AOPA ePilot Flight Training Edition - Volume 8, Issue 25

In this issue:
Women In Aviation to open 2009 scholarships
Air Safety Foundation quiz completions hit a high
Disabled sport pilot to barnstorm for charity

LANDING DISTANCE AND WINDS
A good landing makes economical use of the available space. It's wasteful to let lots of runway slide uselessly beneath an aircraft that's aimed at a badly chosen touchdown point. It's equally wasteful to let surplus airspeed spoil things. Extra airspeed causes the aircraft to float during the roundout and flare, delaying the moment when it's possible to touch down in the correct attitude, at minimum controllable airspeed.

Wind is important too, making it essential to know wind speed and direction before landing. At nontowered airports where there's a choice of runways, it's not always the longest that gives the best results. "The effect of wind is large and deserves proper consideration when predicting landing distance. Since the airplane will land at a particular airspeed independent of the wind, the principal effect of wind on landing distance is due to the change in the groundspeed at which the airplane touches down," explains Chapter 9 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.

You may know that headwinds improve landing and takeoff performance, and tailwinds hurt, but how much they differ emerges in Chapter 9's comparison of two scenarios: A headwind velocity that is 10 percent of your landing airspeed reduces landing distance about 19 percent. But add 10 percent of your landing airspeed to a tailwind, and your landing distance increases about 21 percent! Combine that with excess airspeed and a short runway, and trouble lurks. See the Dec. 13, 2003, "Training Tip: Grasping Groundspeed."

That elevated risk is why runway operations in tailwinds are frowned upon under all but the most urgent circumstances. You've probably seen them done by other pilots. "Many people believe in things that they have never seen—like Bigfoot or extraterrestrials. Tailwind landings are just the opposite: Nobody believes in them, yet everyone has seen one," cautioned the February 2004 AOPA Flight Training column "Accident Analysis: Tailwind Landings." The column adds, "Where you don't see them is in training, because in most cases, landing with a tailwind is a very bad idea that thumbs its nose at just about every fundamental concept a student pilot learns about how to return an aircraft safely and correctly to earth."

Headwinds are bad news in cruise, but when you're on the ground, or when it's time to land, seek them.

If you're like most student pilots, radio communications can be particularly daunting. In fact, learning the ways of the radio can be as tough as mastering control of the airplane. Read AOPA's aviation subject report on ATC Communications for some "com sense" advice. If you have any questions after visiting our site, call 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672) weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern and speak to one of the experienced pilots in the Pilot Information Center.

WOMEN IN AVIATION TO OPEN 2009 SCHOLARSHIPS
Women in Aviation International (WAI) will begin accepting applications on July 1 for the 2009 scholarship program. "We wanted to give our members more time in the application process," WAI President Peggy Chabrian said. WAI is offering several new scholarships for 2009, including two $5,000 recreational pilot flight training scholarships, sponsored by Sporty's Foundation, for WAI members who are small aircraft maintenance technicians. Also new for 2009 is a $1,000 scholarship for a junior or senior woman in college majoring in aviation management with the intent to start her own aviation business after graduation. That scholarship was established in memory of Flo Irwin, co-founder of Aircraft Spruce and Specialty. Other scholarships cover flight training, academic costs, and career changes. The scholarships are open to men and women who are WAI members, and the deadline to apply is November 21.

AIR SAFETY FOUNDATION QUIZ COMPLETIONS HIT RECORD HIGH
The number of pilots testing their knowledge with the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's online Safety Quizzes reached a record high in April. More than 37,500 quiz completions were logged that month, with each pilot eligible to win a Sporty's Air-Scan V Aviation Radio/Scanner. The all-time high came on the heels of the foundation's e-mail outreach to more than 27,000 student pilots, encouraging them to check out the many quiz topics as well as the foundation's other online educational resources. See what all the buzz is about—try a Safety Quiz today!

DISABLED SPORT PILOT TO BARNSTORM FOR CHARITY
Able Flight gave Sean O'Donnell wings. Next month, the Pennsylvania pilot will fly a specially equipped Sport Arrow in a barnstorming tour aimed at raising awareness of the program, which helps people with disabilities learn how to fly. O'Donnell will launch July 19 from Philadelphia and fly to Atlanta, ending his trip 10 days later at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. "I will be making stops every day to raise awareness at airports and towns about how the world of piloting is not just for the able-bodied," said O'Donnell. See the Web site for more information or to contribute to the flight.

PIPER SEMINOLES TOUCH DOWN AT ATP
Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) has begun taking delivery of five new Piper PA-44 Seminoles. Two arrived in June, and the fifth is expected in August. The acquisition brings ATP's training fleet to 140 aircraft, including 84 Seminoles, 50 Cessna 172s, five Diamond Stars, and a CitationJet.

FSS TIP OF THE WEEK: AIRCRAFT DESIGNATORS
Aircraft have many names, and in different uses they can all be correct, but for filing FAA flight plans and other services, aircraft models only have one official abbreviation. This is its aircraft type designator, and it may be different than you think. For example, if you have a Cherokee 140, you should tell the briefer you have a P28A. Cessna 172? The correct designation is C172. Find the aircraft type designator for your model. For more FSS tips, download AOPA's quick reference card, and take the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's online minicourse, "A Pilot's Guide to Flight Service."

PASSING THE CERTIFICATION TEST
Perhaps you've heard the term DPE, or designated pilot examiner. A DPE will administer your pilot certification test. In the world of aircraft certification, there are also DERs and DARs, or designated engineering and airworthiness representatives. They have helped us get AOPA's Get Your Glass Sweepstakes airplane through the refurbishment process. Learn how in this week's sweepstakes update.

GREAT NEWS FOR AOPA MEMBERS IN FLYING CLUBS
Do you belong to a flying club? The AOPA Insurance Agency (AOPAIA) has worked closely with major "A"-rated insurance companies to offer you insurance products especially designed to meet the unique needs of today's flying clubs. AOPAIA offers comprehensive coverage for high-performance, complex aircraft and use of airport facilities, along with great rates for clubs with safety programs and automated scheduling/dispatching systems. Read more on AOPA Online.

BOOK YOUR SUMMER TRAVEL THROUGH AOPA AND SUPPORT GA
Plan your summer vacation through AOPA Online Travel and a portion of the revenue generated will be returned directly to AOPA. Those funds will then be reinvested to fund AOPA's daily efforts to maintain the freedom, safety, and affordability of general aviation. In addition to benefiting GA, AOPA Online Travel will save you money with great rates on airfare, hotels, and cruises. You can even save on your car rental from Alamo, Avis, or Hertz through special AOPA member discounts and coupons for free rental days, dollars off, and free upgrades. Start planning your vacation today.

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.

HEADSET UPGRADES FROM OREGON AERO
Oregon Aero is well known for its line of seat cushions, lumbar supports, and flight bags. But the company also offers an "upgrade" package for your well-worn and well-loved headset. For less than the price of a new headset, Oregon Aero will install five key components that are said to improve comfort and noise protection. The complete upgrade kit ranges in price depending on the model from $103 to $133, and you can also order the various components separately. Order online or call 800/888-6910.

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: If I fail my knowledge test, when may I apply for a retest?

Answer: You can retest after you have received the necessary training from an authorized instructor and received an endorsement certifying proficiency to pass the test. See FAR 61.49.

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.

It started out as hangar talk and a flight plan drawn on a napkin. When all was said and done, a half-dozen flying club members, including two student pilots, traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast on a four-week adventure. See their story and link to their trip blog on AOPA Online.

Looking for some really fabulous aviation photography? All the air-to-air photos and beautifully detailed ground images used by AOPA Pilot magazine over the years are yours at the click of a mouse button. Download your favorite images to use for wallpaper or send an e-postcard. For more details, see AOPA Online.

UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS:
Lock Haven, Pa. A Sentimental Journey Fly-In takes place June 17 through 21 at William T. Piper Memorial (LHV). For more information, contact Carmen, 570/893-420, or visit the Web site.

Naples, Maine. The Annual New England Seaplane Safety Expo takes place June 21 at Brandy Pond Seaplane Base (5ME). For more information, contact Mary Build, 207/838-3548, or visit the Web site.

Palm Springs, Calif. A Wright Brothers educational series event takes place June 20 at Palm Springs Air Museum. For more information, contact Sheilah Reed, 760/778-6262 ext. 235, or visit the Web site.

Klamath Falls, Ore. Flying displays featuring Thunderbirds take place June 21 at Kingsley Field (LMT). For more information, contact David Junker, 541/331-7290, or visit the Web site.

Sanford, Maine. An airport open house and car show takes place June 28 at Sanford Regional (SFM). For more information, contact Evan R. McDougal, 207/432-0596.

Gardner, Kan. A vintage fly-in takes place June 28 at Gardner Municipal (K34). For more information, contact Jeff Sullens, 816/729-3151.

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. An airshow takes place June 28 at Lake Tahoe Airport (TVL). For more information, contact Rick Jenkins, 530/542-6182, or visit the Web site.

Concrete, Wash. An open cockpit day takes place June 28 at Concrete Municipal (3W5). For more information, contact Jim Jenkins, 360/770-4848, 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, Minneapolis, and Columbus, Ohio, June 21 and 22; in San Jose, Calif., June 28 and 29; and in Newark and Pittsburgh, July 19 and 20. 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 Wichita, Kan., Ypsilanti, Mich., and Germantown, Tenn., on September 8. Topics vary-for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.