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Copyright © 2005 AOPA. | Training Tips
| 'PROGRESSIVE' TAXIING
 Making your first arrival at a large and busy airport can be an exhilarating, if hectic experience. There are multiple runways-some of them intersecting-and taxiways everywhere you look. No matter how well you prepare, it will take extra care to navigate an unfamiliar taxi route, while complying with any hold-short instructions issued to keep you at a safe distance from active runways. At such a time, consider requesting "progressive taxi" instructions from the ground controller. "With a progressive taxi, controllers give you step-by-step directions to your destination on the airport. If you are unsure of where to go, come to a complete stop (after taxiing clear of the runway) and request this service from ground control," Alyssa Miller explained in "Flying Smart: Aviation Speak" in the December 2004 AOPA Flight Training.
Progressive taxiing is explained further in Chapter 4 of the Aeronautical Information Manual. Note that sometimes it is air traffic control, not the pilot, who makes the decision to use this method. "Progressive instructions may also be issued if the controller deems it necessary due to traffic or field conditions; i.e., construction or closed taxiways," the AIM says.
If after landing you receive a regular taxi clearance but then become uncertain of your position on the airport, it's not too late to ask for progressive taxi assistance. It is also available when you taxi back out for takeoff. In either case, if there are numerous aircraft taxiing nearby, it is a good idea when you make your request to inform ground control that you are a student pilot. This can be a magic phrase, as described in the October 10, 2003, "Training Tips."
But don't get the idea that only student pilots ask for progressive taxiing. Even the experienced aviator should ask for assistance with taxiing rather than risk a runway incursion or other mishap. See Alton K. Marsh's August 2004 AOPA Pilot feature "Incursions R Us" for some insights on the problem of incursions and how progressive taxiing can help to avoid them.
Add progressive taxiing to your pilot's toolbox, and approach busy new airports with confidence.
| Your Partner in Training
| Questions about the flight review have always plagued pilots. Simply put, you cannot act as pilot in command (even when solo) without a current signoff for a flight review. See AOPA Online to learn more about the requirements and expectations for the flight review. Then, read the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Pilot's Guide to the Flight Review Safety Advisor at the AOPA Online Safety Center.
Do you have a question? Call our experienced pilots-available weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern-toll-free at 800/872-2672. 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
| FRASCA INTRODUCES GLASS-COCKPIT SIMULATOR
Frasca International Inc. has unveiled a new flight training simulator designed to train pilots to fly integrated "glass-cockpit" avionics systems such as the Garmin G1000. Dubbed the Mentor, the simulator uses much of the same technology as Frasca's higher-level flight training devices (FTDs), including Jeppesen navigation data, full-size flight controls, and a graphical instructor's station. It can serve as a smaller school's only simulator, but Frasca International Vice President John Frasca envisions that larger schools would use the Mentor as a "part task" trainer complementing other FTDs. For more information, see the Web site.
TWIN COMANCHE WINNER GETS THE HANG OF MULTIENGINE FLYING
A good pilot is always learning-particularly if he happens to move up from a Piper J-3 Cub to a completely refurbished Twin Comanche. Roy Wilbanks, winner of AOPA's 2004 Sweepstakes grand prize, has been an enthusiastic student. In the two months since he won the airplane, he has racked up more than eight hours of multiengine training. And he plans to get additional assistance from the International Comanche Society. "To become a better pilot we all need more training, and I will gladly accept any help I can get," he told AOPA. For more, see AOPA Online.
U.S. PILOTS MAY NEED PASSPORTS TO FLY OVER THE BORDER
Pilots accustomed to flying over the border to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean and using a birth certificate to prove U.S. citizenship on their return to the United States could soon need a passport instead. The change will be especially significant to the many pilots who regularly use GA aircraft for travel to these convenient business and pleasure destinations. A proposal announced this week by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department would require anyone reentering the United States from any foreign country to carry a valid passport. The program, called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, will be the subject of an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to give the public time to comment. See AOPA Online.
FORMER NTSB MEMBER TO SPEAK AT COMMENCEMENT
John Goglia, former member of the National Transportation Safety Board, will be keynote speaker at Daniel Webster College's commencement ceremony on May 14 in Nashua, New Hampshire. Now a professor of aviation science at Saint Louis University's Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology, Goglia will receive an honorary doctoral degree from Daniel Webster. For more information about the commencement ceremony, see the college's Web site.
U.S. AIR RACES ACCEPTING ENTRIES
The 2005 U.S. Air Races launch from Mesquite, Texas, on September 23. The 1,755-nautical-mile Marion Jayne Air Race is a multi-day contest that ends at Monroe, North Carolina. Two 300-nm races emphasizing pilotage and precision navigation will be held in Texas and North Carolina. All three events are day-VFR only. At various stops, the race organization will award a total of four $150 "Get Started Flying" scholarships to young people ages 15 to 25 who are interested in pursuing flying careers. The amounts are intended to pay for two lessons and a logbook, according to President Patricia Jayne Keefer. For more information or to download an entry packet, see the Web site.
| Inside AOPA
| | TSA CHIEF ASKED TO STEP DOWN
Amid news reports that Transportation Security Administration chief David Stone has been asked to step down, AOPA is calling for consistent and stable leadership by the individuals who shape our flight environment. The association has confirmed through its contacts in the security agencies an April 8 report by The Washington Post that the Bush administration asked for Stone's resignation. He was the third chief in about as many years. "What remains constant is that AOPA will continue its ongoing efforts to reduce unnecessary security restrictions by working with Congress and the federal agencies," AOPA President Phil Boyer said. "And we continue to tell them-GA is not a threat." For more, see the news story on 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
| 'IDIOT'S GUIDE' TO SPORT FLYING OFFERS TIPS, ADVICE
Thinking about buying a light-sport aircraft? Got a friend who's interested in flying but intimidated by aerodynamics and such? The Complete Idiot's Guide to Sport Flying may be just the ticket. Information, tips, and advice are presented in a straightforward, jargon-free format. This installment in the popular Idiot's Guide consumer series treats sport flying and flying in general with affection and respect. Authors Dan Ramsey and Earl Downs are pilots; Downs is also a flight instructor and sport pilot examiner. The 316-page soft-cover book retails for $18.99. You can read an excerpt or order online.
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 flight school offers flight training in glass cockpit aircraft and in aircraft equipped with conventional instruments, but I'm not sure which aircraft I should train in. Can AOPA provide me with some guidance?
Answer: Your ultimate goal will likely drive your decision on this. As a student pilot you will first become familiar with the environment outside the airplane, otherwise known as "attitude flying." The advanced cockpit technology that is now in many single-engine general aviation airplanes has been tested and proven in airliner cockpits for more than a decade, so if you are thinking of a career as an airline or corporate pilot, you might want to consider training within the glass cockpit environment from the beginning. In the end, the decision is a personal one, and you will find many pilots and flight instructors with varying opinions. For more information, read AOPA's aviation subject report, Glass Cockpit Technology .
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
| If you can't get to Sun 'n Fun this week, you can still view photos of aircraft and read the latest developments filed by AOPA Pilot editors from the Lakeland, Florida, fly-in. See AOPA Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS:
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 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.
Vidalia, Georgia. The Vidalia Onion Festival Airshow takes place April 23 and 24 at Vidalia Regional (VDI). The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be featured in a two-day airshow that wraps up the world-famous five-day Vidalia Onion Festival. Join us beginning April 20 for good food featuring Vidalia onions, live music, arts and crafts, fireworks, and great family fun! Visit the Web site.
Galveston, Texas. The Ron Carter Spirit of Flight Airshow takes place April 23 and 24 at Scholes International at Galveston (GLS). Gates open at 9 a.m. at the Lone Star Flight Museum. Featuring historic warbirds, current military jets, and aerobatic performers, including U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, F-16 flyby, and more. Call 409/740-7722 or 888/FLIGHT8, 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 Tampa, Florida, and Reston, Virginia, April 23 and 24. Courses are also scheduled in Pensacola, Florida, Schenectady, New York, and Houston, May 14 and 15. 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 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Burlingame, California, April 18; Fresno, California, and Raymond, Mississippi, April 19; El Monte, California, and New Orleans, April 20; and San Luis Obispo, California, and Pensacola, Florida, April 21. The topic is "Weather Wise." For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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