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Tel: 800/USA-AOPA or
301/695-2000
Copyright © 2005 AOPA. | Training Tips
| ECONOMY POWER
What cruise-power setting do you employ on cross-country flights and when commuting to and from your practice area? With fuel prices high and training budget limited, revisit your pilot's operating handbook and look up your trainer's economy power settings. Use them at the next opportunity (especially if you own your aircraft or pay for avgas each flight) and note the performance. This is not only efficient piloting but good practice for later, when you may likely fly more complicated aircraft and manage their fuel systems. Next, review the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Safety Advisor Fuel Awareness , which you can download from the AOPA Online Safety Center.
"An engine produces the most power at the best power mixture setting, which is slightly richer than best economy. At best power, the exhaust temperature is typically 100 degrees F to 150 degrees F cooler than peak exhaust gas temperature (EGT). Although best power results in a higher airspeed, it also increases fuel consumption," Robert N. Rossier explained in the April 1997 Flight Training feature "Power Management."
 Using best economy power settings recommended for your aircraft involves a combination of reduced throttle settings and leaning the fuel-air mixture to specific settings referenced to peak EGT. How to lean with an EGT was the subject of the October 3, 2003, Training Tips. No EGT on board? You can set economy power manually using power settings provided in cruise performance charts and leaning as recommended. The results are impressive! For example, according to the performance figures given for a 1980 Cessna 152 in cruise at 8,000 feet under standard conditions, cutting back from 71 percent brake horsepower (bhp) to 58 percent bhp (a 200-rpm throttle reduction) reduces fuel flow by 1.1 gallons per hour; true airspeed decreases from 104 knots to 94 kt. That is to say, an 18.3-percent power reduction cuts fuel burn by 19 percent, while speed is reduced only 9 percent. Even during training operations, the Cessna 152 POH predicts fuel savings of 13 percent using economy power instead of a full rich mixture. Your training aircraft may provide similar fuel savings.
Burning fewer gallons per hour lets your aircraft stay aloft longer if necessary: That's your aircraft's endurance profile. So start thinking of fuel economy as a key component of your flight planning.
| Your Partner in Training
| The most common error by pilots that leads to runway incursions is entering a runway without clearance, meaning the pilot moves into a takeoff position prematurely or crosses a runway without clearance. To help you better understand runway signage, the AOPA Airport Safety Foundation offers a free online Runway Safety Program. Using active motion and 3-D graphics, the Runway Safety Program takes pilots through real-life situations involving operations with high potential for runway incursions. Look for this and many other helpful ASF courses at the AOPA Online Safety Center.
Got a question? Call AOPA's Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA 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
| EMBRY-RIDDLE CAPT PROGRAM APPROVED FOR GI BILL
The Department of Veterans Affairs has approved Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's accelerated pilot program as qualifying for veterans' benefits, ERAU said September 15. Veterans who signed up for the Montgomery GI Bill may be able to receive up to 60 percent reimbursement of tuition if they enroll in the Commercial Airline Pilot Training (CAPT) program. The approved courses include commercial pilot, instrument rating, multiengine rating, certificated flight instructor certificate, CFI-instrument, and MD-90 type rating training. For more information on veterans' eligibility, contact Embry-Riddle's veterans affairs office at 386/226-6350. For more information on CAPT, see the Web site.
HURRICANE KATRINA CAUSES REROUTE OF MARION JAYNE AIR RACE
The 2005 Marion Jayne Air Race, an 1,800-nm cross-country trek set to launch September 26 from Mesquite, Texas, has had to change its route to bypass some parts of the Gulf Coast that were ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Racers will now fly to Glasgow, Kentucky, rather than Pascagoula, Mississippi, the original third stop. "Pascagoula airport sustained some damage during the storm, but the town is devastated," U.S. Air Race President Patricia Jayne Keefer reported in a bulletin to racers. U.S. Air Race offered to keep the airport on its route if tourism dollars would benefit the community, she said, but the airport manager "judged that the influx of revenue was outweighed by the extra effort needed at this time." The organization hopes to return to Pascagoula in the future, she said. For more information, see the Web site.
UNIVERSITY OF DUBUQUE AVIATION PROGRAMS EARN ACCREDITATION
The University of Dubuque's four-year programs in aviation management and flight operations have received full accreditation from the Council on Aviation Accreditation, the university said. Only 21 of 200 aviation programs available throughout the United States are accredited, said Steve Accinelli, aviation department chair and director of the Flight Operations Center at the Dubuque Regional Airport in Iowa. Accreditation ensures that students are studying and training under a high-quality curriculum and industry interface, he said. For more information, see the Web site.
EMBRY-RIDDLE TO HOST AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SEMINAR
A preventive maintenance weekend short course for pilots and aircraft owners will be held October 14 to 15 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Daytona Beach, Florida, campus. The course is conducted by the Center for Aerospace Education and the university's Charles Taylor Department of Aviation Maintenance Science. Course curriculum includes classroom lecture and labs to promote new skill development in aircraft preventive maintenance. The $300 registration fee includes some meals. For more information or to register, contact Jayme Nichols at 386/226-6928, or e-mail [email protected].
| Inside AOPA
| AOPA PRESIDENT BOYER VISITS EMBRY-RIDDLE
AOPA President Phil Boyer presented a check for $25,000 to Tim Brady, dean of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's College of Aviation, during a two-day visit to ERAU's Daytona Beach, Florida, campus last week. The money goes to the school's Career Pathways Scholarship Fund. It represents 10 percent of the membership dues paid by more than 5,000 ERAU graduates who are AOPA members. Boyer hosted a Pilot Town Meeting attended by some 300 students and faculty, spoke to faculty about general aviation careers, and addressed two classes, including one focusing on legislative affairs. He also gave five students selected for their academic and leadership skills their first opportunity to sit at the controls of a jet, with special flights in AOPA's Cessna Citation. See the complete story on AOPA Online.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is seeking applicants for a full-time spring internship. If selected, you'll assist in developing upcoming programs, and conducting aviation safety education and research for the general aviation community. You'll receive hourly pay plus a stipend to assist with moving, housing, or flying expenses. The deadline for applications is October 28. For more information, see 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
| SOFTWARE USES CELL PHONE TO COMPUTE WEIGHT AND BALANCE
Once upon a time everybody calculated weight and balance with pencil, paper, and a pilot's operating handbook. Times change, of course, and so do the tools: W&B can be determined with electronic flight computers, software programs, personal digital assistants-and now, mobile phones. Smartsoft's Flight WTK 2.1 weight-and-balance software program allows pilots of airplanes and helicopters to perform W&B calculations on a cellular telephone in under one minute. It can be used on any phone that supports Java. Version 2.1 comes with a selection of aircraft and is $59.95. A free version, Flight WTK Lite, includes all of the features of the regular version but comes with just one aircraft (the Piper PA28 181) installed. If you like the program, you pay $29.95 to download each additional aircraft. 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: I've almost completed flight training toward a sport pilot certificate. Once I complete the checkride, what documents will I need to carry with me when I fly?
Answer: According to FAR 61.3(a), in order to act as pilot in command (PIC) or as a required crewmember of a U.S.-registered aircraft, you are required to carry your pilot certificate and a government-issued photo identification card. Exercising the privileges of a sport pilot certificate does not require a current and valid airman medical certificate, but it does require a current and valid U.S. driver's license. Finally, FAR 61.51(i) requires a sport pilot to carry evidence of any required authorized instructor endorsements. These logbook endorsements contain the category, class, and make and model of aircraft authorized to be flown by the sport pilot. To review what endorsements you may need, review Part 61 Subpart J. You can also view additional information on sport pilot in AOPA's subject report 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
| TSA TRAINING RESOURCES AVAILABLE ON AOPA ONLINE
Flight instructors: Are you up to speed with the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA's) flight training rule for U.S. and foreign flight students? Are you familiar with the rule's security awareness training provisions for flight school employees and active flight instructors? AOPA's Guide to TSA's Alien Flight Training/Citizenship Validation Rule , available since the rule was issued on September 21, 2004, explains current requirements and clarifies important definitions for students and instructors alike. Follow the guide's links to various training scenarios and pinpoint information relevant to your students' flight training curriculum. The guide includes two printable documents: AOPA's "TSA Rule" poster, suitable for display in the flight school lobby, and AOPA's pocket-size "CFI Flight Training Validation Rule Checklist" to carry with you at all times.
| Weekend Weather
| See the current weather on AOPA Online, provided by Meteorlogix.
| ePilot Calendar
| FLYING DESTINATIONS THIS WEEKEND:
Nashua, New Hampshire. The 2005 Daniel Webster College Aviation Heritage Festival takes place September 24 and 25 at Boire Field (ASH). Immerse yourself in two days of aviation history, ranging from the early days of flight to aircraft that will reach into tomorrow. Contact 603/577-6622, or visit the Web site.
Hanover, Indiana. A Wood, Fabric, and Tailwheel Fly-in takes place September 24 at Lee Bottom (64I). With models like the Beech Staggerwing, Great Lakes, Stearman, and Spartan Executive, the lineup is sure to please every enthusiast. Contact Rich or Ginger Davidson, 812/866-3211, or visit the Web site.
Alva, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Festival of Flight takes place September 23 through 25 at Alva Regional (AVK). Join us for this open house and airshow featuring Kent and Warren Pietsch, Greg Shelton, and Ashley Battles. Many exhibitors will be displaying products and/or services as well. Contact Tyson Tucker, 866/307-5263, or visit the Web site.
Compton, California. The Twelfth Annual Compton Airfair takes place September 24 at Compton/Woodley (CPM). Featuring aircraft displays, flybys, food, and more for the whole family. Free admission. Contact Xavier Marshall, 323/777-4458.
Vancouver, Washington. The Pearson Field Centennial Celebration takes place September 24 at Pearson Field (VUO). Features an airport rededication, aircraft display, and tours of the Pearson Air Museum. Contact Sean Loughran, 360/619-1295, or visit the Web site.
NEXT WEEKEND:
Petersburg, Virginia. The Ninth Annual Virginia EAA Regional Fly-in and Airshow takes place October 1 and 2 at Dinwiddie County (PTB). Join us for forums, workshops, aviation vendors, and more! Contact DeWitt (Dee) Whittington, 804/358-4333, 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 Las Vegas, and Columbia, South Carolina, October 1 and 2. Courses are also scheduled in San Jose, California, and Indianapolis, October 8 and 9. 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 North Hills, California, St. Louis, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, September 26; Ontario, California, and Olathe, Kansas, September 27; Tucson, Arizona, Costa Mesa, California, Springfield, Missouri, and Fort Worth, Texas, September 28; and Mesa, Arizona, San Diego, and Austin, Texas, September 29. For topic information and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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