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Copyright © 2005 AOPA. | Training Tips
| CHASING THE NEEDLE
It's a fortunate truth that some of the challenges that face student pilots are easily resolved.
Many trainees struggle to maintain altitude in straight-and-level flight, until a revelation makes the problem disappear. What obstacle could be so formidable yet vanish so quickly? An obsession with the tiny movements of your flight instruments' needles. Relying excessively on an instrument such as the vertical speed indicator (VSI) is a common example. Don't chase needles! It can add hours, cost, and pain to your training.
 The VSI is a useful instrument, with its display of trends, and then after a lag, rates of climb or descent. Using it incorrectly-or overreacting to its display-can leave a pilot despairing of being able to hold an altitude. But turbulence, thermal currents, or pitch oscillations can put the needle momentarily in motion. It may just as suddenly settle down.
When you begin a climb or descent, the VSI senses a change in static pressure and displays the initial trend on the face of the instrument. The time between this display and the indication of a stabilized rate is the lag, as explained in Chapter 6 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Note: "Rough control technique and turbulence can extend the lag period and cause erratic and unstable rate indications." For a mechanical analysis of why a VSI is prone to these inaccuracies, see "Getting to the Point: Systems Made Simple" in the March 2004 AOPA Flight Training.
As noted, the VSI is linked to the aircraft's static port, which is a component of the pitot-static system. The airspeed indicator (ASI) and altimeter also harness pitot-static information, and all respond differently to static-port blockages. Recapping from David Montoya's February 2002 AOPA Flight Training feature "Mastering the Flight Instruments." "The ASI will indicate a lower-than-correct airspeed when the airplane is at an altitude above where the blockage occurred, and a higher-than-correct airspeed when the airplane is at an altitude below where blockage occurred. The altimeter freezes on the altitude where the error occurred, and the VSI settles on zero fpm vertical velocity."
Use your VSI to confirm desired climb or descent rates. Don't let it lead you astray when the task at hand is flying straight and level by visual references.
| Your Partner in Training
| If a private pilot checkride is in your near future, it's not too soon to start thinking about what you'll do with your brand-new certificate. Do you plan to dive into training for a new rating? Will you focus on planning some trips or $100 hamburger jaunts? Does checking out in new and different rental aircraft appeal to you? Let AOPA Online and AOPA Flight Training Online be your guides as you explore the options. And if you still have questions, call the Pilot Information Center weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern at 800/USA-AOPA.
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
| FAA ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR NEW SECURITY-RELATED TRAINING
The airspace around Washington, D.C., is undeniably complex. And security TFRs can pop up anywhere. But with recent incursions leading to the evacuation of the Capitol and White House, lawmakers are unwilling to settle for the status quo. That's why AOPA has invested hundreds of hours in working to turn their focus from onerous mandates and harsh punishments to education. Today, those efforts received a boost when the FAA announced a new training program during a security hearing before the House Committee on Government Reform. The proposal will require pilots nationwide to complete a restricted-airspace awareness training program, such as the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Know Before You Go online course or an FAA safety seminar. Pilots would need to make a logbook endorsement and would receive a completion certificate that they'd be required to carry with them during flights into the ADIZ. Pilots within 100 miles of the ADIZ would have 30 days to comply, while pilots elsewhere would be given 120 days. "This kind of approach is far more reasonable than some of the reactionary proposals we've heard recently," Boyer said. "It just makes sense to educate pilots so they can avoid making a mistake." See AOPA Online.
EMBRY-RIDDLE TO HOST INDUSTRY, CAREER EXPOS
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will host two industry/career expos in October. More than 100 employers, including ATA and Southwest Airlines, AirSur, EADS (European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company), and Lockheed Martin, will be on hand to talk to job seekers. The first event will be held October 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Embry-Riddle's Prescott, Arizona, campus activity center. The second event will be held October 26 to 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Daytona Beach campus's ICI Center. Both are free and open to the public. For more information, see the Web site.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA TO TRAIN JAPANESE STUDENTS
The University of North Dakota (UND) Aerospace Foundation and Tokai University in Japan reached an agreement in June through which Tokai students will be able to take flight training at UND's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences in Grand Forks. The agreement will permit 20 to 30 students per year to enroll as full-time UND students, take 12 months of flight training, and receive 24 credit hours that will be transferred to Tokai. The program is expected to begin in April 2007 and last four years.
INTERNATIONAL HELICOPTER SAFETY SYMPOSIUM SCHEDULED
The first International Helicopter Safety Symposium will be held September 26 to 29 in Montreal, Canada. The event is being sponsored by the American Helicopter Society International, the FAA, Transport Canada Civil Aviation, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, among others. The symposium is the first in a series of efforts to reduce the number of accidents involving helicopters. The participating organizations have set a goal of reducing the industrywide accident rate by 80 percent within 10 years. For more information or to register for the conference, see the Web site.
| Inside AOPA
| SENATE APPROVES BILL MINUS GA SECURITY RESTRICTIONS
The U.S. Senate passed the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill on July 14, minus an amendment that would have imposed severe fines, extended loss of flying privileges, and aircraft confiscation for violating the flight restricted zone inside the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). "We worked very hard with Sen. Pete Domenici's (R-N.M.) staff to convince him not to introduce the amendment at this time," said Jon Hixson, AOPA vice president of legislative affairs. "But it's also fair to say that the senator still has concerns about aircraft violating the airspace around the Capitol, and frankly, he's not the only one." The bill still includes an amendment by Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) calling for a study of GA airport security and the threats posed by GA aircraft. Given the heightened vulnerabilities and the recent evacuations of the U.S. Capitol, "We need to roll up our sleeves and take another hard look at this. I hope we can do it hand-in-hand with the general aviation fixed-base operators, pilots, owners, airport managers, and others who have been working hard to increase security measures at so many of these small airports," Clinton said. See AOPA Online.
AOPA MEMBERS ARE FIRST TO GET THE DETAILS ON NEW HONDAJET
 AOPA members will be the first to learn the in-depth details of the much-talked-about-but-never-seen HondaJet, a twin-engine business jet in development by Honda for more than a decade. The unusual airplane is the cover story of the August issue of AOPA Pilot, which is in the mail this week to AOPA members worldwide. AOPA Pilot was given an exclusive interview with the jet's designer, Michimasa Fujino. During the interview, Fujino described the airplane's unique laminar-flow nose, the radical over-the-wing engine mounting system that most others said couldn't be done, and the Honda-developed and patented natural laminar flow wing design. The airplane is powered by a pair of Honda HF-118 engines, which are being certificated under an agreement with General Electric. Honda has not yet made a decision to manufacture the HondaJet but may do so within a few months. The airplane will make its first public appearance during a three-hour visit to EAA AirVenture next Thursday, July 28. AOPA members can read all about the airplane now online.
MBNA CREATES SIMPLER CREDIT CARD REBATE REQUEST PROCESS
AOPA members now can view up to 12 months of their AOPA FBO Rebate Credit Card statements online. AOPA Member Products partner MBNA America Bank, N.A., doubled the number of monthly statements that cardholders can view to make the rebate request process less complicated. Now with a few simple clicks online, you can submit all of your rebates for the calendar year in one session. AOPA members can use their FBO Rebate Credit Card to save up to 5 percent of their qualified FBO purchases, up to a total of $250 per year. FBO rebate rules and details for redeeming the rebate are available 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
| VFLITE ADVANCED TRAINING SERIES FOR GARMIN GNS 530/430
So you're a whiz at operating the Garmin GNS 530 or 430 nav/com, and it holds no mysteries for you. Pegasus Interactive Inc. invites you to take your proficiency to the next level with its new series of advanced computer-based training programs for Garmin 530/430 users. Volume 1 of the VFLITE GNS 530/430 Advanced Training Series teaches challenging IFR procedures and tasks such as amended routings, intercepting radials, and unpublished holds. The program utilizes a visual, hands-on approach facilitated by animated sequences that use GNS imagery with supporting animation. Volume 1 is available for Windows and Macintosh systems and sells for $99. For more information, see the 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 student pilot certificate recently expired, and I was wondering if the solo endorsements on the expired certificate are still valid, or does my CFI need to provide new solo endorsements to replace those on the original certificate?
Answer: According to Chapter 6 of the Pilot Examiner's Handbook, 8710.3D, upon expiration of a student pilot certificate, the airman may apply for a new student pilot certificate and should keep the original certificate bearing all the endorsements that still remain valid.
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
| Violating a TFR over a major league stadium is a serious infraction that a conscientious pilot must avoid. AOPA's Pilot Information Center has compiled a list of major league stadiums and speedways so that you can check their schedules while planning a flight near these facilities.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS:
Elmira/Corning, New York. Airfest 2005 takes place July 23 and 24 at Elmira/Corning Regional (ELM). This year honors Women in Aviation, and will feature aerobatics, skydivers, and much more. Contact Brenda Baumlin, 607/739-8200, or visit the Web site.
Terre Haute, Indiana. The Terre Haute 2005 Air Fair takes place July 23 and 24 at Terre Haute International-Hulman Field (HUF). The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will fly both days-come to this great show on the way to Oshkosh. Contact Dennis Dunbar, 812/877-2524, or visit the Web site.
Claremore, Oklahoma. Wings Over Oklahoma takes place July 23 and 24 at Claremore Regional (GCM). Featuring the West Coast A-10 Demo Team, Bob Carlton and his jet sailplane, Team Chaos, the Sooner Squadron Warbirds, and more! Contact John Walck, 918/951-5354, or visit the Web site.
Oshkosh, Wisconsin. EAA AirVenture 2005 takes place July 25 through 31 at Wittman Regional Airport (OSH). See everything from SpaceShip One to World War II-era bombers at the world's greatest aviation celebration. Be sure to stop by AOPA's big yellow tent to look at the 2005 Countdown Commander Sweepstakes airplane and enter to win great prizes. See the Web site for more information.
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 Clinic is scheduled in Newark, New Jersey, July 23 and 24. A course is also scheduled in Long Beach, California, August 6 and 7. 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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