"But AOPA and the FAA diverge when it comes to how to implement that training," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs.
The FAA is proposing mandatory training for any pilot flying VFR within 100 nautical miles of the DCA Vortac. That effectively expands the ADIZ to engulf 117 airports.
For example, a pilot flying from northeast Philadelphia to Cape May, New Jersey, would have to have ADIZ training, even though he'd be 60 nm outside the ADIZ at the closest point. Or take a flight from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia--Richmond is 55 nm outside the ADIZ, yet the pilot would still have to get the ADIZ training.
The FAA is proposing the training requirement to reduce the number of "unauthorized" flights in the Washington, D.C., ADIZ. But in fact, the majority of ADIZ violations are purely technical, most stemming from a pilot changing a transponder code a bit early or late.
Need a new headset or kneeboard? Wonder how to operate some of the new avionics you've seen in your flight school's aircraft? AOPA Expo in Palm Springs, California, from November 9 through 11, will be the place to be for you to gather pilot supplies and learn how the latest products work.
Exhibit categories include avionics, education and training, flight gear, and much more. Learn about the products on display by talking with industry experts during daily product demonstrations.
Also, learn about the newest GA aircraft on the market--the aircraft display will be located conveniently at the Palm Springs Convention Center, just outside the exhibit hall.
To register or for more information, visit AOPA Online.
Want to learn more about the Garmin GNS 430 or 530 GPS receiver in the airplane you usually fly, or aspire to fly? Take the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's free GPS Minicourse.
In just five to 15 minutes, this self-paced course will teach you the most-used functions of the Garmin 430/530 panel-mount GPS series, including the panel and button layout, the com and VHF nav radio tuning, proper use of the "direct-to" function, the "nearest airport" functions, and selecting GPS waypoints.
The course includes a free downloadable reference card that you can carry in the cockpit.
For a more in-depth look at GPS operations, see the free full-length course, GPS for VFR Operations.
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation is seeking applicants for a full-time spring internship. The intern will assist in developing upcoming safety education materials, including online courses, live safety seminars, and print publications. The intern will gain valuable experience and receive hourly pay plus a generous stipend to assist with moving, housing, or flying expenses. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 27. See AOPA Online for more information.