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Copyright © 2005 AOPA. | Training Tips
| CLEARING THE RUNWAY
You landed at your destination and are slowing to taxi speed at the tower-controlled airport when the tower controller says: "Piper Two-Seven-Bravo, turn right next taxiway, ground point nine when clear."
 What did she say? You are trying to make sense of the transmission as another question pops into your mind: Where should you stop after clearing? On this side of the hold line painted across the taxiway or the other side? There sure is more to landing on and vacating a runway than it seems.
Your controller was referring to frequency 121.9 MHz. In giving the runway clearance instructions, the controller was using a form of verbal shorthand; it has to do with the fact that the ground control frequency used at this airport is in the 121-MHz bandwidth (most are). Chapter 4 of the Aeronautical Information Manual explains: "A controller may omit the ground or local control frequency if the controller believes the pilot knows which frequency is in use. If the ground control frequency is in the 121 MHz bandwidth the controller may omit the numbers preceding the decimal point; e.g., 121.7, 'Contact ground point seven.' However, if any doubt exists as to what frequency is in use, the pilot should promptly request the controller to provide that information."
What about that hold line facing you across the taxiway? Should you cross it? You should. But when you're taxiing out again for takeoff, don't do it. How the line is painted will help you remember. "If the solid line is facing you like a wall, with the dashed lines behind, then you cannot cross them without permission. You have 'hit the wall.' If the dashed lines are facing you and you can taxi 'through' the breaks in the lines, then you can cross without permission. In fact, this will be the case and the expectation when clearing the runway," wrote Charles Wright in the February 2003 AOPA Flight Training feature "Taxi Tips."
So that's what to do if the tower controller says nothing as you slow to taxi speed and contemplate the taxiways along the runway. If there is any doubt as to how to proceed, ask the tower for assistance. And before your next flight, review the chapter on runways and taxiways in AOPA's Handbook for Pilots for safety and confidence and download a copy of the Operations at Towered Airports Safety Advisor from the AOPA Online Safety Center.
| Your Partner in Training
| Scholarships and grants aren't just for college students who need tuition assistance; they can provide financial assistance for flight training. AOPA Flight Training Online has a section devoted to scholarships that offers handy tips on completing the all-important applications. Be sure to read the aviation subject report on loans and scholarships at AOPA Online for more information.
Have a question for our experienced pilots? Call the AOPA 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
| KATRINA'S EFFECT ON AVGAS SUPPLY UNCERTAIN
Will Hurricane Katrina hamper your attempts to get a top-off at the flight school in days and weeks to come? As the price of automobile gasoline skyrockets and spot shortages of auto fuel are developing, AOPA members have been asking what will happen to aviation gasoline. "We've called the major petroleum refiners to find out, but so far they haven't been able to tell us much," said Rob Hackman, AOPA manager of regulatory and certification policy. So far, there have been no reports of avgas shortages. However, it's smart to call the FBOs at your destinations to make sure things haven't changed. For more, see AOPA Online.
WOMEN IN AVIATION POSTS ARRAY OF SCHOLARSHIPS
Women in Aviation International has posted scholarship opportunities for 2006, and the list includes several scholarships to help out with the cost of flight training. New this year is a $1,000 scholarship from the Chuck Yeager Foundation that will be awarded to an individual who might not otherwise be able to become involved in aviation. Cessna Aircraft is offering a $5,000 scholarship to earn a private pilot certificate. Also available are several scholarships offering financial assistance for aviation-related college tuition, type ratings, and a regional jet ground school transition class. You must be a WAI member to apply. WAI membership is open to men and women. Applications and guidelines are available on the Web site, or e-mail for an application. The deadline to apply is December 2.
SCIENCE PROGRAM LAUNCHES FOR FLORIDA UNDERGRADUATES
The Florida Space Authority (FSA) is hoping to inspire the next generation of space engineers and scientists. FSA is inaugurating a special program geared specifically for Florida college students who want to incorporate science and space into their future careers. Students selected for the Florida Space Academy will attend lectures on science disciplines, design and construct a weather balloon instrument payload and launch from Cape Canaveral, and assemble the payload for a rocket launch. The program runs October 21 through November 25. The deadline for applications is September 23. For more information, contact Tony Gannon, director of education and international programs, at 321/730-5301 extension 230, or e-mail.
| Inside AOPA
| AOPA, CONNECTICUT URGE PILOTS TO HELP SECURE GA AIRPORTS
Each aviator, aircraft owner, and airport manager is responsible for airport security. That's what AOPA and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security have partnered to reinforce to the state's pilots and airport managers. But this message applies to all pilots all across the country. In a letter mailed today, AOPA President Phil Boyer and James Thomas from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security reminded all Connecticut pilots that, "It is up to all of us to monitor our surroundings and look for ways we can prevent negative events from happening. We each need to do our part to diminish the concerns that every small airplane and small airport could be a terrorist threat." AOPA and the state have endorsed two simple security procedures that will enhance airport security: Securely lock your aircraft (ask others to do the same) and use AOPA's Airport Watch Program. See AOPA Online.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION TO HOST FAA FITS SEMINAR
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation will host a training session for flight instructors that covers the FAA Industry Training Standards (FITS) on Saturday, September 17. The kick-off meeting is the first of a series of free FAA-sponsored seminars that will be held across the country to help CFIs understand FITS and learn how to develop FITS scenario-based training for general aviation pilots. The session begins at 8:30 a.m. at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland. Get more information or register online at the FAA's Safety Program Airman Notification Web site. The Air Safety Foundation's live and online Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics (FIRCs) also include FITS training. To register for a FIRC, see the AOPA Online Safety Center.
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
| LATEST VERSION OF 'ANYWHERE MAP' NOW AVAILABLE
Control Vision has released version 1.7 of its "Anywhere Map" moving-map software for PocketPC, which transforms a personal digital assistant into a GPS. The updated, tabbed Airport Information Screen features large buttons for easy access to airport data, and a new online fuel service provides fuel prices that can be uploaded to the PDA. A one-year subscription for first-time customers is $289; current subscribers can download the latest version for free. For more information or to order, 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: While preparing for my private pilot checkride, my instructor asked me to find the regulation that requires me to fly with current charts. Can AOPA help me find this?
Answer: The term "current charts" is not found in Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, but FAR 91.103, preflight action, states that each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. An expired chart will not show new frequencies or recently constructed structures, some of which could be tall enough to be obstacles. To ensure that a chart is current, check the next scheduled edition date printed on its cover or see the Dates of Latest Editions on the NACO Web site. For more information on this topic, visit AOPA Online.
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
| Hurricane weather can affect your flying even hundreds of miles away from the coast and after the storm has spun down-as this pilot found out in "Hurricane Fool," the latest installment of Never Again Online.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS:
Cincinnati, Ohio. The Cincinnati Lunken Airshow takes place September 10 and 11 at Cincinnati Municipal Lunken Field (LUK). This annual event features P-47 Thunderbolt reunion and afternoon aerobatics. Contact Peggie Beckner, 513/321-4291.
Clarinda, Iowa. Fly Iowa 2005-Heroes and Legends takes place September 10 and 11 at Schenck Field (ICL). Fly Iowa is a nonprofit statewide aviation fair organized by the Iowa Aviation Promotion group. Activities include educational exhibits, aircraft display, airshow, and more. Contact Gary Walter, 712/542-2136, or visit the Web site.
Burlington, Iowa. The 2005 Burlington Regional Airshow takes place September 17 at Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL). Featuring the A-10 East Demonstration Team, aerobatic acts headlined by Bob Post, a B-2 flyby, and many other military and civilian aircraft. Contact Randy Plummer, 319/850-1463, or visit the Web site.
Sedona, Arizona. The 2005 Airport Day and Car Show takes place September 17 at Sedona (SEZ). Celebrating 50 years of the airport, fly-in and aircraft on display, food, entertainment, and other pilots from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Contact Al Comello, 928/862-0210, or visit the Web site.
Jackson, California. The Fifth Annual Gold Country Mooney Fly-in takes place September 17 at Westover Field Amador County (O70). Join fellow Mooney pilots from all over the western United States at this great annual event. Contact Chris Floyd, 209/223-3461, ext. 103, 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 Phoenix, and Des Moines, Iowa, September 17 and 18. Courses are also scheduled in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Richmond, Virginia, September 24 and 25. 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 East Windsor, Connecticut, Atlanta, and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, September 12; Leominster, Massachusetts, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Maryville, Tennessee, September 13; Billerica, Massachusetts, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, September 14; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, and Memphis, Tennessee, September 15. For topic information and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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