general aviation," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We're pleased that there is short-term protection against privatizing air traffic control [until September 30, 2004]." But the reauthorization act lacks the long-term protection AOPA had wanted, he said. The law includes some positive developments for general aviation, including a requirement of a third-party review before the Transportation Security Administration can revoke a pilot's certificate for security reasons, and an amendment that prohibits closure of an airport without sufficient notice, as well as more than $14 billion for airport construction. See AOPA Online.
CHINESE GOVERNMENT CERTIFIES HELICOPTER FLIGHT SCHOOL
The People's Republic of China has granted approval for Helicopter Adventures Inc. of Titusville, Florida, to conduct helicopter flight training for Chinese nationals. Helicopter Adventures is the first helicopter school outside China to receive certification from the government's General Administration of Civil Aviation, a prerequisite for establishing a training agreement. The company expects a deal to be finalized within the next month. For more information, see the Web site.
| Inside AOPA
| AOPA MEMBERS MAKE LASTING CONTRIBUTION TO CENTENNIAL
Thousands of people endured miserable weather to celebrate the 100th anniversary of powered flight at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, this week, and AOPA members were well represented. AOPA's donation of a state-of-the-art pilot facility, on behalf of AOPA members, was one of the largest contributions to the anniversary celebration, as well as the only new structure that is to remain after the centennial. Pilots who visit the facility are invited to sign an online guest registration and receive a certificate from AOPA commemorating their visit to the historical site. The pilot facility includes restrooms, state-of-the-art weather and flight planning computers, wall-mounted aeronautical charts, and phone access to flight service personnel.
Changing your mailing or e-mail addresses? Click here to update.
| Training Products
| MACHADO PUBLISHES COLLECTION OF COLUMNS
Rod Machado, aviation humorist and columnist for AOPA Flight Training and AOPA Pilot magazines, has published a collection of aviation stories and articles that first appeared in those magazines. Rod Machado's Plane Talk: The Mental Art of Flying an Airplane is by no means a random assortment. The 100 columns and anecdotes are organized by topic-Chapter Two deals with managing and assessing risk, Chapter Three is titled "To Help You Make Better Decisions," etc. The book, packed with the author's original artwork, sells for $29.95 and may be ordered online or by calling 800/437-7080.
| | Final Exam | Question: I have an infant whom I would like to take flying but would like to protect her ears. Children's headsets are too big; do you have any suggestions?
Answer: AOPA has an article with instructions on how to make a "flying cap" for our youngest aviators. It states, "The flying cap is easy to make, and is surprisingly effective at reducing noise. The fact that it is in the form of a cap with the cups inside is an advantage with a youngster. With the cap securely tied on, little fingers are not as likely to remove the hearing protectors." You'll find instructions for the "flying cap" on AOPA Online.
Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? E-mail to [email protected] or call 800/872-2672. Don't forget the online archive of "Final Exam" questions and answers, searchable by keyword or topic.
| 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
| If you use AOPA's Airport eDirectory on your personal computer or personal digital assistant, you can download the latest files for your state-or the complete database-from AOPA Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Lockhart, Texas. A Christmas Party takes place December 20 at Martin & Martin Aviation at Lockhart Municipal (50R). Gifts, food, and drinks to toast our friends and fellow pilots. Contact Cheryl Hill-Burrier, 512/376-9608.
Wickenburg, Arizona. The Arizona Pilots Association Wings Program Meeting and Monthly Pancake Breakfast takes place December 20 at Wickenburg Municipal (E25). Contact Fred Gibbs, 928/214-9300, or visit the Web site.
Batavia, Ohio. Sporty's holds a Hot Dog Fly-in every Saturday at Clermont County (I69). Free hot dogs from noon to 2 p.m. Contact Doug Ranly, 513/735-9100 ext. 291.
La Verne, California. An Antique Aircraft/Classic Car Display takes place December 21 at Brackett Field (POC). Event features antique aircraft, homebuilts, and classic cars. Pilots are welcome to fly in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Yvonne, 626/576-8692.
To submit an event to the calendar, or search all events, visit AOPA Online. For airport details, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online .
ASF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS
The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are scheduled in San Jose, California, and Portland, Oregon, January 3 and 4. Clinics are also scheduled in Detroit; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Seattle; January 10 and 11. For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the CFI Renewal Online.
ASF PINCH-HITTER GROUND-SCHOOL COURSES
The next Pinch-Hitter® Ground Schools take place in Portland, Oregon, January 4, and Charlotte, North Carolina, January 25. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Reno, Nevada, January 5; Sacramento, California, January 6; Santa Rosa, California, January 7; Oakland, California, January 8; and San Jose, California, January 9. The topic is Maneuvering Flight-Hazardous to Your Health? For complete details, see AOPA Online.
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