Training Notes and News

Cirrus Training Centers and Cirrus Standardized Instructors are utilizing a combined private pilot/instrument-rating curriculum, first announced April 9 at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida. Cirrus said it's the first aircraft manufacturer to support a combined training program.

"Customer safety is a top priority at Cirrus, and we are proud to lead the industry toward new and improved training initiatives," Cirrus Chairman and CEO Alan Klapmeier said. "By utilizing a combined curriculum that has clearly proven to be beneficial and effective, we look forward to helping build a new generation of highly advanced pilots."

Cirrus is using a syllabus developed and tested by Paul Craig, a professor at Middle Tennessee State University, which for several years has employed the integrated private/instrument curriculum to train its flight students (see "Is There Glass in Your Future?" March 2007 AOPA Flight Training). Training materials are tailored for Cirrus.

"When we're bringing in new people who don't have pilot experience, and they're going to use general aviation aircraft for transportation, the private/instrument is the way to go," said John Gauch, Cirrus' director of fleet and training center development for Cirrus. "We try to focus on the ultimate mission, and what that person is trying to accomplish. By doing a combined syllabus, we feel we can teach a lot more decision-making skills from the very beginning."--Mike Collins

Young aces light up the skies

At 9 o'clock on Saturday mornings, when most young people might still be asleep, 60 Atlanta teens have arrived at Fulton County's Brown Field to learn about careers in aviation. Some 20 of these youngsters are learning to fly. They are participants in the Aviation Career Enrichment (ACE) program, founded in 1980 by Julius Alexander, a 10,000-hour flight instructor. Alexander started ACE to help kids who could not afford flight training to learn about aviation careers. The program uses the Jeppesen, Gleim, and AOPA materials in the classroom.

ACE accomplishes its mission with a staff of volunteer ground and flight instructors who take the young aviators through the school's flight curriculum. When they finish ground school, they begin flight training with volunteer CFIs. Currently ACE uses a Cessna 172 and a Piper Comanche for training. Most of the students have logged hours on the Elite Basic ADT as well as Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Many of the students have attended summer aviation camps such as those sponsored by Delta Airlines/OPA and the Tuskegee Airmen. Over the program's 27-year history, ACE students have also participated in summer camps at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Hampton University, and St. Louis University. Many former ACE students have landed careers in the aviation industry. Some are pilots for Continental, ExpressJet, Comair, Chautauqua, and Northwest Airlines. Several have been flight crewmembers in the U.S. Navy and Air Force. Two graduates became aerospace engineers, and one is a senior aerospace engineer for Rolls-Royce.

ACE participants range in age from nine to 18 years old. What are the requirements? A genuine interest in learning about aviation and the willingness to exchange a warm, comfortable bed for a classroom on Saturday mornings. The program is operating at capacity, and there is a waiting list. See the Web site (www.aviationcareerenrichment.org) or call 404-691-0441.--Alex Marquardt

School News

Delta Connection Academy partners with ERAU
Delta Connection Academy in Sanford, Florida, has partnered with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to allow academy students holding specific FAA certificates to apply for college credits toward Embry-Riddle degrees. For example, a pilot with a commercial multiengine certificate could receive up to 36 credit hours. Credit also is available for holders of FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic or air traffic controller certificates.

"This partnership comes on the heels of much advancement at the academy," said DCA President Doug Blissit. The academy recently opened a 27,000-square-foot simulator and training center, which includes new aircraft maintenance facilities. Its fleet of more than 100 aircraft includes 34 new Cirrus SR20s, with more on the way.

University of North Dakota flight school gets Mustang
Cessna Aircraft Co. has delivered the first Citation Mustang to be used by a flight school to the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks. UND will use the entry-level Citation jet for executive travel and flight training for undergraduate and contract students. UND celebrated the delivery and the fortieth anniversary of its flight program with an event in Wichita.

Flight program may return to Massachusetts airport
Officials at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts are expected to announce that all of the school's flight training will resume at New Bedford Regional Airport. Bridgewater has been without a centralized flight school since August 2007 when Delta Connection Academy declined to renew its contract with the school, and training was split among other flight schools at New Bedford, Mansfield, and Plymouth.

What It Looks Like: Surface winds 15 knots or greater

By Mark Twombly

Other than a runway, is there a more familiar fixture at an airport than a windsock? That bright-orange, cone-shape device pivoting around the top of a pole is as emblematic of an airport as a cup of stale coffee at an FBO.

Windsocks give pilots two items of information essential for planning a takeoff or landing: wind direction and speed. The directional information is highly accurate, at least at the windsock's location. The speed information is a range and, therefore, much less specific.

Like almost everything at an airport, windsocks--or wind cone assemblies--must meet federal specifications. Those specifications are detailed in Advisory Circular 150/5345-27D, and allow for two sizes: an eight-foot version with an 18-inch diameter throat, and a 12-foot version with a 36-inch diameter throat.

The fabric wind cone must be attached to a rigid framework, and the cone/framework combination must function as a wind vane accurate to within plus or minus five degrees of true wind direction. The pointed, or tapered, end of the windsock points downwind. The upwind side is the large-diameter throat opening of the windsock.

The FAA specs say that a windsock must begin to move freely about the vertical shaft it is attached to when subjected to a wind of three knots (3.5 mph) or more, and reach full extension when the wind reaches 15 knots. Since all we can discern from a windsock regarding wind speed is a minimum speed of three knots and a maximum of 15 knots, we have to guess at what the actual surface wind speed is (unless of course wind speed is reported on the automatic terminal information service).

In the above photo, the windsock is at full extension, meaning the surface wind is 15 knots or greater. At least we can be certain that it is not stronger than 75 knots (86 mph), because that's the upper design limit specified by the FAA.

And as for that bright-orange color, the FAA says natural white and yellow windsocks are OK, too.

What's in AOPA Pilot?

Here's what you're missing if you don't read AOPA Pilot, the association's flagship magazine published each month for certificated pilots:

• Cirrus SR20G-3: Reaching Maturity. A new, longer wing and increased useful load are two features of this upgrade.
• Garmin G1000 SVS: Seeing Eye to Eye. A synthetic vision system provides pilots with a detailed, three-dimensional view in any kind of weather.
• AOPA and ASF 2007 Annual Reports: A team of talented individuals comes together to promote, defend, and protect general aviation.

Are you ready to read about more advanced subjects as these? Just as pilots upgrade to more advanced certificates, it might be time to upgrade your magazine. You can convert your paid membership to AOPA Pilot at any time by calling AOPA toll-free (800/USA-AOPA).

Final Exam

Final Exam is composed of questions similar to those a student may expect on the private pilot knowledge test. Answers are researched by members of the AOPA Pilot Information Center staff and may be found below.

1. What action is required when two aircraft of the same category converge, but not head-on?
1. The faster aircraft shall give way.
2. The aircraft on the left shall give way.
3. Each aircraft shall give way to the right.
2. In addition to a valid airworthiness certificate, what documents or records must be aboard an aircraft during flight?
1. Aircraft engine and airframe logbooks, and owner's manual.
2. Radio operator's permit, and repair and alteration forms.
3. Operating limitations and registration certificate.
3. Airspace at an airport with a part-time control tower is classified as Class D airspace only
1. when the weather minimums are below basic VFR.
2. when the associated control tower is in operation.
3. when the associated flight service station is in operation.
4. Each recreational or private pilot is required to have
1. A biennial flight review.
2. An annual flight review.
3. A semiannual flight review.
5. The pilot in command is required to hold a type rating in which aircraft?
1. Aircraft operated under an authorization issued by the FAA administrator.
2. Aircraft having a maximum certificated takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds.
3. Aircraft involved in ferry flights, training flights, or test flights.
6. What document(s) must be in your personal possession or readily accessible in the aircraft while operating as pilot in command of an aircraft?
1. Certificates showing accomplishment of a checkout in the aircraft and a current biennial flight review.
2. A pilot certificate with an endorsement showing accomplishment of an annual flight review and a pilot logbook showing recency of experience.
3. An appropriate pilot certificate and an appropriate current medical certificate if required.
7. Pilots flying over a national wildlife refuge are requested to fly no lower than
1. 1,000 feet above ground level.
2. 2,000 feet agl.
3. 3,000 feet agl.
8. Before starting each maneuver, pilots should
1. check altitude, airspeed, and heading indications.
2. visually scan the entire area for collision avoidance.
3. announce their intentions on the nearest common traffic advisory frequency.

Final Exam Answers

• The correct answer is B. The aircraft on the right has the right of way, and the aircraft on the left should alter course as necessary to avoid a conflict. The pilot may elect to turn, climb, descend, decelerate, or any combination of these maneuvers to give way and pass well clear.
• The correct answer is C. The airworthiness certificate, aircraft registration, and operating limitations (including weight and balance) must be carried aboard during flight. Aircraft logbooks and other maintenance records should be kept in a safe place, and not in the aircraft. A radio operator's permit is only required on international flights.
• The correct answer is B. When the control tower is closed, the airspace may either revert to class E or G, as noted in the Airport/Facility Directory. Actual weather conditions and flight service station operation have no bearing on the type of airspace at an airport.
• The correct answer is A. In order to act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft, a pilot must have successfully completed a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months.
• The correct answer is B. A type rating is required for any pilot to act as PIC of an aircraft that has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of more than 12,500 pounds, or is turbojet powered, regardless of weight.
• The correct answer is C. A type of photo identification in accordance with FAR 61.3(a) also is required. Pilots holding a private pilot certificate (or higher) need not carry their logbook.
• The correct answer is B. Minimum safe altitudes required by FAR 91.119 apply at all times. However, while this request is not to be regarded as a regulation, it is a good operating practice to follow this guideline while over national parks or national wildlife refuges.
• The correct answer is B. Before starting a maneuver, whatever it may be, pilots should scan the entire area thoroughly for any traffic and maintain this vigilance during the maneuver to avoid any other traffic in the area. Right-of-way rules apply here, as do good judgment and common sense.

AOPA members can discuss these or any aviation questions with Pilot Information Center staff by calling 800/USA-AOPA or sending an e-mail.