AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner is an indispensible tool
I often wish for the ability to draw my route of flight on the radar chart while attempting to make a go/no-go decision. What better way to determine how the weather will affect me than to actually see where it is in relation to my route? Enter AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner (RTFP), powered by Jeppesen. This powerful tool is capable of doing just that.
Weather-graphics overlay is a major step forward in preflight planning. This level of situational awareness is key to proper preflight planning, but it does take a bit of time to learn how to go through the proper functions. In RTFP, there are two basic steps that must be completed for the overlay to be successful.
First, make sure the correct information is stored in the Pilot menu, found under the Edit menu in the top left of the program ( www.aopa.org/flight_planner/intro.html). It is imperative that the correct weather service provider be selected. Typically, an access code that begins with a one is CSC DUATS ( www.duats.com). An access code that begins with a zero is likely a DTC DUAT code ( www.duat.com) and should be selected as such. Then simply input your DUATS access code and password below the provider.
Next you'll need to retrieve the weather, which can be found under the Weather tab. There are six choices under this tab, all of which connect to the DUATS provider previously selected. For radar and satellite overlay, select Radar Maps for DTC and USA 48 Nexrad/Sat Graphics for CSC. Simply click on the check box and select the desired maps on the list.
Click the Connect button next. This sends your request to the appropriate weather provider, which in turn will send back static (not looping) radar and satellite graphics. When the operation is finished, click the Enroute tab at the top of the screen and look for the drop-down box, No CSC/DTC Weather Graphics Overlay. Upon clicking the drop down, a new choice will appear with the date and time of the download. Choose it, and the weather will appear on the en route chart.
Try the new tutorial if you are still stuck. It can be found on AOPA Online ( http://flash.aopa.org/flight_planner/tutorial).
Members find AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner easy to navigate and indispensable in their planning. However, if questions do arise, the AOPA Pilot Information Center is here to help. Staff members are experts on the program and look forward to helping users through all the features. You can reach them at 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672).
Download AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/flight_planner/intro.html).
Membership Q&A
Answers to frequently asked questions about your AOPA membership
Q: Whom should I contact if I don't want to receive phone calls from AOPA?
A: Simply contact Member Services either by e-mail ( [email protected]) or telephone (800/872-2672) and let them know your preferences. They can tailor your mail and e-mail preferences to your wishes as well.
Q: How can I apply for an AOPA credit card so I can take advantage of the 5-percent FBO rebates and the 5-percent discount on purchases through Sporty's?
A: It's easy to apply for the AOPA credit card in one of three ways: Visit the secure AOPA FBO Rebate Credit Card Web site ( www.aopa.org/info/certified/) to fill out an online credit application; apply over the phone by calling 800/932-2775 and mention priority code CIGK; or visit the MBNA America Bank booth at AOPA Expo 2005 in Tampa in November. MBNA representatives will be on hand to provide information about MBNA's financial services created exclusively for AOPA members, including the AOPA FBO Rebate Credit Card.
Q: Can I get a discount on AOPA Expo 2005 if I register ahead of time?
A: Yes, when you register by October 17 you will save 10 to 40 percent on the on-site prices. Visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/expo/) for more details or call us at 888/462-3976 to take advantage of these savings.
Member Services contact information:
Phone: 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672), 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday
After hours: Renew your membership, reset your Web password, or enroll in Automatic Annual Renewal using our self-service touch-tone phone option.
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: Update your personal information, renew your membership, and much more by clicking on My AOPA in the left column of our home page.
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