The following stories from the June 6, 2008, edition of AOPA ePilot were provided to AOPA members who expressed an interest in the particular subject areas. Any AOPA member can receive information tailored to their areas of interest by updating their preferences online.
My ePilot - Student Interest, Training Tips
THE 'E' WORD
Nobody wants to face an emergency while piloting an aircraft. But learning to fly requires studying and practicing how to respond if things go wrong. Rule One is always: Fly the airplane! (See the Dec. 19, 2003, Training Tip.) Then, activate the appropriate emergency procedure or checklist from your pilot's operating handbook. Another decision is what assistance to request from air traffic control. Emergency resources and procedures are catalogued and explained in AOPA's Handbook for Pilots .
When a pilot declares an emergency, he or she is granted authority to deviate from rules and clearances to the extent required to meet that emergency. That's a big responsibility, and a pilot could be called upon later to justify the actions taken. Your knowledge of emergency authority is probed in questions on the private pilot knowledge test. Here is a sample question:
What action, if any, is appropriate if the pilot deviates from an ATC instruction during an emergency and is given priority?
A) Take no special action since you are pilot in command.
B) File a detailed report within 48 hours to the chief of the appropriate ATC facility, if requested.
C) File a report to the FAA administrator, as soon as possible.
What constitutes an emergency? Kathy Yodice discussed that question in the September 2001 AOPA Flight Training's " Legal Briefing." The Aeronautical Information Manual's pilot/controller glossary "defines emergency as 'a distress or an urgency condition.' The FAA provides definitions for both terms. Distress is defined as 'a condition of being threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and of requiring immediate assistance.' And, urgency is defined as 'a condition of being concerned about safety and of requiring timely but not immediate assistance; a potential distress condition.' This is a good starting point to help you determine whether or not a specific situation is an emergency," Yodice wrote, adding, "The FAA further advises that an aircraft is in at least an urgency condition the moment the pilot 'becomes doubtful about' position, fuel endurance, weather, or any other condition that could adversely affect flight safety."
Study emergency procedures! Then take the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's online safety quiz. Emergencies are serious events, but pilot preparedness is what brings a safe resolution.
My ePilot - Training Product
ELITE OFFERS INSTRUMENT PROFICIENCY SUMMER SCHOOL
ELITE Simulation Solutions is offering instrument proficiency ground school courses at its Orlando, Fla., facility. The instrument knowledge test prep course is a 12-hour classroom course meant to be taken over a weekend. The instrument knowledge and oral test prep course includes 30 hours of class instruction covered in 10 three-hour sessions. The instrument proficiency check course includes four hours of class and simulator instruction. Prices range from $169 to $259 per course. For class dates, more information, or to register, see the Web site.
My ePilot - Student Interest, Final Exam
Question: How does carburetor ice form?
Answer: Carburetor ice forms as a result of a temperature change induced by the restriction in the venturi of a carburetor. The operating principle of float-type carburetors is based on the airflow through the venturi causing a decrease in air pressure, which draws fuel from the float chamber. When there is sufficient moisture and a significant temperature decrease, ice can form. Learn more about carburetor icing.
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.
