AOPA ePilot Flight Training Edition - Volume 8, Issue 8

In this issue:
King Schools gives away Cessna Skyhawk
FAA commits to maintaining DUAT system
Quiz yourself on GA's 'rules of the road'

TERM REVIEW: CORIOLIS
The Feb. 15 "Training Tip" pointed out that pilots can get an accurate big-picture idea about winds before a flight by reviewing the distribution of isobars around low- and high-pressure areas on a surface analysis chart. Add in other factors, including the Coriolis force, and more detail about winds emerges.

"Explain the Coriolis force," a designated pilot examiner might ask an applicant for a private pilot or sport pilot flight test. There are also several questions that could appear on your knowledge test that include the Coriolis force in answers. Are you up to the challenge of defining this term? And why is Coriolis spelled with a capital C?

"The turning of wind, and other things such as ocean currents, in relation to the Earth as a result of Earth's rotation is called the Coriolis force after Gustave-Gaspard Coriolis, a French scientist who in 1835 first described mathematically how this works," explained meteorologist Jack Williams in his December 2005 AOPA Flight Training column "The Weather Never Sleeps: Pressure Situation." Take a moment to inspect the article's illustrations of this concept.

The deflective effects of Coriolis force are stronger near the poles than near the equator, where it diminishes to zero. And they act more strongly "with the speed of the moving body," explains an in-depth discussion of Coriolis found in Chapter 10 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Note the explanation of how, within 2,000 feet of the surface, friction reduces Coriolis force—part of the reason the wind direction varies somewhat from that found just a few thousand feet higher. That's the kind of information that will enable you to give a correct answer to the following sample knowledge test question:

The wind at 5,000 feet agl is southwesterly while the surface wind is southerly. This difference in direction is primarily due to

A) stronger pressure gradient at higher altitudes.

B) friction between the wind and the surface.

C) stronger Coriolis force at the surface.

Given the hint provided above, which answer is best? Pick one and see if your instructor agrees! Or send an e-mail or call AOPA's in-house aviation experts at 800/USA-AOPA to see if you picked the correct answer.

Did you know that student pilots who join AOPA are three times more likely to complete their flight training? Membership includes unlimited access to aviation information by phone (800/USA-AOPA, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern) or from Flight Training Online or AOPA Online. If you're not already a member, join today and get the pilot's edge.

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.

KING SCHOOLS GIVES AWAY 2008 SWEEPSTAKES SKYHAWK
Dale North ordered a birthday present for her pilot husband and won a brand-new airplane in the process. North, of Madison, Tenn., is the winner of a Cessna 172S in this year's King Schools "The Future Is Now" airplane sweepstakes. North's name was drawn when she ordered a copy of the King Schools Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test course for her husband, Philip, who owns a Piper Navajo. Dale North says she plans to learn to fly. To view a video of the Norths picking up the airplane at Montgomery Field in San Diego, see the Web site.

FAA COMMITS TO MAINTAINING DUAT SYSTEM
Pilots who rely on electronic sources for weather and briefing information can rest easy—DUAT will be around for at least five more years. The FAA has announced plans to initiate a five-year contract to continue DUAT services. For the past few years the FAA has only renewed the existing DUAT contract for six- to nine-month periods, leaving the long-term future of the system in doubt. By committing to a five-year contract, the agency is signaling its intent to keep the system operating. "AOPA has supported DUAT as an efficient and cost-effective briefing tool," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. "This longer term contract gives pilots the reassurance that the FAA will continue to make this valuable safety service available."

DOWLING COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW AEROSPACE DEGREE
Dowling College in Oakdale, N.Y., has added a bachelor of science degree in aerospace systems technology. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in aerospace-related fields such as aerospace systems engineering, aircraft manufacturing, aircraft parts production, and air traffic systems technologies. The program covers the operational aspects of flight, air traffic control, and air traffic systems with emphasis on technology in mathematics, computer science, and physics courses. For more information, see the Web site.

SEATTLE'S MUSEUM OF FLIGHT TO HOST CAREER WORKSHOP
The Museum of Flight in Seattle will host the sixth annual career exploration and networking opportunity for young women ages 13 through 19. The event will be March 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program offers young women a chance to meet successful, professional women in aviation and aerospace fields, tour King County International Airport, fly simulators in the museum's aviation learning center, and more. Speakers include Capt. Karen Kahn, career columnist for AOPA Flight Training, and Margaret Ringberger, who was a ferry pilot with the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. For more information or to register for the event, see the Web site.

QUIZ YOURSELF ON GA'S 'RULES OF THE ROAD'
Every pilot, including student pilots, has flown under the guidance of Part 91 of the federal aviation regulations—general aviation's "rules of the road." These are the regulations that cover such things as weather minimums, fuel reserves, aircraft lighting, and more. How well do you know the rules? Take the latest quiz from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. To learn more about the real-world intersection of regulations, common sense, and safety, watch the foundation's on-demand SafetyCast, "Regulations: What Every Pilot Should Know."

GREAT STYLE IS JUST THE BEGINNING
Unlike some rental airplanes that can be beat up and worn out on the inside, our new Get Your Glass Sweepstakes Archer will soon have a completely new interior. From new premium leather seats and tinted windows to a new headliner and passenger amenities, this airplane will be flying one lucky winner in style come early next year. Check out this week's update to learn what's going on inside the airplane.

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.

EXPLORE RARE AIRCRAFT WITH BARRY SCHIFF'S 'DREAM AIRCRAFT'
When the weather's too poor to fly, a good book about airplanes can be the next best thing. And for those who covet unique or unusual airplanes, AOPA Pilot columnist Barry Schiff has the prescription. His latest book, Dream Aircraft, includes pilot reports and photography for 33 rare and unusual airplanes. If you've wondered what it's like to pilot a Culver Cadet, an Antonov AN-2, a P-51D Mustang, or even the space shuttle, Schiff's book will give you the details. The soft-cover, 328-page book sells for $19.95 and can be ordered from Aviation Supplies and Academics, Inc..

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.

Question: How many different types of special-use airspace are there?

Answer: There are 13 different types and variations of special-use airspace (SUA) that you might be exposed to throughout your flying career. Of the 13, seven are the most visible within the National Airspace System—temporary flight restrictions (issued by FAA notam), prohibited areas, restricted areas, warning areas, military operations areas, alert areas, and controlled firing areas. SUA exists where activities must be confined because of their nature, and limitations may be placed on aircraft that are not part of the planned activities. While performing your preflight planning pay particular attention to your course line as it makes its way from waypoint to waypoint. Consider making a marked notation on your chart(s) of any SUA that your route will traverse [see the FAA's online listing of SUA]. Additional insight and knowledge can be gained by taking the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's online course, Mission Possible: Navigating Today's Special Use Airspace.

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.

Imagine having the opportunity to fly one of your aviation idols. Naturally, you'd want perfect weather conditions and aim for the perfect landing. Phil Graves had such an opportunity as a 26-year-old commuter pilot. Famed aviation author Ernest K. Gann boarded one of Graves' short flights to Friday Harbor, Wash., but the winds were far from cooperative, making the young pilot fight for a perfect touchdown. Read about the adventure in the latest installment of the Joy of Flight.

UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS:
Charlotte, N.C. The Future of Business Aviation VLJ Show takes place March 7 and 8 at Wilson Air Center at Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT). For more information, visit the Web site.

Miami, Fla. The Wings Over Miami Air Show takes place March 1 and 2 at Kendall-Tamiami Executive (TMB). For more information, contact Dennis Haber, 305/256-3002, or visit the Web site.

Fargo, N.D. The Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium takes place March 2 through 4 at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo. For more information, contact Darrel Pittman, 701/328-8190, or visit the Web site.

To submit an event to the calendar or to search all events visit AOPA Online. For airport details, including FBO fuel prices, see AOPA's Airport Directory Online.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR REFRESHER CLINICS
The next AOPA Air Safety Foundation Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics are scheduled in Phoenix, Ontario, Calif., and Virginia Beach, Va., March 1 and 2. Clinics are also scheduled in Orlando, Fla., and Baltimore, March 8 and 9. 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 Greenville, S.C., Feb. 25; Decatur, Ga., Feb 26; Huntsville, Ala., Feb. 28; Rochester, Minn., March 3; Cedar Rapids, Iowa, March 4; Bellevue, Neb., March 5; and Olathe, Kan., March 6. The topic is "Top 5 Mistakes Pilots Make." For details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.