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Copyright © 2005 AOPA. | Training Tips
| BELTS AND HARNESSES
 What safety item is mandated in the federal aviation regulations, listed prominently on aircraft checklists, and frequently overlooked by pilots? The answer is seatbelts and shoulder harnesses. So don't skim over this seemingly mundane item in training. Also, unsecured belts left dangling outside in the air stream may suddenly slap the fuselage. It can be startling, to say the least.
As students' habit patterns emerge, flight instructors may slyly leave a belt or harness unbuckled to see if they "get caught." Flight test examiners expect checkride applicants to deliver required briefings on use of belts and harnesses. They may ask, "Do we have to wear these throughout this flight?" How will you answer?
Part of the answer concerns the briefing. "Under FAR 91.107(a), the pilot in command is responsible for ensuring 'that each person on board the aircraft is briefed on how to fasten and unfasten that person's safety belt and, if installed, shoulder harness.' This briefing must be given before takeoff," explained attorney/pilot Kathy Yodice in her "Legal Briefing" column in the January 2004 AOPA Flight Training. This "could be vital to the inexperienced passenger. Sometimes in an emergency, a panicky passenger is unable to unfasten his or her seatbelt."
The best time to administer the briefing is when passengers board. FAR 91.107 says that "except as provided in this paragraph, each person on board a U.S.-registered civil aircraft (except a free balloon that incorporates a basket or gondola or an airship type certificated before November 2, 1987) must occupy an approved seat or berth with a safety belt and, if installed, shoulder harness, properly secured about him or her during movement on the surface, takeoff, and landing." In other words, before taxiing.
Under FAR 105, pilots "at crewmember stations" must wear seatbelts and shoulder harnesses "during takeoff and landing, and while en route," unless the shoulder harness would interfere with required duties. It is true that pilots are not required to enforce seatbelt use by other persons on board at times other than those noted under FAR 107-but why not do so for safety?
Depending on aircraft age, combinations of belts and harnesses vary. Some are described in the December 2004 AOPA Flight Training feature "Practice Some Restraint." Know the hardware, then use it in advancement of pilot responsibility and safety.
| Your Partner in Training
| From arthritis to urolithiasis, aviation medical examiners to pertinent medical Web sites, go to AOPA Online for subject reports on medical certification and other health-related topics. You can also talk to our experts toll-free at 800/872-2672 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern.
As an AOPA Flight Training Member, you have access to all of the features within AOPA Online and AOPA Flight Training Online. Login information is available online.
| Flight Training News
| AOPA DAY AT SUN 'N FUN JUST AROUND THE CORNER
 The airshow/trade show season kicks off next week in Lakeland, Florida, as the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In opens April 12. But if you're planning to visit the big show, make sure you circle Friday, April 15, on the calendar. That's AOPA Day at Sun 'n Fun, and AOPA members will get a $5 discount off a single-day admission. Stop by AOPA's big yellow tent to receive a free CD containing all AOPA Online Safety Center courses and many other valuable resources, including AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner. AOPA's 2005 Commander Countdown Sweepstakes airplane will be parked right by the tent so that you can see its new paint scheme, interior, and Chelton FlightLogic glass panel. For more on AOPA Day at Sun 'n Fun, see AOPA Online.
PAN AM ACADEMY TO CLOSE FLORIDA LOCATION, MOVE WEST
Ravaged by two hurricanes last summer and fearing other potential training delays for its customers, Pan Am International Flight Academy is moving its Fort Pierce, Florida, operation to the sunny and dry Southwest. The company's Deer Valley, Arizona, facility will absorb the Florida operation over the next four months, according to Pan Am President Wally David. "Given the uncertainties of Florida hurricanes and summer thunderstorms, we just didn't feel we could deliver on our value proposition to our customers without making a change," said David. Training delays are particularly troubling for Pan Am's foreign airline customers, which count on pilots completing a curriculum at a certain time in order to move into airline positions. As the Florida customers finish a rating, they will be transitioned to the Arizona location. Pan Am will waive its usual early withdrawal financial penalty if a customer decides not to make the move.
SPORTY'S 2004 SWEEPSTAKES WINNER PASSES CHECKRIDE
He was more than a little nervous; he locked the airplane key inside the luggage compartment; his hands shook as he tried to hold a chart. Checkride anxiety plagues just about everyone, and things were no different last month for A.C. Douglass, winner of the 2004 Sporty's Sweepstakes Skyhawk. Aviation publications have followed Douglass' flight training odyssey ever since Sporty's Chairman Hal Shevers called the Florida retiree in July 2004 to inform him of his sweepstakes win. On March 19, Douglass passed the private pilot checkride. "I have found the general aviation community to be kind, considerate, and caring," he said. "Everyone has been interested in helping me become a pilot."
EMBRY-RIDDLE DEAN WINS PILOT TRAINING AWARD
The National Air Transportation Association recently presented its 2005 Excellence in Pilot Training Award to Tim Brady, dean of the College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach campus. Brady was honored for safety, professionalism, leadership, and excellence in pilot training. He was specifically cited for distinction in the civilian and military sectors of the aviation industry for his work as an aviator, teacher, administrator, and writer.
FOREIGN FLIGHT STUDENTS' VISA STATUS IS IMPORTANT FOR TRAINING
Flight instructors who are providing flight training to non-U.S. citizens need to be aware of these students' status-in particular, what type of visa they hold. The requirements for obtaining any visa are separate from the requirements of the Transportation Security Administration's alien flight training rule, and some non-U.S. residents may not be legal to learn to fly. For example, an alien holding a B-1 or B-2 visitor's status visa is prohibited from enrolling in a course of study, according to information released last week. Part 141 flight schools that participate in the Student and Exchange Visa Information Service (SEVIS) program are authorized to issue an I-20 form to a prospective student who enrolls in a flight training program. Part 61 flight schools and independent flight instructors can train foreign nationals if they are legal permanent residents or in a work status (H-type visa) with extended stay privileges. See AOPA's Guide to TSA's Alien Flight Training/Citizenship Validation Rule for more information.
CORRECTION: Scott Winter, recipient of a Dr. Harold S. Wood Award for Excellence, is a senior at Minnesota State University, in Mankato. The wrong school was identified in the April 1 edition of this newsletter. ePilot Flight Training Edition regrets the error.
| Inside AOPA
| | AOPA TELLS FAA THAT SPECIFIC NDB APPROACHES ARE STILL NEEDED
In its efforts to help the FAA cut costs and become more efficient, AOPA has supported the agency's plan to eliminate redundant NDB approaches. But some of those approaches are still needed. So AOPA has given the FAA a list of 57 NDB approaches that should be kept active because they provide the lowest minimums or are important to AOPA members. After the FAA proposed eliminating some 479 NDB approaches that it considered redundant, AOPA specialists researched each one. In 25 cases they found that the NDB approach was the best one available. AOPA urged the FAA not to cancel approaches that would leave higher minima in the remaining procedures, and to move away from NDB procedures in its training and practical test standards. Also, based on input from members, AOPA recommended that FAA retain an additional 32 NDB approaches because they are being used actively. Download the list of NDB procedures that should be retained.
ASF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO HEADLINE NORTHEAST AVIATION EXPO
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Executive Director Bruce Landsberg will be the keynote speaker at the 2005 New England Aviation Expo, which takes place this Saturday, April 9, at Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire. The one-day conference will also feature an exhibit area and courses on accident review, aeronautical charts, decision making, flight instructor professionalism, flying into Class B airspace, runway safety, sport pilot, and other topics of interest to pilots and aircraft owners. FAA Wings credit is available. For more information or to register, see the Web site.
AOPA ADVOCATES 'DRIVER'S LICENSE' MEDICAL FOR REC PILOTS
The Department of Transportation asked for ideas on rules that are no longer needed. AOPA has one: no more FAA medicals for recreational pilots. The association has recommended that DOT direct the FAA to permit the use of a valid U.S. driver's license when exercising recreational pilot privileges. A valid driver's license establishes an acceptable minimum medical standard for the operating limitations of the recreational certificate because it validates basic health, AOPA said. For more, see AOPA Online.
HAVE YOU UPDATED YOUR AOPA MEMBER PROFILE?
To make the most of your membership and allow us to serve you better, please visit AOPA Online and update your personal member profile.
| Training Products
| UPGRADE YOUR AVIATION LIBRARY, SHARE YOUR LOVE OF FLIGHT
Aviation Media is offering aviation enthusiasts an opportunity to upgrade their video libraries and spread the word about general aviation at the same time. According to Aviation Media, owners of its popular Wonderful World of Flying videotape series can return the tapes to the company and for an additional $200 upgrade to the DVD version. Aviation Media, meanwhile, will donate the videotapes to high school or college libraries where they will hopefully spur enthusiasm among a new generation of pilots. For more information, see the Aviation Media Web site.
Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by ePilot editors unless otherwise noted. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors.
| | Final Exam | Question: My instructor told me I need to visit an aviation medical examiner (AME) before I solo in order to get an FAA medical issued to me. Is there a reason why I can't visit my personal physician?
Answer: You may visit your personal physician for your FAA flight physical if he/she is an FAA-designated aviation medical examiner. However, AOPA's Medical Certification staff doesn't recommend it. As an FAA-designee, your physician is placed in an awkward position as both your treating physician and your AME. If you visit your treating physician as a patient with a medical problem that you don't yet wish to reveal to the FAA, you actually have reported the condition by making it known to your doctor/AME. Even though the AME may not pass that information on to the FAA, that does happen, and it creates a potential problem that you have to deal with sooner than you might normally have to. It's generally better to use your AME only for your FAA examination. For more information, read the Pilot's Guide to Medical Certification.
Got a question for our technical services staff? E-mail to [email protected] or call the Pilot Information Center, 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 images in our archives and select your favorites today! For more details, see AOPA Online.
| What's New At AOPA Online
| Does the thought of flying to a nontowered airport give you a few butterflies? Many pilots are uncomfortable at the prospect of operating in an "uncontrolled" environment. Test your knowledge with the latest Sporty's Safety Quiz at the AOPA Online Safety Center. You could win a Sporty's AirScan V aviation radio scanner just for participating.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS:
Nashua, New Hampshire. The New England Aviation Expo takes place April 9 at Daniel Webster College, adjacent to Boire Field (ASH). The event is free and open to the public. It will feature exhibits and classes for all aviation enthusiasts, but is designed specifically to educate and promote the safety of general aviation. Contact Karen Goff, 603/879-6807, or visit the Web site.
Valdosta, Georgia. The Moody AirFest 2005 takes place April 9 and 10 at Moody Air Force Base (VAD). Civilian and military airshow demonstrations, including Patty Wagstaff and a combat search and rescue demonstration. Contact the Airshow Hotline, 229/257-5636, or visit the Web site.
Shreveport, Louisiana. The Wings Over the Red II Airshow takes place April 9 at Shreveport Downtown (DTN) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The airshow and fly-in features aerobatic pilots Steve Culp, Gary Boucher, Dave Leedom, and W.T. Coleman. Food, fun, and free! Contact George Carroll, EAA Chapter 343, 318/797-5205.
Lakeland, Florida. The Sun 'n Fun Fly-In takes place April 12 through 18 at Lakeland Linder Regional (LAL). A celebration of flight with thousands of aircraft of every size and shape, plus hundreds of educational activities, daily airshow, and lots more! Visit the Web site for more information. And don't miss a Pilot Town Meeting with AOPA President Phil Boyer on April 14, and AOPA Day on April 15! AOPA members receive a $5 discount on admission and the chance to win prizes.
Wilmington, North Carolina. The Coastal Carolina Airshow takes place April 16 and 17 at Wilmington International (ILM). Featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. This year's airshow also includes Jimmy Franklin and his Jet Waco. Gates open at 8 a.m. Contact Ron Gumm, 910/772-7983, or visit the Web site.
Sellersburg, Indiana. The Shawnee/Prosser Aviation Field Day takes place April 16 at Clark County (JVY) from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. High School aviation students competing in skills events, Tuskegee Airman Julius Calloway, P-51 and other military and antique aircraft displays, flybys, RC aircraft, and refreshments. Contact Ron Frames, 812/246-5491, or visit the Web site.
To submit an event to the calendar or to search all events visit AOPA Online. For airport details, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online.
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS
The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are scheduled in Denver, Chicago, and Salt Lake City, April 16 and 17. Courses are also scheduled in Tampa, Florida, and Reston, Virginia, April 23 and 24. For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the CFI Refresher Online.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION SAFETY SEMINARS
AOPA Air Safety Foundation Safety Seminars are scheduled to take place during the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Florida, April 14 through 16. The topics vary; for a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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