James Weisberg
Atlanta, Georgia
AOPA is highly concerned about the Transportation Security Administration's final interim rule on alien flight training and the impact that these new requirements will have on pilots, flight schools, and flight instructors (see "Training Notes and News: TSA issues alien flight training rule," December 2004 AOPA Flight Training). Our staff at AOPA headquarters and in Washington, D.C., have been working with TSA since the rule was published on September 20, 2004. Regular updates have appeared on AOPA Online and in AOPA's weekly e-mail newsletters since September 21.
AOPA is opposed to TSA's broad-brush application approach that adversely affects every single flight school, flight instructor, and potentially every pilot seeking training. While AOPA does not oppose the intent of the rule and recognizes the importance of preventing terrorists from using aircraft to attack the United States, we believe this rule goes beyond the scope of authority granted by Congress in Section 612 of "Vision 100," the FAA Reauthorization Act, as it pertains to training in the smaller category of aircraft.
The full text of the regulations, updates, TSA clarifications, and AOPA's position are posted in a special section on AOPA Online. --Ed.
Everyone involved should stay focused
I hope that Prasad Ganti's instructor also took his failed checkride as a learning opportunity ("Learning Experiences: Focus 'til the Finish," November 2004 AOPA Flight Training). He states that during his instrument checkride, he "soon realized that compass-based turns are counter-intuitive." If his instructor had done a better job of preparing him, he wouldn't have had to learn this on a flight test!
This story makes an important point for both students and instructors. Instructors should make certain that they have taught -- and the student has mastered -- every task listed in the practical test standards. From the student's perspective, Ganti was correct in saying that you should stay focused until the airplane is safely tied down, every single time. But students should also hold their instructors responsible for making sure that every required task has been taught to proficiency. If students feel uncomfortable with anything in the PTS, they should tell their instructors before the checkride.
Making flight training a cooperative endeavor between you and your instructor can ultimately yield a safer, more complete learning experience.
J. Mitch Barber
Cincinnati, Ohio
More help for shorter pilots
I wish to recommend an alternative for "vertically challenged" students ("CFI to CFI: Physically Challenged Students," November 2004). Anyone shorter than about five feet, seven inches may have difficulty in adequately reaching rudder pedals. Although it is true that Cessna does make rudder pedal extenders, I investigated this, and these cost about $800 for a 152.
A much better option has been suggested by airshow pilot Cecilia Aragon on the International Aerobatic Club Web site. She notes that extensions are expensive and may take a significant amount of time to install. In addition most schools or FBOs will not allow extensions to remain on an airplane. Her solution is to extend the pilot's legs with rudder shoes. Store-purchased platform shoes can add several inches to the pedal reach. If a person is not able to find standard platform shoes, any competent shoe repair shop can "build up" the shoes of your choice. Any required thickness is possible.
A big advantage of this solution is that it fits all airplanes. If you change from a Cessna to a Cherokee you do not need to get a new set of pedal extensions. The major disadvantages are that they can be rather "clunky" to walk in, and ankle sprains and other platform-shoe injuries are possible.
Donald J. Eisenmenger
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Erratum
In "President's Perspective: Where to Train?" (November 2004), the University of Louisiana at Monroe was erroneously included in a list of schools that offer degrees in agricultural aviation. AOPA Flight Training regrets the error.
