Discarded ELTs could prompt massive search
The Civil Air Patrol and AOPA are reminding pilots to properly dispose of their old emergency locator transmitters (ELTs). Because many pilots are upgrading to newer, more capable 406 MHz ELTs--even though 121.5 MHz ELTs still meet the FAA's regulatory requirement--the possibility exists that the old 121.5 MHz ELT will be set off and prompt a search if not discarded properly.
As part of the program, each CAP squadron is being given access to a poster that reminds pilots, mechanics, and FBOs to disconnect the ELT battery and send the ELT and battery to the local electronics waste facility.
Unfortunately, the campaign became necessary after CAP headquarters received a report of its volunteers spending time and money searching for a beacon that turned out to be in the trash. The California squadron searched through trash for six hours at a local recycling facility to locate an ELT and disconnect its battery.
"Emergency beacons were not meant to be discarded like common trash," the CAP said.
Auburn University aviation program a key 'transportation link'
As part of AOPA's efforts to reach out to a larger community, AOPA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula recently participated in Auburn University's Aviation Management Advisory Board. The east-central Alabama university offers an aviation management program and flight training. The advisory board is working with the school to develop a world-class general aviation airport in partnership with the cities of Auburn and Opelika. Members of Auburn's aviation advisory board are managers and pilots at major and regional airlines, corporate flight departments, airports, engineering consulting companies, the military, avionics manufacturers, the FAA, and Goodyear. Many are AOPA members. Cebula is a 1981 graduate of the school's aviation management program.
Mark your calendar for AOPA's Aviation Summit, November 5-7
Come and participate in educational forums and network with fellow students, flight instructors, pilots, and industry leaders--all at one event. The AOPA Aviation Summit is guaranteed to provide you with the latest technology, avionics, airplanes, and cost-saving tips to help you fly more efficiently.
The event will help you to connect to the reasons that you fly so you can maximize the value you get, whether you will fly for business, pleasure, or both. Flight schools, simulators, and training tools will be on hand to help give you the incentive to earn your pilot certificate.
Tampa is a fantastic backdrop to the show, with bright Florida sunshine and numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment attractions for attendees, spouses, and family.
Visit AOPA Online to review information and register for the show and hotels. Many of the show activities will be free and open to the public.
Interactive map shows scope of fuel management problem
If the hundreds of pilots who crashed their airplanes because of fuel exhaustion or starvation over the past few years had one thing in common, it was probably this simple conviction: "It won't happen to me."
No one expects or intends to run out of fuel, but that doesn't keep it from happening almost twice a week, on average. That's why the AOPA Air Safety Foundation is continuing its campaign to raise awareness and encourage pilots to make smart choices about fuel. The latest tool in that effort is an interactive Google map that plots the locations of accidents caused by improper fuel management. Pilots can mouse over the individual icons to see basic accident details, or click a link to be taken to the full report in the ASF Accident Database.
Check out the map today--so you don't end up on it tomorrow.
Free AOPA ASF Seminars
These programs are made possible by gifts from individual pilot donors to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. Seminar dates are tentative. For final dates, please visit the Web site.
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