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FeaturedOops: Cops hold Kings at gunpoint Photo credit: Robby Barthelmess, Santa Barbara News-Press; Reprinted with permission from the Santa Barbara News-Press.
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GA NewsBAe Lightning almost ready to flyThe British have invaded Bay St. Louis, Miss. There, a team of British and American engineers and technicians are working to restore a British Aerospace Lightning back to flying condition. If they’re successful, it will be one of only four flying in the world, and the only example in the United States. The Lightning is the last all-British built and designed Mach 2-plus interceptor, and according to the team, is the longest serving aircraft in the history of the Royal Air Force. With a thrust-to-weight ratio of greater than 1:1, the Lightning is like a rocket. Read more >> Gulfstream’s G650 hits Mach 0.995Gulfstream Aerospace’s new G650 reached Mach 0.995 in flutter tests, a feat that prompts the company to dub its top-of-the-line airplane the world’s fastest civil aircraft. The speed was attained as part of the G650’s certification flight test program. Gulfstream experimental test pilots Tom Horne and Gary Freeman, along with flight test engineer Bill Osborne, pitched the airplane’s nose down 16 to 18 degrees below the horizon to hit the target speed. Read more >> |
| Garmin GTS™ Series: Advanced Traffic Tracking With the Garmin GTS series of ADS-B enhanced TAS and TCAS I traffic systems, you’ll be able to pinpoint potential threats. ATC-like spoken alerts and onscreen visual cues help keep you safe even in crowded airspace. View the complete lineup. |
Michael Combs and the Flight for the Human Spirit landed in California last week. Combs, who is attempting to fly in or to all 50 states in a Remos GX light sport aircraft, has now flown coast to coast on the journey that began in April. Read more >>
Nate Foster is back home. Foster is the 17-year-old Maryland pilot who departed on a flight from his home state to California on Aug. 23. Flying a 1975 Super Cub that he helped to restore, he was considerably wet behind the ears—he’d taken his checkride the previous Thursday. Read more >>
| If you fly a plane you don’t own… insurance carried by FBOs or owners protects their interests—not necessarily yours. Avemco ® has reduced premiums on Renters insurance for SE aircraft while doubling aircraft damage liability options. Get more for less! |
The AOPA Foundation will host the inaugural “A Night for Flight” benefit on Saturday, Nov. 13, aboard the historic RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif., during AOPA Aviation Summit. The evening begins with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and opportunities to bid on fabulous online auction items. Mingle with old and new friends and take in the beautiful Long Beach skyline, all while supporting general aviation. The benefit will help fund critical preservation and improvement initiatives that the AOPA Foundation supports to ensure the future of GA. Watch AOPA Live >>
There is not enough data nor is there a requirement for the Environmental Protection Agency to find that avgas represents an “endangerment” under the Clean Air Act, and careful study is needed before any decision about an alternative to leaded fuel can be reached, a coalition of industry groups told the agency in formal comments Aug. 27. Read about the coalition’s call for more research, and hear from AOPA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association about how the associations are moving forward on the issue. Watch AOPA Live >>
For daily news updates, see AOPA Online.
| Introducing: Our best pilot headset ever. NEW A20™ Aviation Headset The A20™ headset provides significantly greater noise reduction than currently available. It also features improved comfort, clear audio, Bluetooth® connectivity, auxiliary audio input and priority switching. Learn more > |
Some aircraft accidents make you wonder what the pilot could have been thinking. Others just leave you wondering what happened. A little before 4 p.m. on April 22, 2008, several people fishing in the Toledo Bend Reservoir along the Texas-Louisiana border heard the sound of an airplane engine. They described it to investigators as “cutting out, sputtering, or stalling.” The airplane itself was obscured by clouds until it descended nose-down into the water. The pilot made no apparent attempt to arrest the descent. Read more in this special report from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.
No one ever plans to have a bad day … but it happens. Ramp checks, accidents, flying into restricted airspace—all may result in enforcement actions from the FAA. What is the best way to handle the situation? What are your rights? Do you have to comply with the FAA’s requests? Hear answers to these questions and more in a Webinar Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. Eastern time as Woody Cahall, vice president of AOPA’s Pilot Information Center, and John Yodice, AOPA general counsel, review several enforcement scenarios and their possible outcomes. Sign up online >>
| Your opinion counts! Please click the link below to answer a brief survey about what features you think are most valuable in today’s aircraft. As a thank you for your time, you will be entered to win an iPod Touch. Take the survey >> |
If you missed the live Webinar, “Thunderstorms & ATC: What You Need To Know,” here’s your chance to watch the recording and join AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg in a discussion with air traffic control experts. Thunderstorms remain among the deadliest hazards encountered in flight: Over the past 10 years, more than 70 percent of the accidents caused by thunderstorm encounters were fatal. Learn more about ATC radar limitations, making the system work better for you, and essential communications to help you avoid these deadly encounters.This Webinar is sponsored by the Pilot Insurance Center. Watch the Webinar >>
For many pilots, flying around special-use airspace is an everyday event, and most of the time military and civilian traffic mix remarkably well. But that harmony depends on everyone understanding (and following) the rules. That’s where the AOPA Air Safety Foundation’s Mission: Possible interactive course comes in. The program covers need-to-know facts about restricted airspace, military operations areas, and military training routes, as well as military lights-out training—a relatively new wrinkle in the see-and-avoid scenario. Do you remember the rules? Find out here >>
It was a really bad day in Beverly, Mass., Aug. 27 when the chief flight instructor of Beverly Flight Center was fatally injured by a propeller. Early reports noted that Michael Costales taxied into the run-up area for Runway 34 in a Piper Warrior with a student on board. He noticed that one of the flight center’s light sport aircraft had an improperly secured canopy and went to assist. Tragically, he tangled with a prop. Read more >>
After studying and writing about helicopter accidents for most of his career, Hover Power editor Tim McAdams still finds one kind of accident hard to believe: fuel exhaustion. Not a situation where something prevents fuel from getting to the engine, but rather when a pilot knows he is low on fuel, keeps flying anyway, and then experiences an in-flight engine shutdown. Some of the reasons pilots give for not stopping for fuel seem bizarre. Read more >>
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Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics | AOPA Air Safety Foundation 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. |
| Quieter. Lighter. Smoother Cirrus SR22T is the new choice in single-engine aircraft. The sky is hardly a limit with this powerful engine, which comes wrapped in the most luxurious of cabins. Find out more at CirrusAircraft.com. |
The California Assembly overwhelmingly passed legislation Aug. 31 that would impose a moratorium on costly new flight training regulations in the state. Assembly Bill 1889 would delay the controversial flight school regulations from the California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009 until July 1, 2011, to allow time for the legislature and aviation industry to review the issue and consider alternatives. The Senate had already adopted the bill, which now goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Read more >>
Little support by the government for “rich people” and their aircraft. A government concerned about terrorist attacks by small aircraft. Airspace dominated by the influential military. An AOPA lobbyist in Washington bemoaning another day at the office? No, Yaron Efrat, president of AOPA-Israel, describing the general aviation situation in his small, young country. “But this will not discourage us!” Efrat rallies. “We will force the issue of understanding the economic, technology, and educational benefits of general aviation.” Read more >>
| AOPA member, Adam Epstein, experienced firsthand how the AOPA Aircraft Financing Program makes aircraft financing easy… and aircraft ownership affordable through Bank of America, N.A. For more information or to have a representative call you to discuss financing, go to www.aopa.org/loans. |
In a meeting with general aviation advocacy groups, the FAA described the criteria that will be in its soon-to-be-released revision of its policy on residential through-the-fence access at federally funded airports. In 2009, the agency called for the elimination of these operations, in which aircraft based at homes and businesses on private property can access airport taxiways and runways. Because of the early outcry over the proposal, the FAA has worked with pilots, AOPA, and other associations to develop a more thoughtful policy. Read more >>
California public-use airports would be assured the protection of an airport land-use commission under a bill passed by the state Assembly Aug. 30. Senate Bill 1141 would require airport land-use commissions in each county that has a public-use general aviation airport. AOPA has been working for years to promote this legislation, which could help prevent encroachment and enforce better planning for the land around airports. Now the association has turned its attention to the final hurdle before the legislation can become law: the governor’s desk. Read more >>
| Stay healthy, fly longer. Enroll in the AOPA Medical Services Program and gain access to numerous resources designed to keep you in the air. Plus, receive assistance from our Medical Certification Specialists for FAA related medical issues. |
Few issues have as much potential to affect aviation, or are as complex, as the move toward unleaded aviation gasoline. That’s why AOPA is creating AOPA ePilot Special Report: Getting the lead out to help you get a better grasp on the issue. Watch your inbox for the first issue Sept. 8, and you’ll have the opportunity to opt in to get regular updates on government-industry planning, alternative fuels research, and what industry groups are doing to secure a safe, economical, and viable future fuel for general aviation.
Aviation in Kansas has an ally in its state legislature; elected officials are working together to ensure that Kansas aviation stays strong. A bipartisan coalition awarded airports 25 grants, totaling $1.3 million, to focus on airport development, airport and pilot safety, and airport maintenance. Additionally, a recent study revealed that airports in Kansas generate more than $2.3 billion in payroll, support more than 47,000 jobs, and create $10.4 billion in economic activity. Read more >>
| Enterprise Double Free Upgrade offer: Enterprise is offering a 2-car class upgrade now through September 20, 2010. The upgrade car class will not appear on your reservation but will be applied at no extra charge upon arrival at the rental counter if a car in the next higher class is available. Click here to learn more. |
Oklahoma pilots talked about user fees, avgas, and more with AOPA President Craig Fuller and AOPA member U.S. Sen. James Inhofe during an Aug. 18 General Aviation Serves America community event at Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City. The event, designed to give pilots the opportunity to talk to their public officials about aviation topics that matter most to them, drew more than 100 AOPA members, local officials, airport personnel, and community residents. Read more >>
Why is general aviation important to you? An audience of 130 Denver-area pilots and aviation enthusiasts had an opportunity to share their answers with their senator Aug. 30 at a GA Serves America community event at Centennial Airport. AOPA President Craig Fuller and special guest Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) addressed a crowd of AOPA members, local officials, local aviation businesses, and community members and fielded questions about everything from getting more people involved in flying to the Large Aircraft Security Program. Read more >>
| AOPA Insurance Agency offers the right coverage at the right price. We work with A-rated underwriters and offer the most coverage options to fit your needs for the aircraft you own or rent. Call 800-622-AOPA or go online for a free quote. |
New Mexico relies on GA for businesses, tourism, aviation training, agricultural applications, and police and fire protection. Gov. Bill Richardson recognized the importance of aviation to his state by proclaiming September 2010 “Aviation and Aerospace Appreciation Month.” The proclamation cites the strong aviation community in New Mexico as well as businesses’ and communities’ dependence on small aircraft. The state has a robust aviation industry, with companies such as Aspen Avionics and Eclipse Aerospace. It also hosts the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, an event that draws pilots from around the world. Read more >>
| Hertz offers AOPA members savings of up to 25 percent off and free enrollment in the #1 Club Gold Program. Plus, you help support general aviation and AOPA with every rental when you mention the AOPA member discount code CDP#10232. |
Airshow performer Sean D. Tucker is eager to share his passion for aviation. “There’s so many elements to flying”—including pushing personal boundaries and facing fears, he said. “Every time you go flying you get a chance to push those boundaries.” With more than 1,000 airshow performances under his belt, Tucker has made an art of pushing boundaries. He will share stories from his many adventures with attendees at AOPA Aviation Summit Nov. 11 through 13 in Long Beach, Calif. Read more >>
The AOPA Aircraft Financing Program’s goal is to get pilots into the aircraft of their dreams. To help make aircraft ownership more attainable, the program just lowered its rates to make monthly payments more affordable. Visit the loan calculator page to calculate your monthly payment. This could get you one step closer to realizing your dream of aircraft ownership. Read more >>
| As a member of AOPA, receive up to 40% off your next rental at Alamo, now through September 20, 2010. And, try the self-serve check-in, where you can skip the Alamo counter, check-in at the kiosk and drive away. Click here for more details. |
AOPA members who use the WorldPoints credit card earn points that easily convert to cash and gifts. Savvy AOPA members routinely earn a big hunk of cash back on a regular basis, while their purchases benefit AOPA as well. Register for AOPA Aviation Summit now using your WorldPoints card and you’ll be awarded double points for the registration fee. It’s a great way to give your point balance a boost, or to start collecting points by applying for a card. Read more >>
Why care what Sen. Bob Dole, “Blazing Saddles,” and Albert Einstein have in common? Because it affects 2 to 4 percent of adults, is the thirteenth leading killer, favors seven times more men than women, and commonly occurs at age 55. Back at the movies, Hedley Lamarr in Mel Brooks’ classic was played by Harvey Korman, who died in 2008 from a ruptured aneurysm. The same disease killed Einstein, and necessitated Dole having surgery. Read more >>
| FREE Video Tip! — Courses for Beginner to Pro! Click for a Free Video Training Tip and find a course to achieve your next goal, or to make your flying safer and more rewarding. Not sure? Call us at 800-854-1001 and talk to one of our pilot training advisors. |
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 new instrument-rated pilot reviews a recent weekend trip, when deteriorating conditions resulted in a five-hour drive the rest of the way home. 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. [CAL] |
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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: When is wind information given in reference to true north and when is it given in reference to magnetic north?
Answer: It depends upon whether the wind information is disseminated long-line or locally. FAA Order 7900.5B states that with wind observations transmitted long-line, the wind direction is reported in tens of degrees with reference to true north. For local use, wind direction is reported in tens of degrees with reference to magnetic north. Read more >>
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: Support airport businesses. Find out where you can buy fuel or get a bite to eat at your destination airport. | Did you know? Flight Training magazine is packed with flight training and safety tips for student pilots, newer private pilots, and CFIs. Members who already receive AOPA Pilot can choose to add it to their membership for an additional $21. |
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