AOPA ePilot Flight Training Edition - Volume 8, Issue 18

In this issue:
Flying sells itself to media
Embry-Riddle rolls out summer academy for teens
Study stalls and spins to stay safe

CLIMBING, COOLING, CLEARING
What's the description of a well-executed climb to altitude after takeoff? Setting up the aircraft at the airspeed that delivers the desired rate of climb (V _x or V _y) is the first goal. Trimming the aircraft to maintain the climb airspeed comes next. But is that all there is to it?

Not exactly. In a climb to cruise altitude, collision avoidance and the efficient management of your aircraft's engine also demand attention. The designated pilot examiner who will conduct your flight at checkride time will want to see that you have the big picture in mind.

When climbing after takeoff, especially during warm weather, monitor your oil-temperature gauge for any signs of engine overheating. The design of an air-cooled engine (the type installed in most general aviation aircraft) "is less effective during ground operations, takeoffs, go-arounds, and other periods of high-power, low-airspeed operations," explains Chapter 5 of the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. The solution: "High engine temperatures can be decreased by increasing the airspeed and/or decreasing the power."

If the pilot's operating handbook for your trainer calls for full-power climbs, lower the nose and climb at a higher airspeed, once safely above obstructions. You should also consider leaning the fuel-air mixture. Leaning affects engine temperature as well as power and fuel efficiency and was discussed in the July 29, 2005, Training Tip "Overheat Season."

Collision risks are elevated during climb because the nose-up climb attitude of the aircraft curtails forward visibility. In an extended climb, lower the nose at regular intervals and scan the airspace ahead. Accompany these clearing maneuvers by performing gentle, coordinated banks left and right so you can scan zones obscured by the wings. Also remember blind spots created by a high glareshield or other aircraft design features, as discussed in the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's Collision Avoidance Safety Advisor.

Clearly, there's more to a good climb than just holding the correct airspeed!

Flight training devices (FTDs) can be a great way to learn how an aircraft responds or handles and for practicing procedures. Even some flight simulator games, for instance, can be useful for demonstrating some basic VFR maneuvers to student pilots. Learn more on AOPA Online. If you need more information, call our experienced pilots—available weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern to answer your questions toll-free at 800/872-2672.

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.

TELL US HOW YOU'D BOOST THE PILOT POPULATION
One of the biggest threats facing general aviation is the dwindling pilot population, and that's why AOPA is turning to you for ideas on how to reverse that trend. "Take five minutes and tell me what you'd do," implored AOPA President Phil Boyer in the June 2008 issue of AOPA Flight Training. As a student pilot or flight instructor, your input will be invaluable. Share your ideas in this short online survey. So far, more than 5,000 members have responded to Boyer's call to action. "But that's not enough. We need ideas from every AOPA member," Boyer said. "This issue is as important as the user fee fight, and the more information we have, the better we can tackle this problem that threatens the very heart of aviation."

FLYING SELLS ITSELF TO MEDIA
Adventure. Excitement. Freedom. Sound like flying? Media professionals throughout the country are using these words to describe the wonders of general aviation as part of a promotional campaign. They're experiencing it just like most pilots do, through introductory flight lessons. Read clips from newspapers and magazines around the country, and watch a video from KTVX-TV on AOPA Online.

AEROBATIC INSTRUCTOR SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE
A male and female aerobatic flight instructor who are now engaged in giving aerobatic flight instruction or would like to start a career of aerobatic instruction will be chosen for a $1,000 scholarship given in the name of Daniel Heligoin and Montaine Mallet. The International Council of Air Shows is sponsoring the scholarship in memory of Heligoin and Mallet, who together were known as the French Connection Airshow for more than 26 years. Their 180-hp CAP 10Bs were stock other than the smoke system. Mallet was a former aeronautical engineer who studied aerobatics with Heligoin, who was originally a glider pilot, French Air Force fighter pilot, and French Unlimited Aerobatic Champion. Applications are available on the Web site. The deadline to apply is July 1.

EMBRY-RIDDLE ROLLS OUT SUMMER ACADEMY FOR TEENS
Got an aviation-minded teenager looking for something to do this summer? Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., is sponsoring several aviation and aerospace-themed summer programs for students aged 12 through 18. The Summer Academy runs from June 9 to Aug. 6. This year's courses include aerospace, aviation career exploration, aviation discovery for women, flight exploration, and more. Three camps include flight instruction. Tuition varies depending on the course. For more information, see the Web site or call 800/359-4450.

STUDY STALLS AND SPINS TO STAY SAFE
If you want to keep the blue side up, you need to know more than the stall speed of the airplane you fly. Do you know what really causes an aircraft to stall and spin or the difference between a spin and a spiral? Test your knowledge with the newest Safety Quiz from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. Then learn the truth behind common myths about stalls and spins in the foundation's special report on stall/spin accidents. If you need another challenge, check out other Safety Quizzes.

THOUSANDS OF PILOTS UNKNOWINGLY FLY WITHOUT INSURANCE
AOPA research has shown that most pilots mistakenly believe they are covered by the fixed-base operator's (FBO's) insurance policy when they rent an aircraft. "The FBO carries insurance to protect its interests, not yours, and many pilots are surprised when they get the repair bills after an incident," said Greg Sterling, executive vice president of AOPA non-dues revenue. "Even a minor 'fender bender' can be costly." The AOPA Insurance Agency offers affordable rates plus 10-percent renewal discounts for pilots who keep their records clean. To learn more about renter's insurance or to get a free quote, visit the AOPA Insurance Agency online or call 800/622-AOPA. Read more on AOPA Online.

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.

SPORTY'S OFFERS WAAS APPROACH VIDEOS
Sporty's has added two new videos discussing Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) instrument approaches to its Download Center. Priced at $9.95 apiece, both are available in Windows Media or iTunes and can be viewed on a personal computer or compatible MP3 device such as an iPod. Two videos are available: WAAS Approaches: Garmin 430W, about 20 minutes in length, and WAAS Approaches: Garmin G1000, about 24 minutes long. To order, visit the Web site.

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: What is the Aviation Safety Reporting Program, and how does it work?

Answer: The Aviation Safety Reporting Program, often referred to as the "NASA program," was designed to collect, analyze, and respond to voluntarily submitted aviation incident reports. The goals behind the program are to assist policy formulation, planning, and improvements to the National Airspace System, as well as aid in aviation human factors safety research. Pilots benefit from participating in the program by completing ARC Form 277B that, if submitted within 10 days of the incident, may qualify the pilot for immunity from the sanction resulting from an enforcement action, in accordance with FAR 91.25. Note that this program is for incidents—not for accidents or criminal activity—and only for a pilot qualified to hold the certificate under which he or she was operating at the time of the incident, and whose record has held no violations within the previous five years.

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.

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.

"Ever since the building of the Spirit of St. Louis, I have wanted to fly. Can I remember that long ago? I certainly can. My father helped build the famous airplane." Check out Guss Eoff's story, "Ice cream with Charles Lindbergh," the latest installment of the Joy of Flight.

UPCOMING FLYING DESTINATIONS:
Burlington, N.C. A spring vintage aircraft fly-in takes place May 2 through 4 at Burlington-Alamance Regional (BUY). For more information, contact Jim Wilson, 843/753-7138.

East Gull Lake, Minn. The Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association annual spring fly-in and safety seminar takes place May 2 through 4 at East Gull Lake (9Y2). For more information, contact the Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association, 651/210-1220, or visit the Web site.

Abilene, Texas. A Dyess Big Country Airfest takes place May 3 at Dyess AFB (DYS). For more information, contact 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, 325/696-2863, or visit the Web site.

San Diego, Calif. The Fleet Week San Diego Sea and Air Parade takes place May 3 at San Diego Bay. For more information, visit the Web site.

Anchorage, Alaska. The Alaska State Aviation Trade Show and Conference takes place May 3 and 4 at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC). For more information, contact Dee Hanson, 907/245-1251, or visit the Web site.

Bridgeport, Conn. A Three Wing open house takes place May 10 at Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial (BDR). For more information, contact Christine, 203/375-5795 extension 101, or visit the Web site.

Point Lookout, Mo. A Welcome to Wings fly-in and open house takes place May 10 at M. Graham Clark-Taney County (PLK). For more information, contact Ben Fisher, 417/332-1545, or visit the Web site.

Modesto, Calif. A Modesto Airport Day airshow takes place May 10 at Modesto City-County Harry Sham Field (MOD). For more information, contact Jerry Waymire, 209/968-2613.

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 Sacramento, Calif., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Albany, N.Y., May 17 and 18. 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 Poughkeepsie, N.Y., May 5; Cohoes, N.Y., May 6; Syracuse, N.Y., May 7; Rochester, N.Y., May 8; Madison, Wis., May 13; Milwaukee, Wis., May 14; and Manitowoc, Wis., May 15. The topic is "Top 5 Mistakes Pilots Make." For details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.