AOPA Online Members Only -- AOPA ePilot Flight Training Edition -- Vol. 6, Issue 11

STUDENT JOURNALS
Do you keep a journal of your flight training? Doing so could be a valuable addition to your studying routine. All student pilots keep logbook records of flight time counting toward training requirements, but that's different. An honest-to-goodness journal records your experiences and impressions while they are fresh in your mind, informally. Was there more turbulence than expected today? How well did you hold altitudes and courses? How were your radio communications, traffic patterns, and landings?

Recording solo flight details can preserve insights and give you goals for next time, whether you opt for a private journal, or one that you share with peers. The March 10, 2006, Training Tips article "Lessons Learned Solo" examined a student pilot's reflections on the challenges of a solo cross-country flight, as discussed in the AOPA Aviation Forums. For example, you might remind yourself, on your next cross-country, to climb out of uncomfortable springtime thermal turbulence sooner. Or to recheck weather before departing on the return leg. Or to close that VFR flight plan on time.

Dual training flights lend themselves to journal entries, too. "I started keeping a flight notebook a few weeks into my ground training seven years ago when I started lessons. It was a way to capture the nuggets instructors shared after a flight. The notebook became just as valuable as the textbook when studying for the written and flight tests... It's also a nice way to reflect on the flight," an AOPA member wrote in a July 2004 letter to the editor of AOPA Pilot magazine.

What started as a training aid became a labor of love. The letter writer continued, "After seven years of keeping the notebook, I can't imagine landing, parking, and jumping into my car! Flight is magical to me and I like savoring the experience. My notes reflect new challenges-like the first time I had to do a 360 in the pattern and when I've done something dumb like leaning the engine to off on my first solo cross-country!"

Start your flying journal now and treasure the record always.

AOPA FILES FOIA REQUEST TO GET BACK ADIZ TRANSCRIPT
The FAA pulled the transcript of the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) public meeting off its Web last week, claiming that it was ordered to do so by the Department of Defense and security officials. AOPA immediately filed a Freedom of Information Act request to get the information back in public view. AOPA President Phil Boyer called the FAA's action "ridiculous," noting that the public meetings were covered by the news media. "Nothing was said that wasn't already in the more than 21,000 written comments. Do they honestly think security information was disclosed during the public meetings?" he said. The FAA told AOPA on March 9 that the transcripts could be restored to public view as soon as the Transportation Security Administration had completed a security sensitive information review. See the complete story on AOPA Online.

'AOPA PILOT' SPECIAL REPORT: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, 172!
AOPA Pilot is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Cessna 172 with a special online section that features articles, photos, a 172 timeline, member experiences, and two exclusive Web videos about the 172. The first video captures footage of the first production Cessna 172, N5000A, still flying 50 years later. In the second, the Cessna pilots and engineers who developed and certified the famous airplane five decades ago share their experiences during a recent reunion in Wichita.

AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION OFFERS RUNWAY SAFETY RESOURCES
When air traffic control asks you to take down a phone number, chances are it's not a good thing. This means they want more information from the pilot, most likely for a report regarding a mistake you may have committed such as a runway incursion. To help you stay safe, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has several resources available. A new Sporty's Safety Quiz: Runway Safety has been posted. Also, check out the Runway Safety online course, runway safety flash cards, and free airport diagrams to help you taxi safely.

ANNOUNCING THE 'AOPA PILOT' GA PHOTO CONTEST
Get those digital cameras clicking because AOPA Pilot is sponsoring its first-ever general aviation photography contest. Photos will be accepted in five categories: general aviation aircraft, airports, pilots, aerials, and altered images. Cash prizes will be awarded to winning entries selected by AOPA members and AOPA Pilot judges. Complete rules and entry-upload instructions are available on AOPA Online. Good luck!

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.

BOSE HEADSET CORD, INTERCOM UPDATE AVAILABLE FROM SPORTY'S
If you have a Bose first-generation headset, a new cord/intercom upgrade is available from Sporty's. The update provides the benefits of Bose's latest technology, including longer battery life, a new auto shutoff feature, and a fully flexible microphone boom. The upgrade includes a new cord, ANR battery box, volume controls, and microphone boom. Prices range from $164 to $199.95, depending on the model. For more information, see the Web site or call 800/SPORTYS.

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.