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Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, MD 21701
Tel: 800/USA-AOPA or
301/695-2000
Copyright © 2003 AOPA. | Training Tips
| BE A PRO PILOT NOW AND ALWAYS
This is an exciting but challenging time to be a general aviation pilot. Being a "good citizen" of the air-always a sign of any pilot's professionalism-takes more of a commitment than ever before, and asks more of student pilots than in the past. A good example is TFRs, or "temporary flight restrictions" ( click here to review critical information about them from AOPA Online). TFRs probably are more familiar to you as a student pilot than they would be to an inactive aviator returning to flying after any long absence.
 Basically, TFRs can be considered no-fly zones for most aircraft. They temporarily prohibit flight over certain areas and are disseminated via notam. Review how the notices to airmen (notam) system works in Chapter 5 of the Aeronautical Information Manual . And be sure to check notams as part of your preflight planning. "TFRs are more common in some parts of the nation than in others, but if you don't do your homework before a flight, you could fly into one-with scary consequences. You could be intercepted by a military aircraft and required to land, and when you emerge from your aircraft you most certainly will be greeted by law enforcement officials," warns AOPA Flight Training's Jill W. Tallman in the April 2003 "Aviation Speak."
Several security-related TFRs have been in effect since September 2001, and all active pilots should know where they are and what they cover. Pilots are also responsible for knowing about " blanket notams" that, for example, restrict flight near athletic events and nuclear power plants. Check AOPA Online for updates. Another online source of information is an FAA Web page.
Remember, in a climate of heightened security and dynamic developments in airspace status, it is "your" responsibility to have the latest information pertinent to your proposed flight. Be sure to review the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's continually updated "Operation Airspace" online course, and consider downloading a copy of ASF's intercept procedures card for in-flight reference in the unlikely event that you find a military aircraft flying in formation with you.
Then go out and "do it right." Professionalism is a trait to which every pilot should aspire, whether or not he or she ever plans to earn a living in the air.
| Your Partner in Training
| "Oh no, I lost my logbook! What do I do?" A student pilot is required to carry his/her logbook on all solo cross-country flights; it must contain the proper endorsements. If the endorsements are lost, then new endorsements should be obtained from an authorized instructor. A private pilot doesn't have to carry a logbook, but it's still an important record of flight experience. The FAA's General Aviation Operation Inspectors Handbook (FAA Order 8700.1) provides guidance for reconstructing lost logbooks.
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
| NEW PRESIDENTIAL TFRs BAN GA ACTIVITY
As President Bush ramps up for his re-election campaign and continues to stump for his tax-cut proposal, those responsible for his security have apparently decided that general aviation is too great a threat to allow anywhere near him. The temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that are created whenever the president travels outside Washington, D.C., state that "military, law enforcement, emergency medical aircraft, regularly scheduled commercial passenger and cargo aircraft may operate within the area"-wording that deliberately precludes GA flight within the restricted zone. "Always in the past, talking to air traffic control and transmitting an ATC-assigned discrete transponder code was enough to gain admission for GA aircraft," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "So what has changed? Is there a specific and credible threat? If so, tell us. Pilots understand national security concerns and will play by the rules. But if not, give us back access to our skies." If you plan to fly, pay attention to the news, and if the president is going to be anywhere near your proposed flight path, during your briefing ask specifically about temporary flight restrictions in that area. For more information, see AOPA Online.
PRIVATE PILOT IN EIGHT WEEKS?
An eight-week summer flight training program that culminates in a private pilot certificate will be offered by Florida Institute of Technology subsidiary F.I.T. Aviation in Melbourne, Florida. The Contact program is aimed primarily at high school students or those who plan to enroll at Florida Tech, but anyone who will be at least 17 years of age by the end of the course may attend, according to Mike Brandon, assistant chief flight instructor. Those who complete the program are eligible to receive five credits toward a degree at Florida Tech. Housing and meals are provided at additional cost. For more information, see the Web site.
UTAH STATE CONTINUES NINE-WEEK FLIGHT PROGRAM
Utah State University's professional pilot program is sponsoring a summer flight training program for the third year, according to a news release. The accelerated nine-week training course is designed to allow participants to earn a private pilot certificate at its conclusion. Flying Aggies participants also can earn up to six college credits. Enrollees must be at least 17 years of age but need not be enrolled at the university, which is located in Logan, Utah. Fees vary depending on whether the participant requires housing or meals or whether training is provided in other than a Cessna 152. For more information, see the Web site.
| Inside AOPA
| ASF 'SAY INTENTIONS' SEMINAR DEBUTS IN NEW YORK
More than 100 Albany, New York-area pilots turned out May 12 for the premier of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's newest safety seminar, "Say Intentions: When You Need ATC's Help." The two-hour seminar includes inside information about air traffic control services and procedures that can help pilots in distress. A complete schedule of ASF safety seminars is available at AOPA Online.
AOPA PILOT FACILITY OPENS AT WRIGHT BROTHERS MEMORIAL
An all-new Pilot Facility is now open to assist the nation's pilots who visit the birthplace of powered flight during its centennial year. AOPA donated the funds on behalf of its members to construct the 900-square-foot facility at First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, adjacent to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Several hundred pilots and visitors from around the country attend the grand opening ceremonies Saturday. Deputy FAA Administrator Robert A. Sturgell told the audience that the new facility represents "what AOPA is all about, supporting the general aviation community." FAA "values its partnership with AOPA and the work we do together," he said.
Changing your mailing or e-mail addresses? Click here to update.
| Training Products
| GLEIM PRIVATE PILOT REFRESHER COURSE
It's always good to be able to try before you buy, and Gleim-a publisher of pilot training materials-lets you try one lesson of its eight-lesson Private Pilot Refresher Course free of charge. The course is actually designed to help private pilots prepare at home for a flight review. But at $29.95, this interactive program could also serve as an inexpensive study aid for student pilots who are prepping for the private pilot checkride several months after taking the FAA knowledge test. Each lesson is preceded by a 10-question true/false quiz to find out what you've retained as you've plowed through flight training. Answer 10 multiple-choice questions correctly before you move on to the next lesson. For more information, see the Web site.
| Final Exam
| Question: How do you gauge the wind by looking at the airport windsock? What does it mean when it's out at a 45-degree angle? When it's pointing straight out?
Answer: The windsock (or the "wind cone," as it is called by the FAA) is a good source of information for the pilot. It not only indicates wind direction, but also allows the pilot to estimate wind velocity and gusts. According to FAA Advisory Circular 150/5345-27C "Specification for Wind Cone Assemblies" ( download from AOPA Online), a windsock will take the form of a truncated cone when filled with air. It must move freely and indicate the wind direction within 5 degrees in a 3-knot wind. The AC also specifies that the cone will be fully extended in a wind of 15 kt. So, you may estimate that a limp windsock indicates a no-wind condition. A windsock extended at 45 degrees may indicate a wind of around 7 kt, and when the windsock is fully extended, the winds may be 15 kt or higher. Windsocks will tend to move back and forth when the wind is gusty. They point downwind, so when you land or take off, you will be flying from the smaller end of the cone toward the larger. For more information on windsocks or other wind indicators, take a look at "Wind Cones" and "Which Way is the Wind Blowing?" from the August 1996 issue of Flight Training magazine.
Got a technical question for AOPA specialists? E-mail to [email protected] or call 800/872-2672. Don't forget the archive of questions and answers from AOPA's ePilot and ePilot Flight Training. FAQs are searchable by keyword or topic.
| Picture Perfect
| | Looking for a unique gift for Father's Day? Order high-quality prints from the AOPA Online Gallery. Search the hundreds of images, select your favorite, and with just a few keystrokes, a print will be shipped directly to your doorstep. Orders must be placed by May 30 for guaranteed delivery. Of course, you can still download your favorite images to use for wallpaper or send a personalized e-card. For more details, see AOPA Online.
| What's New At AOPA Online
| Prepping for a flight test? Planning to add "parachute rigger" to your collection of aviation accolades? Updated airman knowledge testing information is available for recreational and private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, airline transport pilot, ground instructor, flight instructor-and parachute rigger, among others. Download information for each from AOPA Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| WEEKEND FLYING DESTINATIONS
Columbia, Missouri. The Salute to Veterans Airshow takes place May 24 and 25 at Columbia Regional Airport (COU). Airshow plus static military aircraft/vehicle display and a salute to veterans. Airport closed to transient aircraft; shuttle service provided from Jefferson City Memorial Airport (JEF). Contact Annette Sanders, 573/808-2171, or visit the Web site.
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 Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Austin, Texas, June 7 and 8. Clinics are also scheduled in San Jose, California, and Columbus, Ohio, June 14 and 15. 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
(Pinch-Hitter courses start at 9:30 a.m.)
The next Pinch-Hitter® Ground School will take place in Columbus, Ohio, June 15. For more Pinch-Hitter courses, see AOPA Online.
ASF SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled in Frederick, Maryland, June 7. Topics vary; for complete details, see AOPA Online.
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