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FeaturedAOPA embarks on quest to fix flight training
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GA News Hawker Beechcraft may remain in Wichita Some sort of deal—no one is saying exactly what sort—has been reached among the governor of Kansas, Hawker Beechcraft, and its union leaders to keep Hawker Beechcraft from moving most of its people and facilities to Louisiana. The union must still vote on the deal. Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson said the state’s offer “…could, and I emphasize could,” keep the “vast majority” of the company’s 6,000 Wichita-based workers in Wichita. Read more >> Daher-Socata studies composite jet programDaher-Socata, the French-based aircraft manufacturer, is considering whether to bring a twin-engine business jet to market and has signed an agreement to study the all-composite Grob G180 sp n eight-passenger aircraft. The jet was in development when Grob Aerospace went bankrupt in 2008. The study is expected to take several months. Daher-Socata officials said they are evaluating a business jet program based on the twin-engine sp n platform. The second prototype of the jet suffered a fatal crash in November 2006 at the factory in Mattsies-Tussenhausen, Germany. Read more >> Behind the scenes at Albuquerque balloon fiestaDuring a mass ascension, the Albuquerque, N.M., Balloon Fiesta Park can launch more than 700 balloons in two hours—from an area the size of 54 football fields. Visitors are encouraged to get up close and personal with the balloons and their crews. The 2010 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has experienced an exceptional run of good weather this week, with all balloon events—competitions, mass ascensions, and balloon glows—through Oct. 7 taking place as scheduled. Read more and watch the video >> | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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OurPlane shuts down
After closing down its website and shutting down its phones in September, the OurPlane fractional ownership company that once provided a nationwide fleet of Cirrus SR22 airplanes to its customers has declared bankruptcy. In place of the Reston, Va., based company is a new Reston company, Exclusive Jetz, offering fractional ownership of the Embraer Phenom 100. Both companies are owned by Graham Casson. Read more >>
Wright B lookalike commemorates cargo flight
A lookalike Wright B Flyer flew from Dayton to Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 2 to re-enact the world’s first cargo flight. It was operated by Wright B Flyer Inc. of Dayton, a company that gives exhibitions. Silk cloth was carried on the original flight on Nov. 7, 1910. This time tokens of the future were delivered—a piece of carbon fiber cloth and models of unmanned aerial vehicles that will be developed in Dayton. Read more >>
Sky Hope Network provides emergency aid
With the ability to quickly transport passengers and cargo to and from disaster areas, business aviation can be a critical support during emergencies. A new nonprofit organization, Sky Hope Network, seeks to coordinate business aviation relief flights and referrals of flight requests, and offer emergency assistance for those in the business aviation community. Read more >>
‘Flying’ makes second editor change
Two months after replacing J. Mac McClellan with Michael Maya Charles as editor in chief, Flying magazine has made another change. Former Executive Editor Robert Goyer is now editor in chief. Both changes occurred following purchase of the magazine by Bonnier Corp., publisher of 52 magazines including Popular Photography, Popular Science, Field & Stream, and Outdoor Life, plus 20 magazines related to boating, diving, and water recreation, the areas in which the company got its start. Read more >>
G1000s for King Airs 300 and 350
Following up on its success retrofitting CitationJets and 90- and 200-series King Airs, Garmin reveals that yet another program will offer G1000 retrofits to the King Air 300 and 350. A supplemental type certificate will allow the new retrofit installations to begin in mid-2011, Garmin says. The retrofit includes two 10.4-inch diameter primary flight displays and a 15-inch multifunction display. Read more >>
Hall of Fame gets $50,000 contribution
The National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio, has received a donation of $50,000 from the Reuben H. Fleet Foundation Fund of San Diego. The grant will be used for exhibits and a website upgrade. Fleet was enshrined in the Aviation Hall of Fame in 1975. He organized the first airmail service in 1918 and formed Consolidated Aircraft Corp. known for the PBY Catalina and PB2Y Coronado series of flying boats. The company also built the B-24 Liberator bomber. Read more >>
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Oxygen conserver system available
Oxygen system manufacturer Aerox has developed its new, DDO2 dilution-demand oxygen conserving system. The system, designed for use with portable oxygen systems, uses negative inspiration pressure to trigger pulses of oxygen. When the user inhales, pulses of oxygen are delivered—unlike systems that continually deliver a flow of nonstop oxygen. Read more >>
Hartzell parent buys Kelly Aerospace unit
Tailwind Technologies, the parent company of Hartzell Propeller, has purchased Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems, one of the three units that make up Kelly Aerospace. Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems manufactures new and refurbished starters, alternators, primary electrical systems and controls, turbochargers and turbocharger controls, oil filters, voltage regulators, magnetos, and other electrical components for general aviation aircraft. Read more >>
AOPA, NBAA to offer light business aviation forums
AOPA and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) have partnered to bring their members two opportunities to attend forums that focus on light business aircraft. The first Light Business Airplane (LBA) Conference, a track of educational forums geared toward those who use their aircraft for business, will take place at the NBAA annual meeting Oct. 19 through 21 in Atlanta, Ga.; the same forums will be offered Nov. 11 through 13 in Long Beach, Calif., as part of AOPA Aviation Summit. Learn about how you can use your airplane for business, the tax benefits of business aviation, legal reimbursements under Part 61.113 of the federal aviation regulations, insurance, and safety. See the seminar schedule >>
Rotax engine airworthiness directive superseded
The FAA has superseded an airworthiness directive (AD) on certain serial numbers of Bombardier-Rotax GmbH type 912 F and 914 F series reciprocating engines requiring initial and recurring inspections of crankcases for cracks. The new AD requires those inspections and includes the 912 S series. It adds a test procedure to determine engine suitability for a special flight permit, and changes applicability from the engine’s serial number to the crankcase serial number. The AD, issued to prevent oil loss and possible engine failure, takes effect Nov. 8. Read more >>
Digital magazine targets aviation enthusiasts
A new digital magazine, Airplanista, launched Oct. 1 for die-hard aviation buffs. Publisher Dan Pimentel, who published an aviation blog for five years, has evolved the blog into a digital magazine with contributing writers from different segments of aviation. In the inaugural issue, Pimentel explains, “an ‘airplanista’ is a person who lives in a world filled with glorious flying machines. They walk around with one eye to the sky and dream up more ingenious reasons to go out to the airport and fly somewhere.” Read more >>
Reporting Points: Nickel-chrome
AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Tom Horne recently saw a Cri-Cri–claimed to be the smallest twin-engine airplane in the world—in action performing aerobatics in Canada. “It’s easy to be taken in by the Cri-Cri. It’s cute on the ground, but can be aggressive in the air,” he writes. A view from above of the Cri-Cri sparked this comment from a visitor “C’est du Nickel-Chrome, la!” that soon caught on with everyone involved. Read more >>
Flight service for the future
The FAA extended Lockheed Martin’s five-year contract to operate automated flight service stations until 2013, effective Friday, Oct. 1. In this AOPA Live ® interview, AOPA Senior Director of Airspace and Modernization Heidi Williams discusses the ups and downs over the last five years, how the transformed FSS system stands in October 2010, what goals lie ahead, and some new features that pilots can expect to become available in the short run, and later. Watch AOPA Live >>
How bonus depreciation can help businesses
What does bonus depreciation mean for your business? The Small Business Jobs Act, which became law Sept. 27, contains provisions that allow a business to depreciate 50 percent of the cost of a capital asset—including new airplanes and major components such as engines or avionics—within the year the purchase is made. In this interview, AOPA Senior Aviation Technical Specialist Rodney Martz and Jed Wolcott, certified public accountant with Wolcott and Associates, explain which aircraft may qualify for the tax benefit, and how the law has changed. Watch AOPA Live >>
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
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Safety & Proficiency
178 seconds…
It was supposed to be a routine VFR flight, but the weather here is nothing like what you expected. Above you a menacing overcast creeps ever closer, as all around the mist draws down its gray blinds. Somewhere inside, a voice is saying “You should have turned back.” Find out what happens next >>
Talk the talk with ATC Terminology Safety Quiz
Communicating with air traffic control is a breeze when you understand the meaning and purpose of the language used. But, when was the last time you studied the Pilot/Controller Glossary to beef up on ATC jargon? Do you know what is required to execute a “contact approach”? Or if ATC says you’re “cleared approach” do you know which approach you’re cleared for? Get on the same page with ATC— take the quiz now. This quiz is underwritten by the AOPA Insurance Agency.
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Answers for Pilots: Flying to Mexico
As birds head south this fall, you may want to follow them and enjoy the lingering warmth of Mexico and the Baja Peninsula. After AOPA Aviation Summit in Long Beach, Calif., this November, consider joining the Fly-out to Baja and Beyond, offered through Caribbean Sky Tours. Although a lot of the work will be done for you as part of the fly-out group, there is a lot involved in planning a trip to Mexico. Find out more about traveling to Mexico online or in a Webinar Tuesday, Oct. 12. Sign up for either 3 p.m. or 9 p.m. Eastern time.
CFIs are habit-forming
Over the years, CFIs and other professionals have taught Flight Training contributor Ralph Hood several good practices, including the basics and additional tips and tricks. For instance, some of flying’s most important moments take place during the preflight checklist, and interrupting that flow can be critical. In one job, Hood regularly flew a Luscombe, Piper Comanche, Beechcraft Bonanza, 150-horsepower Cessna Cardinal, and any of several different ag planes. One way to ensure he went through the critical items on the checklist was the well-known acronym CIGAR TIP. Read more >>
Improve your safety by learning from others
Gain valuable knowledge about flying safely by learning from the mistakes of others. Using your ePilot personalization preferences, like "piston single-engine" or "turbine," the Air Safety Institute’s Accident Database generates a list of accidents that have been added to the database in the past 30 days. If you haven't personalized your newsletter, select your aircraft preferences from the "types of aircraft" section on the ePilot personalization page.
Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics | Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars | |||||||||
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can’t make it in person? Sign up for the CFI Refresher Online. |
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. | |||||||||
ADVOCACY
Calif. budget carries flight school reg delay
The California state budget released Oct. 7 includes a measure that would delay the implementation of costly flight school regulations in the California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009 until July 1, 2011. AOPA has worked with key lawmakers during the past few weeks to include this much-needed delay in the final budget package to protect thousands of aviation jobs throughout the state. This language will allow more time for the legislature and industry stakeholders to work together to determine a more viable and healthy long-term solution to the issue of consumer protections for flight students. Read more >>
Pressure mounts as EU vote on pilot certification nears
With the European Union Commission nearing a vote on adopting EU-wide pilot certification rules, AOPA is warning that the package—which does not include acceptance of third-country pilot credentials—would erect trade barriers with consequences felt in the U.S. flight training and manufacturing sectors. If passed into law, the proposal would require pilots who complete their flight training in the United States to repeat most of the exact same training upon returning to an EU state, and it would render the FAA instrument rating useless in Europe. Read more >>
Air Safety eJournal: Safety or politics?
Most U.S. pilots have never heard of EASA—the European Aviation Safety Agency. Their motto is “Your Safety is our Mission” but in AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg’s opinion, “as least as far as light GA is concerned, they sometimes create solutions in search of a problem. And sometimes it is done out of frustration with our political system.” Read more >>
‘Closed for business’? St. Clair eyes airport closure
Efforts by St. Clair, Mo., to renege on its obligation to maintain St. Clair Regional Airport will run up against AOPA, the FAA, and the law, AOPA told the city Sept. 28. St. Clair received federal grant money to develop the airport and is bound to maintain it for 20 years from the last grant, but Mayor Ron Blum has been looking into options for closing the airport since he took office. Read more >>
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Comments sought on Luke AFB traffic rule
How well is the special air traffic rule (SATR) working in the vicinity of Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Ariz.? AOPA has already heard from some members sharing their experiences and would like to hear from anyone who has flown through or around the SATR. Pilots should also clearly understand what procedures are required of them at Luke. Despite common ATC practice in the SATR area, the final rule enacted by the FAA does not mandate that a pilot accept a squawk code. Read more >>
‘GA friendly’ Kansas City, Mo., marks airport revitalization
AOPA attended dedication ceremonies that marked the completion of a $90 million revitalization project at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 2. The project featured a new general aviation terminal building, construction of 96 hangars, including 12 with radiant floor heating; a self-service fuel island; and runway and taxiway rehabilitation. Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of airport advocacy, joined Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser and other city leaders and local pilots in dedicating the new GA facilities. Read more >>
Restricted airspace for UAS would set dangerous precedent
AOPA continues to hold discussions with the Air Force in an effort to avoid new restricted airspace being created for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations from Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The association has called for an integrated approach to introducing UAS operations into the National Airspace System, rather than one that curtails access for general aviation pilots and other users. Read more >>
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Violations at Iowa airport draw AOPA visit
AOPA took a firsthand look at examples of how airport management in Clarinda, Iowa, is failing to meet its federal grant obligations—and will ensure that the FAA knows about it, too. Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of airport advocacy, toured Clarinda’s Schenck Field on Sept. 30. He viewed a number of problems that had been identified by the Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteer. Both the FAA and state of Iowa officials are inquiring into problems at the airport, he said. Read more >>
Airport Support Network Web page redesigned
The AOPA Airport Support Network (ASN) has redesigned its home page, making it easier than ever to volunteer or help to protect and promote your airport. Find all the resources you need to become an advocate for your airport and keep it a thriving part of your community. The site features a cleaner design and enables users to click fewer times to get the information they need. Further improvements will include a search function that can find airports near you that need ASN volunteers. Check it out >>
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Peak experience: AOPA aviation summit
Don’t delay, reserve your hotel for Summit
AOPA Aviation Summit has 11 official hotels that offer you a variety of prices and amenities. This year, AOPA worked hard to secure the best rate for you—from the luxurious Westin Hotel at $179 a night, to the Hotel Current at $103. Book your room by Oct. 18 to guarantee the rate. The Hotel Maya is a “Joie de Vivre” property, located on the waterfront two miles from the convention center, and has views to the RMS Queen Mary. Its rooms start at $179. See a list of the hotels, along with their prices and amenities.
Spins, impossible turns: Emergencies dissected
When should you attempt to make the “impossible turn,” if ever? Could you survive a ditching? Recover from an unexpected spin? Aviation experts will answer these questions and more during AOPA Aviation Summit. Popular AOPA Pilot contributor Barry Schiff will tackle the impossible turn debate during his must-see “Engine Failure after Takeoff” forum Nov. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aviation authority Doug Ritter will walk pilots through critical survival skills for anyone who flies over open water in “Ditching and Water Survival.” Read more >>
Heart disease, diabetes, cancer: Fight back, stay in the air
Pilots who face life-threatening diseases are hit not only with the fight to regain their health and learn a new way of living, but also nagging thoughts of the possibility of losing their livelihood or hobby—flying. During AOPA Aviation Summit, Nov. 11 through 13 in Long Beach, Calif., pilots can learn how to prevent certain medical conditions, live a healthier life, and work through the special issuance medical process should a condition arise. Read more >>
Gear up to benefit GA
Your bids on essential cockpit items such as headsets or a portable oxygen system could help preserve community airports or provide safety resources to pilots. Aviation merchandise in the “Night for Flight” online auction includes Lightspeed and David Clark headsets, Brightline flight bags, a Sporty’s handheld NAV/COMM, and more—and proceeds from the auction go toward the AOPA Foundation’s key initiatives. Whether you’re treating your engine right with a preheating system or keeping the tanks topped off with 100LL, the auction has items for your flying needs. Check them out >>
Pilots to celebrate aviation in downtown Long Beach
After the sun sets in California on Nov. 12, attendees will take the fun of AOPA Aviation Summit to the streets of downtown Long Beach. Aviation enthusiasts will have a chance to dance to the music of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s while they show their support for general aviation at a Friday night block party in the heart of the Long Beach dining district. Local restaurants have partnered with AOPA to provide specially priced menus for Summit attendees. Read more >>
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Member Benefits
The rhythm is gonna get you
When Gloria Estefan sang this catchy tune in 1987, she was referring to dance, love, or other similarly happy thoughts. But the rhythm in your chest, if not in perfect time, can “get you,” and not in a good way. Moving blood around the body is a complex task and just as a musical ensemble requires a tight rhythm section, for the heart to make beautiful music it requires a tireless and precise conductor. Read more in this selection from the AOPA Medical Services Program newsletter. AOPA members enrolled in the Medical Services Program get valuable information like this—and much more—bimonthly.
Airport info on the go
AOPA Airports for Windows Mobile and BlackBerry displays airport services and FBO information as well as airport diagrams in a convenient, comprehensive format for AOPA members on the go. Telephone numbers can be one-touch dialed, and the entire AOPA Airports database can be downloaded wirelessly, so hurried pilots don’t have to have access to a computer in order to have the most current airport information. Download AOPA Airports mobile >>
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Fun to Fly 2010 Sweepstakes: Barstow, the last fuel stop
Barstow, Calif., was the Fun to Fly Remos’ last fuel stop before Santa Paula in its trek out West. Thirty miles out from the airport, splotches of green had begun to show up on the Garmin 496, and pilots Jill W. Tallman and Patrick Smith decided to check the weather thoroughly before taking off again. An Army helicopter maneuvering in the vicinity offered to let them get in first, saying, “I’m sure you’re faster than I am.” They laughed and said, “Probably not.” Read more >>
AOPA Insider: Feeling nostalgic
AOPA member Robin Farkas, of Jackson, Wyo., recently wrote to the association after receiving his 60-year membership pin. AOPA Vice President of Member Services Ed Thompson learned that Farkas has been a nonflying member longer than a flying member and reflects on the value of AOPA membership to all pilots, regardless of how often they fly. Read more >>
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Community
Picture PerfectAOPA’s online photo gallery allows you to upload your own aviation photography as well as view, rate, and comment on others’ photos. Your favorite aviation images from AOPA Pilot are still available online through this new gallery. Take a look, and submit your own photos! |
A poster to the forums is looking for a Cessna 172 but has a question about their engines. Read more >>
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Engage in AviationCheck out user-submitted events from your region. To include an event or to search all events in the calendar, visit AOPA Online. AOPA does not endorse the events listed below, nor have ePilot editors edited the submissions. AOPA assumes no responsibility for events listed. | ||||
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QUIZ ME!Here’s a question asked by an AOPA member who contacted our aviation services staff through the AOPA Pilot Information Center. Test your knowledge.
Question: I declared an emergency yesterday after an alternator failure in IMC. Luckily, I made it to the ground safely and ATC was very helpful. Am I required to file a report about the emergency?
Answer: Part 91.123(d) of the federal aviation regulations states that a pilot who is given priority by ATC in an emergency shall submit a detailed report of that emergency within 48 hours if requested by ATC. If the controller did not make the request, then you are under no obligation to file a report.
Got a question for our aviation services staff? The AOPA Pilot Information Center is a service available to all members as part of the annual dues. Call 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672), or e-mail to [email protected].
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| Engage in aviation: Write a letter to the editor. Because most people perceive GA mainly through media coverage, errors or bias in the media create problems for all of us in aviation. But you can help set the record straight—and educate reporters—by writing an informed letter to the editor. | Did you know? AOPA protects your right to fly at the local, state, and federal levels. As the leading voice of general aviation, AOPA fights airspace restrictions, fuel taxes, user fees, airport closings, and any issues that threaten your right to fly. |
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