AOPA Online Members Only -- AOPA ePilot Flight Training Edition -- Vol. 6, Issue 20

TARGET AIRSPEEDS
The May 5, 2006, Training Tips urged pilots to pay attention to detail when preparing maneuvers for flight-test demonstration, giving the example of the need to avoid excessive loss of altitude during stall recovery. Another such fine point of preparation for the checkride-and beyond-is knowing and using recommended airspeeds or appropriate V speeds during maneuvers, takeoffs, and landings. Your designated examiner is likely to probe your knowledge in this area before and during your flight.

Look over the tasks in the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards to see how important target airspeeds are. Note that in many cases, you must decide whether an airspeed recommended by the aircraft manufacturer, or a published V speed, will apply. Both are found in the pilot's operating handbook for your aircraft. Observe that some flight-test tasks, such as the short-field takeoff, use two V speeds or recommended airspeeds: V _x (best angle of climb speed) until an obstacle is cleared or until you are 50 feet above ground, and then V _y (best rate of climb airspeed). For example, the POH for a Cessna 150M calls for using 60 knots indicated airspeed "with obstacles ahead" followed by a 65- to 75-KIAS climb. Alternatively, it refers pilots to a performance chart for airspeed selection if a maximum-performance climb is still needed.

Some V speeds are given only for the maximum gross weight of the aircraft; others, such as V _A (maneuvering speed) may be published for various weights in the pilot's operating handbook. If not, be ready to apply some easy rules of thumb to adjust the airspeed to a value appropriate to lighter weights, as explained in Section 3 of AOPA's Handbook for Pilots. Definitions of the various V speeds also are provided in the handbook. In connection with your research, the question may arise as to why some V speeds such as V _x and V _y change, not just with aircraft loaded weight, but with altitude. See Rod Machado's explanation in the June 1999 AOPA Flight Training.

Knowing and using recommended airspeeds represents good piloting now, and will ease your transition to complex and multiengine aircraft, with their additional V speeds and operating procedures, later. Insist that your training program meet this demanding but rewarding standard from the start!

Nobody enjoys taking an FAA knowledge test, but we'll try to make it a little easier for you. The Pilot Information Center has links to test questions, test guides, and testing centers. Find them on AOPA Online. Then, when you're ready to take the test, be sure to download a coupon for a $10 discount through CATS Testing Centers. You can use the discount at any of the more than 400 CATS authorized centers around the world. Print the coupon from AOPA Online.

If you have other questions, call the Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA weekdays 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.

DON'T BE LATE: CHECK YOUR CFI EXPIRATION DATE
Time to renew your flight instructor certificate? You can renew your CFI certificate up to four calendar months in advance of its expiration date while still keeping the original expiration month-so don't procrastinate! "If your certificate expires, the only option you have to get it back is to take a checkride," said AOPA Air Safety Foundation Chief Flight Instructor JJ Greenway. "The Air Safety Foundation can help you renew your certificate on time through its Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics." FIRCs can be completed online, allowing you to renew at your own pace, or in person during a two-day course. The in-person FIRCs also include the Transportation Security Administration's security awareness training.

WASHINGTON SCHOOL TO OFFER AVIATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Starting this fall, Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, will offer a Bachelor of Science degree in flight technology aviation management at CWU-Moses Lake, its university center on the campus of Big Bend Community College (BBCC). Currently, the university provides the only public-supported four-year bachelor's degree in aviation in the Pacific Northwest. The partnership with BBCC expands the capacity of the program, and BBCC expects the popularity of its two-year aviation program to increase as well. For more information, see the Web site.

KENTUCKY STUDENT WINS DELTA CONNECTION SCHOLARSHIP
Rachel Davis of Louisville, Kentucky, a senior at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, has won a $5,000 training scholarship from Delta Connection Academy (DCA). Davis received the award at the seventeenth annual International Women in Aviation Conference in March. She will enroll in the June 15 class at DCA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines that operates a training fleet of more than 110 aircraft.

AVIATION MAGNET PROGRAM PLANNED FOR FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL
A Florida flight school is partnering with an area high school to offer an aviation magnet program for students this fall. SunState Aviation Flight School, based in Kissimmee, is teaming up with Osceola High School, which will offer the courses as elective classes. Students can register to receive college credit, and after completing the program, they can further their flight skills through SunState Aviation's pilot training program. The core curriculum includes aeronautics; aerospace applications of math and science; flight operations; introduction to flight; and human factors of aviation. The program will expand to upperclassmen in January 2007 through a dual enrollment online degree program offered by Utah Valley State College.

AOPA FLY-IN AND OPEN HOUSE SET FOR JUNE 3
Don't miss your chance to listen to and meet three pillars of the aviation community: AOPA President Phil Boyer, AOPA Pilot columnist Rod Machado, and adventurer Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles Lindbergh, at the sixteenth annual AOPA Fly-In and Open House on Saturday, June 3, in Frederick, Maryland. Plus, visit 100 aviation exhibits, take some valuable seminars, and check out the aircraft display. For complete details, see the Fly-In Web page. If you are planning on flying to the event, make sure you download and read the fly-in procedures. Also, the AOPA Air Safety Foundation has prepared, in its "Now Featuring" section, a plethora of resources to make your trip safer. You can find information specific to the AOPA Fly-In as well as safety articles-along with video and audio clips-and safety tips from foundation staff members. Audio and video clips from other fly-ins are included on the Web page so you can see what the air traffic flow is like.

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.

SPORTY'S INTRODUCES CLIP-ON SUNGLASSES FOR THE COCKPIT
We've all seen clip-on sunglasses, and they work well for some and not so well for others. Sporty's introduces Clip and Flip sunglasses, which attach to the brim of a hat-not your glasses-and never touch your face. They flip down for sunlight protection and flip back up when you don't need them, don't interfere with headsets, and can easily be worn over prescription glasses. The fully adjustable glasses have a polycarbonate gray lens that is scratch- and shatter-resistant. Clip and Flip sunglasses cost $19.95 and may be ordered online or by calling 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.

Answer: Provided you are communicating with air traffic control and they can identify you by radar, ATC will provide traffic advisories and safety alerts. Workload permitting, ATC will also provide radar navigation assistance (vectors). Review the Aeronautical Information Manual, Chapter 4, Section 1, for more information on services available to pilots by air traffic control. To learn terminology and how to effectively communicate with ATC, view the article on AOPA Online.

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.

Lumberton, North Carolina. The Mid-Atlantic Sport Aviation Convention and Fly-in takes place May 18 through 21 at Lumberton Municipal (LBT). The third largest fly-in in the country, with a pilot-first attitude. Contact Steve Parker, 910/257-8452, or visit the Web site.

Tallahassee, Florida. AirFest 2006 takes place May 20 and 21 at Tallahassee Regional (TLH). GA fly-in and aviation expo, sponsored by EAA Chapter 445. Warbirds, military, vintage, and new aircraft on display. Contact Ed Copes, 850/558-0606, or visit the Web site.

Red Wing, Minnesota. A Wings of Freedom Airshow takes place May 26 through 28 at Red Wing Regional (RGK). Featuring World War II aircraft, military flybys, and aerobatics by Julie Clark and John Klatt. Contact Wings of Freedom Air Show, 651/455-6942 or 612/280-6614, or visit the Web site.

Roswell, New Mexico. A Mountain Flying Clinic takes place May 26 through 28 at Roswell International Air Center (ROW). Includes a three-hour seminar on Friday evening, and three hours of flying in the mountains with a CFI on Saturday or Sunday. Qualifies for the FAA Wings program, sponsored by the New Mexico Pilots Association. Contact Dick Samuels, 505/336 2194, or visit the Web site.

Llano, California. The 12th Annual World's Smallest Airshow takes place May 27 and 28 at Brian Ranch (CL13). This is a USUA signature event. There will be ultralight demonstrations and competitions, skydivers, radio-controlled airplanes, and more. Contact Felice Apodaca, 661/261-3216, 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 San Jose, California, and Orlando, Florida, June 3 and 4. Clinics are also scheduled in Minneapolis, and Charlotte, North Carolina, June 10 and 11. 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 Frederick, Maryland, June 3; Hampton, Virginia, June 5; Manassas, Virginia, June 6; Richmond, Virginia, June 7; and Roanoke, Virginia, June 8. Topics vary-for more details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.