Members who subscribe to ePilot or ePilot Flight Training Edition will receive e-mail alerts if their membership address is within 250 miles of a significant presidential TFR. If the FAA is slow to publish the notam, AOPA will send an e-mail alert about the anticipated TFR reminding pilots to check notams at the last possible minute before taking off.
Pilots can download an intercept procedures card from AOPA Online that will prove useful if, despite taking precautions, they violate a TFR and end up with a military escort. "If you haven't already done so, print the intercept card, clip it, learn it, laminate it, and carry it," said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
Of course, the best way to stay out of trouble is to stay out of the TFR. ASF's "Know Before You Go" online course is an excellent review of airspace, including TFRs.
Waco Historical Society presents award to AOPA
The Waco Historical Society honored AOPA with its Clayton Brukner Award, given to the person or group that demonstrates a long-time devotion to the causes, goals, and principles of the WHS. The Board of Trustees cited AOPA's long history of promoting and defending general aviation, as well as the AOPA Centennial of Flight Sweepstakes Waco restoration project.
AOPA President Phil Boyer accepted the award on behalf of the association. "This airplane speaks to what flying is all about-the freedom, the joy, the excitement, the challenge," said Boyer. "And it also reminds us of something else that is so important to our industry. This was a training aircraft, the first introduction to flight for many students. And students remain the lifeblood of our industry. It's only by continuing to nurture and encourage the desire to fly that we will keep general aviation strong and growing."
Anyone who joins or renews membership in AOPA during the two-year sweepstakes period is automatically entered in the Centennial of Flight sweepstakes. The grand prize, a fully restored 1940 Waco UPF-7 biplane, will be awarded early in 2004. Visit AOPA Online for complete rules and eligibility requirements.
Meet the administrator at AOPA Expo 2003
When AOPA Expo 2003 lands in Philadelphia October 30, the general sessions that begin each day are going to be the must-see events.
Expo kicks off with FAA Administrator Marion Blakey facing hundreds of general aviation pilots. "Administrator Blakey committed to attend Expo way back in April," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "That's a clear indication of how important she considers GA."
On October 31, Boyer and representatives from 10 top avionics companies will answer questions about the sweeping advances in the modern panel. It's an issue that's increasingly important to aircraft renters as FBOs upgrade their aircraft and pilots are faced with a dizzying array of new equipment.
"We still have all the seminars and exhibits and aircraft that members love," said Boyer, "but the general sessions offer pilots tremendous opportunities as well."
Expo continues through November 1. You can register and reserve hotel rooms online.
AOPA Legal Services Plan marks 20 years of watching members' backs
Do you think that because you're a student pilot you don't need legal protection? Think again. With presidential temporary flight restrictions popping up all around the country, student pilots face just as much uncertainty as a seasoned pilot on a long cross-country trip.
For 20 years now, the AOPA Legal Services Plan (see "Legal Briefing," page 63) has been helping pilots who face enforcement actions. It can take the financial sting out of defending yourself. For $26 annually, the plan can cover all or virtually all of a student or private pilot's legal expenses for certain covered matters.
"The AOPA Legal Services Plan has always been a great value we offer our members," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "But in these security-conscious times, it's really something no member should do without."
For more information on the Legal Services Plan, what it covers, what it excludes, and how it works, visit AOPA Online.
New ASF online course tackles IFR decision-making
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation continues to expand its roster of online education courses with the addition of the new "Single Pilot IFR" course.
Flying alone or as the sole pilot aboard in instrument conditions requires a tremendous amount of organization and forethought.
"'Single Pilot IFR' is not so much about the technique of instrument flying as it is about the decision-making process," said ASF Executive Director Bruce Landsberg. "It involves making good decisions in a timely manner, which usually means well before you absolutely must make the decision. Staying 'ahead of the plane' like that pays dividends to any pilot."
The program was made possible via donations by Mike Lazar and Lessing Stern.
