AOPA ONLINE
Be sport-pilot ready
If you have a driver's license and are in good health, you can probably be a sport pilot. That's the heart of the sport-pilot and light-sport-aircraft rules that took effect September 1, 2004. AOPA's Member Guide to Being Sport Pilot Ready is just one of a host of information-packed materials available on AOPA Online. To be sport-pilot ready:
- You must hold a student pilot certificate or better.
- You must have a current and valid state-issued driver's license.
- Your medical certificate cannot have been suspended, revoked, denied, or withdrawn by the FAA.
- You may fly any certified or experimental aircraft weighing less than 1,320 pounds with a top airspeed of 120 knots.
From information on the requirements for being a sport pilot to the airplanes you can fly, AOPA Online has gathered all the information you need in one place.
New seminar on emergency procedures debuts
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation usually helps pilots keep things from going wrong in the cockpit. ASF's newest seminar, Emergency Procedures, looks at what to do after things have already gone wrong.
The seminar:
- Helps you determine how you might handle an "up here, wishing you were down there" scenario.
- Takes a real-world look at how to keep things under control in the air and get the airplane safely on the ground.
- Covers many topics, from frequently discussed emergencies (such as engine failures) to topics off the beaten path (whether it's better to land in the trees or water).
- Discusses survival, and how to maximize chances of being located quickly after a forced landing.
See the new ASF Emergency Procedures safety seminar online.
Protect yourself from enforcement actions
The AOPA Pilot Information Center has noticed an increase in temporary flight restriction violations. This might coincide with summer flying weather and the higher frequency of presidential travel. Protect yourself by checking notams before every flight, visiting AOPA Online, and enrolling in the AOPA Legal Services Plan on AOPA Online.
Gerald Delaney, AOPA 1000645, a participant in the AOPA Legal Services Plan, shares his story: "As a pipeline patrol pilot in Texas, I get a flight service briefing each morning before departing on my routes. One day, a 30-mile no-fly zone was put into effect because of a visiting dignitary. Unfortunately, the briefer did not make this clear when I filed my flight plan. I ended up accidentally violating the no-fly zone, and since the visiting dignitary was the president of the United States, I was in a lot of trouble.
"Fortunately, I called [the] AOPA Legal Services Plan. AOPA's team did a great job in walking me through every step — from helping me file the proper paperwork to sitting down with me in person and preparing me for the regional counsel. The result — not only did the FAA drop all charges, but all legal services were covered under the plan. Thank you!
"Don't think twice before signing up for the AOPA Legal Services Plan. Many things can go wrong while flying, even if you are a well-prepared pilot. The AOPA Legal Services Plan is something every pilot must have. I never thought I would need to use it, but I was thankful I had it."
To learn more about the plan, visit AOPA Online or call 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672).
AOPA, 421 AVIATION WAY,
FREDERICK, MARYLAND 21701
TOLL-FREE PILOT INFORMATION CENTER
Call 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672)
Click www.aopa.org
NEW ADDRESS?
Send your new address and AOPA membership number to AOPA, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701-4798
Fax 301/695-2375
Click www.aopa.org/coa-form.html
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION
Call 800/638-3101
Click www.aopa.org/asf/
AOPA CREDIT CARD PROGRAM
Call 800/523-7666
Click www.aopa.org/info/cc/
AOPA AIRCRAFT INSURANCE
Call 800/622-AOPA (622-2672)
Click www.aopa.org/aircraftinsurance.html
AOPA LEGAL SERVICES PLAN
Call 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672)
Click www.aopa.org/legalservices.html
AOPA ONLINE TRAVEL
Click www.aopa.org/travel/
OTHER AOPA MEMBER PRODUCTS
Call 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672)
Click www.aopa.org/memberproducts/
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