'AOPA Pilot' Online

Sgt. Michael Blair—Sport Pilot

Ready, willing, and able—three words that aptly describe both the Fun to Fly Sweepstakes airplane, the Remos GX, and new sport pilot U.S. Marine Sgt. Michael Blair. A perfect pairing of aircraft to student best illustrated the capabilities of the light sport as a training vehicle—and the benefits of the sport pilot certificate process. Wounded in combat in Iraq, Blair nonetheless was unstoppable, and that grit and determination showed through in his flight training; the small but mighty Remos (affectionately dubbed “Uncle Remos” by our staff pilots) carried the Marine through the process. Watch this online video as Sergeant Blair moves from intro flight through ground school, to first solo, and onto his checkride. www.aopa.org/pilot (keyword: michaelblair)

Pride of WWII

Take a step back in time and see what it was like to learn to fly the North American B–25 Mitchell in this classic training video, first shown to pilots during World War II. www.aopa.org/pilot (keyword: B–25)

Top of the World

If you’ve ever wanted to fly in mountain canyons such as those found in the Colorado Rockies, first take the AOPA Air Safety Foundation online course Mountain Flying. The course introduces pilots to the challenges of mountain flying and offers ways to minimize the risks. www.aopa.org/pilot (keyword: mountainflying)

Online Flight Planners

Who doesn’t want something for free? We’ve tested the available online flight planners; now you can, too. Join Associate Editor Ian J. Twombly as he tests the free online versions of flight planners to see if they are worth the time investment. www.aopa.org/pilot (keyword: flightplanners)