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AOPA Action

'Look up, look out' to protect your airport

As a student or an instructor, part of your duty at the end of a flight is to make sure the aircraft is properly secured. AOPA's new Airport Watch slogan "Lock up--look out" is a great reminder to help you remember to lock your aircraft and watch for suspicious activity at your airport.

AOPA's updated Airport Watch materials were mailed to more than 600,000 pilots, including students, and thousands of others in the general aviation industry, in August.

"Airport Watch is a simple, cost-effective program that works at all airports," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "If eternal vigilance is the price of freedom, then we're taking this opportunity to remind pilots to protect their freedom to fly by keeping a watchful eye on their local airports."

AOPA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sent a letter, a brochure, and an Airport Watch decal to every pilot. Other select individuals in the GA industry, like airport managers, will receive an Airport Watch training DVD. AOPA urges pilots and airport managers alike to share the information and materials with everyone at their airport.

Airport Watch was modeled after the successful neighborhood watch program and calls on pilots, aircraft owners, business owners, employees, and others who are regularly at their local airport to be the eyes and ears needed to keep that area secure. The program also encourages pilots to lock their airplanes and hangars after each use and ask others to do the same.

ASF revamps 'Checkride Guide'

Are you a student getting ready for your private pilot or instrument checkride? A flight instructor preparing students? Want to find out what you need to know for the ride without wading through tons of legalese?

The AOPA Air Safety Foundation has given its popular Pilot's Checkride Guide a major overhaul. The safety experts started by translating the private pilot (single-engine land) and instrument practical test standards into "plain language." Then ASF added real-world tips and other information for a safe, successful checkride.

The publication also includes sample logbook endorsements and a guide to the flight review and instrument proficiency check. It's still pocket-size for quick reference. A must-have item for any student or CFI, the Guide sells for $11.95. See the AOPA Air Safety Foundation Store.

AOPA Expo a student pilot's toy land

Need a headset or flight bag? Looking for a new airplane to go with that new pilot certificate? Want advice from experienced pilots?

You can learn from safety experts and fellow pilots during AOPA Expo in Palm Springs, California. With more than 500 exhibits and 80 aircraft on display, you'll be able to find whatever you need to make your flying safer and more enjoyable.

More than 70 hours of educational seminars are divided into two tracks--proficiency and safety, and ownership and flying--to help you find the advice you need.

But there's also time to relax at Expo. Watch the popular Parade of Planes on Wednesday, November 8, as approximately 80 aircraft taxi their way from the airport to the Palm Springs Convention Center, where they will remain on display.

Or take in a showing of One Six Right--The Romance of Flying on Thursday night, November 9, after the welcome reception.

AOPA Expo runs November 9 through 11. For more information, visit AOPA Online.

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