AOPA Action

The media are always looking for juicy news stories, and sometimes that brings them to the local airport. As a student pilot, reporters might ask to interview you about your training--including airspace restrictions and airport security. Or perhaps you witnessed an accident or incident at your airport while you were preparing for a flight lesson.

If reporters approach you, it is important to understand how the media work. AOPA's seven-minute online course, Guide to Talking to Reporters, is designed to offer tips to pilots in case you ever have to deal with reporters' questions. Thousands of pilots have viewed the seven-miute course.

The course is a great primer that can help you if you are ever approached by a reporter or find yourself the subject of an ambush interview. The first thing you should do any time you are contacted by the media is call AOPA's Media Relations Department (301/695-2162) for assistance. You also should refer the reporter to AOPA's media relations staff--the experts in general aviation.

Without proper preparation and word choice, your comments could be edited into a meaning you did not intend and, as a result, portray GA in a negative light.

AOPA's Legal Services Plan can give you peace of mind

The excitement and thrill of flying brings with it serious responsibilities. That's why every pilot, new and experienced, needs access to skilled legal assistance and advice.

AOPA's Legal Services Plan offers affordable, convenient legal protection that helps protect you against FAA violations, aircraft accidents, alcohol or drug tests, state or local actions, civil penalty court cases, or U.S. Customs cases. Also use the plan for help with aircraft rental agreements, leaseback agreements, and hangar and tie-down documents. To learn more or enroll in the plan, see AOPA Online.

AOPA's 2006 Sweepstakes Cherokee Six to make debut at Sun 'n Fun

Can you picture yourself in a better-than-new Cherokee Six? An up-close-and-personal look may help. AOPA's Win a Six in '06 Sweepstakes 1967 Piper Cherokee Six will make its first public appearance at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In, April 4 through 10, in Lakeland, Florida. You won't be able to miss it, parked right in front of AOPA's big yellow tent.

"It's easy to fly, very forgiving, has simple systems, and its fixed landing gear make for manageable insurance rates for even low-time pilots," said Thomas A. Horne, AOPA Pilot editor at large and sweepstakes project manager. Join AOPA or renew your membership in 2006 for your chance to win. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. See the official rules for details.

While admiring the Six, swing through the big yellow tent and pick up an AOPA sticker. On AOPA Day--Friday, April 7--the AOPA Sticker Squad might pull you over for a surprise giveaway. Help AOPA President Phil Boyer kick off AOPA Day the night before on Thursday with a Pilot Town Meeting.

Know the National Airspace System inside and out?

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has created new airspace flash cards that explain everything from the different classes of airspace to special conservation areas. Each of the 20 cards provides a color depiction of a type of airspace, a description of the airspace, and a single-question quiz. Supplemental discussion questions are available online.

If you need more study tools, AOPA Flight Training Online offers a variety of additional airspace resources in the "Student" tab.