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Tel: 800/USA-AOPA or
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Copyright © 2005 AOPA. | Training Tips
| AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
One of a pilot's preflight-preparation responsibilities is to determine whether an aircraft is legal and safe to fly. This, as noted in Area of Operation 1, Task B of the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards, includes being able to locate and explain any airworthiness directives (ADs) that affect the aircraft. Is the aircraft you fly in compliance with applicable ADs? What exactly is an AD?
"According to the 'legal' definition, to be airworthy, an aircraft must satisfy two conditions. First, it must conform to its type certificate, as modified by supplemental type certificates and airworthiness directives, if any. Second, the aircraft must be in a condition for safe operation," wrote Kathy Yodice in "Legal Briefing: Airworthy or Not" in the August 2000 AOPA Flight Training.
If you are not acquainted with the role of ADs, Part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations is a good place to do some reading. That section, not one usually consulted by pilots, is brief and worth scrutiny. It is the place to find the definition of an AD; the FAA's ADs are legally enforceable rules that apply to the following products: aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances. "FAR 39.3 provides that 'no person may operate a product to which an airworthiness directive applies except in accordance with the requirements of that airworthiness directive,'" wrote John Yodice in the June 2004 "Pilot Counsel" column in AOPA Pilot.
 Regulations require that a record be kept of the current status of all applicable ADs, including the method of compliance. The maintenance records for your aircraft may include a chronological list of applicable ADs. Another way to research the applicability of an AD is to consult the list of serial numbers associated with it. The FAA posts all in-effect ADs on its Web site and will notify pilots of newly issued emergency ADs by e-mail by request. You can search AOPA Online for ADs using their number.
Ask your local aircraft mechanic to discuss AD compliance and record keeping for an aircraft you fly. Learning about this system will also increase your appreciation of the priority that the aviation community places on safety.
| Your Partner in Training
| Your solo, cross-country, and night-flight requirements have been met. You've passed the FAA knowledge test. Your maneuvers are proficient; you handle routine and emergency cockpit chores with confidence and competency. Time to think about your private pilot practical test! View the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards on AOPA Online, and be sure to read this step-by-step guide to filling out FAA Form 8710-1 from the AOPA Flight Training archives. Then try out our Interactive Form 8710. If you still have questions, call the Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA 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
| FLORIDA FLIGHT SCHOOL UNDER INVESTIGATION
The Florida Attorney General's office has confirmed that it is investigating the TAB Express International flight school in Deland, Florida, that closed suddenly in mid-June, stranding students. A spokeswoman for Attorney General Charlie Christ said 40 to 50 students from as far away as Japan lost up to $100,000 each, although newspaper accounts say 80 students were affected. Students were required to pay all the funds at the beginning of their training. The Orlando Sentinel reported the school used the Ohio-based Key Bank to make loans to the students. When the bank cut off loan funds, the school's key source of funding was lost, the newspaper said. "The flight school said it had an airline and that if students flew for it for two years their loans would be repaid, but they didn't have an airline," said the spokeswoman for the attorney general. Highway billboards and signs on public buses indicate that TAB Express operates flights from Daytona Beach. However, an airport official in Daytona Beach said that while the company rents ticket-counter space with the words "TAB Express" on a sign, it never operated flights from there. AOPA Pilot has in the past offered tips on choosing a flight school.
YOUR SKYSPOTTER COURSE COULD COME WITH A FREE DVD
What could be better than taking a free course that makes you a safer pilot without ever leaving home? Winning a free DVD into the bargain. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is giving away a free Lost and Crossed DVD to 100 randomly selected winners who complete the SkySpotter online safety course in July. SkySpotter will help you learn how take advantage of pilot weather reports to find out what's really happening along your route, and how to give pireps like a pro. Lost and Crossed will guide you through situational awareness techniques and available tools to help you regain control of your situation if you ever become lost or disoriented. Please provide valid mailing address upon course completion.
SCHWEIZER DELIVERS TENTH 300CBi TO FLIGHT SCHOOL
A Schweizer 300CBi helicopter recently made the 2,400-mile trek from the Schweizer facility in Elmira, New York, to its new home at a flight school in British Columbia. The 300CBi was the tenth such delivery to BC Helicopters of Abbotsford, which uses them for mountain flying training, photography, reconnaissance, and other charter roles. BC Helicopters switched to an all-Schweizer fleet in 2001.
PILOTS TO ATTEMPT AIDS AWARENESS MISSION FLIGHT
Two pilots will launch on a round-the-world flight July 9 to raise awareness about the impact of AIDS on children, particularly those who have lost parents to the disease. Dave Maupin, of Redlands, California, and Ron Maines, of Rogers, Arkansas, will fly a Cessna T210 from the West Coast to Bangor, Maine, and on to Kenya. The team has fitted the Cessna with an auxiliary internal 200-gallon fuel tank to augment the standard 50-gallon tanks, which they estimate will help them to remain aloft for 17 hours at a time. The trip will take approximately two weeks. For more information or to make a donation, see the Web site.
DANIEL WEBSTER COLLEGE SEEKS WARBIRD SPONSORS FOR FESTIVAL
Daniel Webster College's 2005 Aviation Heritage Festival will feature warbirds, flybys, and aerobatics displays. Among the aircraft set to appear are the McDonnell TA-4 Skyhawk, F4U Corsair, TMB Avenger, P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang, B-24J Liberator, C-47 Skytrain, B-17G Flying Fortress, and C-54 Skymaster. The festival will be held September 24-25 in Nashua, New Hampshire. The college seeks airplane sponsorships to help underwrite maintenance, fuel, and related expenses. Sponsors receive an airplane ride sometime during the festival, two general admission tickets, two tickets to the opening dinner, and an informational sign in front of the airplane. To learn more about sponsoring an airplane, call 603/577-6627. For more information about the festival, visit the Web site or call 603/577-6625.
| Inside AOPA
| | AOPA REMINDS PILOTS: SECURITY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
It doesn't take much to ignite public fears about terrorism, and all too often those fears seem to center around general aviation. So when two small airplanes were stolen and taken for joyrides in recent weeks, it garnered a lot of negative attention. That's why AOPA is urging all pilots to be more vigilant than ever about security-especially when it comes to the airplanes they fly. In letters sent this week, AOPA President Phil Boyer reminded flight instructors and FBOs just how important it is to secure every airplane, all the time. "What's hurting us doesn't have to happen. And you are an important key in stopping the threat to GA," he wrote. That threat comes in the form of additional regulation that could make it more difficult and more expensive to fly. Several members of Congress are calling for an investigation into the possibility of general aviation aircraft being used for criminal or terrorist acts. At least one state, Connecticut, has ordered a "security audit" of all GA airports, and other states are considering similar actions. For more information on how you can help protect GA by keeping your aircraft and airport secure, see AOPA's Airport Watch program.
BANK DEAL MEANS NEW OPTIONS FOR AOPA MEMBERS
Bank of America said on Thursday that it had agreed to buy MBNA Corp., which provides a wide variety of financial products to AOPA members, including the AOPA credit cards featuring a 5-percent FBO rebate and 5-percent Sporty's discount. "The acquisition of MBNA by Bank of America will provide AOPA members access to the nationwide convenience and resources of two leading financial institutions," said Karen Gebhart, AOPA senior vice president of products and services. "AOPA members will have unmatched access to a vast array of the finest financial and investment products available, offered through the country's largest consumer bank. The bank is committed to the AOPA program. Members will still enjoy all the benefits of the AOPA financial products and services, plus access in the future to new benefits from Bank of America. This is an exciting time and there is much to look forward to." Bank of America said the purchase would make it the world's largest issuer of Visa and MasterCard credit, debit, and prepaid cards. The boards of directors of both banks have approved the acquisition. The deal must now be approved by regulators. The acquisition is expected to be completed sometime in the fourth quarter of this year.
CESSNA JOINS DTC DUAT AS KEY SPONSOR FOR AOPA EXPO
Where can you find cutting-edge avionics products, walk around the latest GA aircraft ranging from light-sport airplanes to jets, and learn from 75 hours of value-packed seminars? At AOPA Expo 2005 at the Tampa Convention Center and Peter O. Knight Airport in Tampa, Florida. Cessna Aircraft Company has become a gold sponsor, joining second-year platinum sponsor DTC DUAT to make your visit more enjoyable. Free shuttle transportation will be provided round-trip from the exhibit hall to the aircraft display during the show, compliments of Cessna. Cessna will have extensive displays in both areas. And, thanks to DTC DUAT, you can obtain a DTC weather briefing or check your e-mail at its Internet Cafe in the exhibit hall. Expo 2005 takes place November 3 through 5. Register in advance to receive discounts of 10 to 30 percent. See AOPA Online.
INTRODUCTORY FLIGHT WINNER TAKES TO THE SKY
"When my hour was up, I didn't want to land. I was having too much fun," said Jacqueline Jenkins of Florida. She was one of 15 future pilots who won an introductory flight while attending a "How to Start Learning to Fly" seminar during AOPA's Fly-In and Open House June 4. Jenkins described her flight in an enthusiastic e-mail to AOPA: "After this flight from AOPA, I am more determined than ever to get my private pilot's license." For more, see the 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
| GET STARTED ON FLIGHT TRAINING WITH SPORTY'S PILOT KITS
When you embark on a flight-training regimen, you'll need some study materials. Sporty's offers Learn to Fly Here pilot kits that bundle these materials at a 25-percent savings over purchasing them separately. Available for recreational and private pilot students, the kits include the appropriate Complete Pilot Course on interactive DVD, a training course outline, Practical Test Standards Study Guide, Getting Started DVD, graduation certificate, Airplane Flying Handbook, Aviation Weather, Aviation Weather Services, a FAR/AIM, an electronic E6B flight computer, fuel tester, sectional plotter, and a pilot's flight log. Everything is packaged in a black gear bag with the owner's three initials embroidered on it. The recreational pilot kit is $249; the private pilot kit is $299. Order online or call 800/SPORTYS.
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: I'm a CFI training a student for the sport pilot certificate. What are the limitations on the type of aircraft that he can train in?
Answer: A student pilot seeking a sport pilot certificate may receive flight training in an aircraft that is standard category, or not a light sport aircraft. However, according to 14 CFR 61.89(c), he may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft other than a light sport aircraft. This means that your student may only solo and perform the checkride in a light sport aircraft, or one that meets the definition of a light sport aircraft. See AOPA Online for more information on Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft.
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
| Taking an FAA knowledge test? View samples of airman knowledge test questions for most certificates and ratings-including private and light sport pilot and flight instructor-at AOPA Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS:
Benton, Pennsylvania. The "Out Among The Stars" Bluegrass Festival takes place June 30 through July 3 at Benton (PA40). The festival is on the Benton Rodeo Grounds, which is collocated on the airport. Bring your RV or your airplane. Sleep under a wing after going to the jams until the wee hours. Contact Cecil, 908/464-9495, or visit the Web site.
Boise, Idaho. Wings of Freedom 2005 takes place July 5 through 7 at Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field (BOI). The Collings Foundation brings its Boeing B-17 and Consolidated B-24 to Boise for three days! Tours are available: adults $8, children $4, rides $400 (tax deductible). Contact Ponderosa Aero Club, 208/344-5401.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival takes place July 8 through 10 at Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI). Airshow featuring Lima Lima Flight Team, military jet demonstrations, Dodge Ram Jet, Bill Leff, Skip Stewart, and much more. Static display of military and civilian aircraft. Contact Kristi Thurman, 573/334-6230, or visit the Web site.
Geneseo, New York. The Geneseo Airshow takes place July 9 and 10 at Geneseo (D52). Featuring a display of warbird, antique, classic, and experimental aircraft. Transient planes welcome, camping available. Sponsored by the 1941 Historical Aircraft Group Museum. Contact 585/243-2100, or visit the Web site.
Tarkio, Missouri. The Graves Tarkio Fly-in takes place July 9 at Gould Peterson Municipal (K57). This exciting event, hosted by Rep. Sam Graves, features a breakfast, aircraft display, general aviation products and technologies, military flyovers, and a speech by AOPA President Phil Boyer. For more information, contact John Glaser, 202/737-7950.
Fargo, North Dakota. Fargo Airshow 2005 takes place July 9 and 10 at Hector International (FAR). Featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Julie Clark, the Red Baron Squadron, military demonstrations and more! For more information, call 800/235-7654, 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 Portland, Maine, and Memphis, Tennessee, July 9 and 10. Courses are also scheduled in Jacksonville, Florida; Pittsburgh; and Seattle, July 16 and 17. 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 EAA Airventure, July 28 through 30 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The topics vary-for a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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