AOPA Services

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is general aviation's advocate and the largest, most influential aviation association in the world. Its membership of more than 414,000 comprises nearly two-thirds of all pilots in the United States. Visit and bookmark our Web site designed especially to serve the information needs of student pilots. All AOPA Flight Training members, including those with free six-month introductory memberships, have full access to AOPA's resources, including the members-only areas of AOPA Flight Training Online and AOPA Online.

Flying in winter

Now that the holidays are over and life is getting back to normal, flying can once again become a priority. But with winter in full swing, much of the country faces weather challenges that must be considered before venturing out to the flight school.

Though many of us equate winter with cold, snow, wind, and ice, even flight training hot spots like Florida and Southern California must deal with changing conditions. But for the majority of us, the reality of winter does mean low temperatures and blustery conditions, even if it's only for part of the season. Because of these factors, extra precautions must be taken at every phase of flight to ensure a safe, smooth lesson. As always, AOPA is here to help.

Before heading out to the airport, be sure to study the Pilot Information Center's Winter Flying subject report. In the report, you'll learn about common winter weather issues, how to identify and avoid icing, how to properly preheat and clear ice or frost during your preflight inspection and preparation--and even how the government studies icing on aircraft.

Next, check out the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's two Safety Hot Spots on winter flying: Winter Weather and Winter Preflight. ASF's Winter Weather Safety Hot Spot includes a kneeboard-format winter weather safety checklist, links to publications that will build upon your winter flying knowledge, and even a few winter safety quizzes. The foundation's Winter Preflight Safety Hot Spot has icing videos, accident analysis, and facts on wing contamination.

Though many people avoid winter flying altogether, that doesn't mean you should stop training or flying regularly. In fact, it likely means better scheduling flexibility, an instructor who's available more often, and a traffic pattern that isn't nearly as busy. It also may mean beautiful snow-covered vistas, smoother air, better aircraft performance, and the satisfaction of knowing you can conquer any flying season. So grab your gloves and go have fun!

PILOT INFORMATION CENTER Members can receive answers to flight training and other aviation questions, and join or renew by telephone, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday
800/USA-AOPA (872-2672)
Via the Internet	ft.aopa.org/ask
24-HOUR ONLINE MEMBER ASSISTANCE To join or renew, or for information about the free six-month AOPA Flight Training membership, e-mail [email protected] or visit the Web site. A wide variety of aviation information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
AOPA AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION ONLINE SAFETY CENTER Dedicated to providing general aviation pilot education and safety programs online.
Via the Internet	www.asf.org
Dial	800/638-3101
AOPA MEMBER PRODUCTS
AOPA Aircraft Financing Program	800/62-PLANE
AOPA Aircraft Insurance Program	800/622-AOPA
Non-owned aircraft and CFI policies available
AOPA Credit Card Program	800/523-7666
AOPA Legal Services Plan	800/USA-AOPA
Other products	800/USA-AOPA
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
Ask an AOPA flight instructor	ft.aopa.org/ask
AOPA Flight Training magazine article archive	ft.aopa.org/archive
Aviation library	ft.aopa.org/library
Supplemental information arranged by stage of training	ft.aopa.org/student
Virtual flight bag, including online weather and airport directory	ft.aopa.org/flightbag
NEW ADDRESS? Send your new address and membership number to AOPA, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701
Fax	301/695-2375
Via the Internet	www.aopa.org/coa-form.html
ONLINE GUIDE TO AOPA MEMBER SERVICES
	www.aopa.org/join/