AOPA Online Members Only -- AOPA ePilot Flight Training Edition -- Vol. 6, Issue 21

WHAT DID THAT MEAN?
When a student pilot begins interacting with air traffic control (ATC), questions arise about exchanges heard over the radio between pilots and controllers. What exactly should you do if the tower instructs you to "make short approach"? Why did ATC instruct the pilot who was just cleared for takeoff to "expedite" his departure?

Such questions will lead a student pilot and instructor to a section of the Aeronautical Information Manual titled the "Pilot/Controller Glossary." "This Glossary was compiled to promote a common understanding of the terms used in the air traffic control system. It includes those terms which are intended for pilot/controller communications. Those terms most frequently used in pilot/controller communications are printed in bold italics," it explains.

A less-appreciated aspect of the glossary is that it conveys specific procedural expectations. How would you perform a go-around at a towered airport? Here's what the "Pilot/Controller Glossary" says. Note the procedure to fly unless otherwise instructed:

" Go around-Instructions for a pilot to abandon his/her approach to landing. Additional instructions may follow. Unless otherwise advised by ATC, a VFR aircraft or an aircraft conducting visual approach should overfly the runway while climbing to traffic pattern altitude and enter the traffic pattern via the crosswind leg."

Here's another definition. Note the desired outcome concerning the final approach:

" Make short approach-Used by ATC to inform a pilot to alter his/her traffic pattern so as to make a short final approach."

Sometimes when a controller uses a keyword in a clearance or instruction, it conveys a sense of urgency that you are expected to recognize:

" Expedite-Used by ATC when prompt compliance is required to avoid the development of an imminent situation. Expedite climb/descent normally indicates to a pilot that the approximate best rate of climb/descent should be used without requiring an exceptional change in aircraft handling characteristics."

Remember, you are still the final authority as to whether to accept a clearance, as reviewed in the July 16, 2004, Training Tips.

Not understanding precise meanings of instructions can lead to confusion and error as illustrated in the September 2004 AOPA Pilot feature "Loud and Clear." By researching phrases you hear in exchanges between ATC and other pilots, you will be doing your part to promote safety and smooth the flow.

Flight training devices (FTDs) can be a great way to learn how an aircraft responds or handles and for practicing procedures. Even some flight simulator games, for instance, can be useful for demonstrating some basic VFR maneuvers to student pilots. Learn more on AOPA Online. If you need more information, call our experienced pilots-available weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern to answer your questions toll-free at 800/872-2672.

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.

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR GPS: TAKE THE FREE ONLINE COURSE
GPS is a great tool for pilots, but there's more to it than just the "Direct-To" button. The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has launched a new interactive online course that shows how you can use it to make your next VFR flight more efficient, enjoyable, and safe. GPS for VFR Operations discusses how GPS works as well as the pros and cons, provides an overview of the types of GPS receivers, and, among many other topics, shows how GPS can be your best friend in an emergency. The free course also explains common mistakes and how to avoid airspace incursions.

NEW COURSE TO EXAMINE LIGHT SPORT ENGINES
Lockwood Aviation Supply, the U.S. distributor of Rotax engines, is having a series of two-day workshops aimed at the light sport and sport aviation community. The mission of the Aero Technical Institute is to help make light sport and sport aviation safer by sharing information about Rotax engines and light and ultralight aircraft. Dates for the two-day Rotax 9-series (four-stroke) schools are June 10 to 11, June 29 to 30, and July 17 to 18. The first session focusing on Rotax two-stroke engines will be June 22 to 23. All classes will be at the Lockwood facilities at Sebring Regional Airport in Sebring, Florida. Each session is $395. For more information, see the Web site or call Dean Vogel at 863/655-5100.

FLORIDA FLIGHT SCHOOL ACCEPTS FIRST OF 35 LIBERTY XL2s
The arrival of a new airplane at a flight school is always cause for excitement. In this case, it was marked by the presence of a U.S. congressman, the mayor, and two local commissioners. Ormond Beach Aviation, in Ormond Beach, Florida, received the first in an order of 35 Liberty XL2s on May 12. In attendance were Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.), Ormond Beach Mayor Fred Costello, and Bill Partington and Ed Kelley, commissioners for Ormond Beach. Partington is a student pilot, and he got to fly the new trainer. "The best way I can describe it for me is to say it was truly like a magic carpet ride," Partington said later. "As a student pilot, I wish I had completed all of my training in this aircraft."

FLIGHT SCHOOL REWARDS PILOT SAFETY WITH RENTAL DISCOUNT
It always pays to be safe, one way or another. A Wisconsin flight school is offering customers a discount if they prepare for stormy summertime weather by taking an AOPA Air Safety Foundation online course. Western Shore Aviation at Sheboygan County Memorial Airport gives renters a $10 discount from an hour of flight if they complete Weather Wise: Thunderstorms and ATC and bring in a completion certificate. Even if your flight school does not have similar offers, you can still take the online course free of charge and keep your weather knowledge sharp.

SYMPHONY TRAINING PROGRAMS EARN FAA APPROVAL
Two training programs designed for Symphony aircraft have received FAA acceptance, meaning they can be used as FAA Industry Training Standards and Part 141 programs. The programs are a joint effort of Symphony Aircraft Industries and Skyline Aeronautics, based in St. Louis. They are designed to train pilots learning to fly the Symphony SA 160 equipped with Avidyne Entegra glass-cockpit avionics. Michael G. Gaffney, president of Skyline Aeronautics, said the courses provide "a professional scenario-based and student-centric training program that will lead to a safe and enjoyable flight experience for pilots taking advantage of this fantastic combination of aircraft and panel technology." For more information, see the Web site.

DREAM AIRPLANES ON DISPLAY AT AOPA FLY-IN
Next Saturday AOPA will play host to a record number of display aircraft from general aviation manufacturers. Try 50. Or maybe even more. Visit us in Frederick, Maryland, for the sixteenth annual AOPA Fly-In and Open House on Saturday, June 3. Besides the aircraft display, visit 100 aviation exhibits and take in some valuable seminars. Plus, don't miss your chance to listen to and meet AOPA President Phil Boyer, AOPA Pilot columnist Rod Machado, and adventurer Erik Lindbergh, grandson of Charles Lindbergh. 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 fly-in trip safer.

AOPA REMINDS PILOTS TO FLY SAFE DURING MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
As you prepare to celebrate Memorial Day and honor the men and women who have and are serving this nation, AOPA encourages you to join in the National Moment of Remembrance by observing one minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Monday, May 29. And be vigilant when flying this weekend-airshows, fly-ins, and other events are scheduled all across the country, so it is imperative to check for temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) along your route of flight. Use AOPA's flight planning page to make sure you thoroughly planned your flight. AOPA wishes you a safe and happy holiday and thanks all service men and women for protecting our freedoms.

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.

PRIZEFLIGHT.COM OFFERS NEW ONLINE LOGBOOK SERVICE
Adam Bell wanted to take his two young sons for a flight one day last year, but when he went to his truck to drive to the airport, he found that someone had stolen his flight bag containing his logbook, headset, flight computer, pilot's operating handbook-everything. He wasn't able to recover his gear, but the incident sparked an idea. Bell recently launched PrizeFlight.com, home of the "AvJournal Logbook Software." It's a true online logbook-no software or patches to download and install. Members join the site for $39.95 per year. Information can be set up in either FAA or Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) format, and you can switch back and forth and create custom flight time categories. You also can set up a pilot profile with your medical certificate, flight review, CFI information, safety pilot information, and the like. The information is secure and encrypted, and Bell says it is backed up nightly. He offers another incentive to sign up: monthly random prize drawings for items like pilot kneeboards, Bose headsets, and a Garmin 396 GPS receiver. For more information or to view a demo, see the Web site.

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: You can file a VFR flight plan over the telephone with flight service by calling 800/WX-BRIEF or online via programs like AOPA's Real-Time Flight Planner, which can be used to access your DUAT(S) account for weather and online filing. To activate the filed flight plan, contact the nearest flight service station (FSS) to your departure airport using the radio frequency listed on top of the VOR communication box on the sectional chart. An "R" listed after the frequency indicates that flight service will only be able to receive your transmission and that you will have to listen over the VOR frequency for a response. You can cancel your VFR flight plan via an FSS frequency or by calling a briefer on the telephone after landing. Be sure to cancel within 30 minutes after your estimated time of arrival to avoid the initiation of search and rescue operations.

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.

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.