Apr. 26, 2013, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' newsletter

Flight training to the extreme
IFR Fix: Maximum magenta
ATC DOUBLE WHAMMY, PILOT DELAYS
QUIZ ME: FAA AUTHORITY

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Featured

Flight training to the extreme

At a pressure equivalent to 25,000 feet, the trainees remove their oxygen masks. They have come to the altitude chamber at the National AeroSpace Training and Research Center, which specializes in pushing pilots to the limits of human physiology, to experience the effects of hypoxia firsthand. After just a minute or two off oxygen, simple tasks become challenging. Trainees attempt a series of activities, including a quiz that tests basic arithmetic skills, the ability to read and understand basic questions, and skill at navigating a maze of the sort found in children's coloring books. With the mask off, the writer quickly loses interest in the quiz sheet, captivated by what others are doing with a child's toy sphere with shaped holes for shaped blocks. It is easy to see that flying an airplane can become impossible in seconds, or a couple of minutes, if cabin pressure fails at the flight levels. Read more and watch AOPA Live >>   

GA News

NTSB determines probable cause of Odegaard crash

An aerobatic maneuver initiated too low claimed the life of airshow and warbird legend Robert Odegaard, according to an April finding of probable cause by the NTSB. Investigators found no sign of mechanical trouble; however, the aircraft was utterly destroyed and a mechanical failure of Odegaard's Super Corsair was impossible to rule out. Read more >>   

Doolittle Tokyo Raiders celebrate final public reunion

Richard Cole was back in his element April 17, flying a North American B-25 Mitchell bomber over Florida. Cole, James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle's co-pilot on Crew No. 1 for the famed Doolittle Tokyo Raid on April 18, 1942, had learned short-field takeoffs in the bombers at Eglin Field in preparation for departure from the USS Hornet. "He still loves to fly and is still very good at it," Larry Kelley said of Cole's performance during a 40-minute flight in Panchito. "Precise flying is still a natural for him." Read more >>   

Tecnam offers first look at Astore

Stretching its model line just to "do something different," Tecnam is offering a first look at its new Astore model that looks similar to its P2002 Sierra low-wing model, with several important differences. Differences with the P2002 and other Tecnam models include a larger cabin, the use of an elevator instead of a stabilator, an oleo strut for the restyled nose gear, and a sleeker design. While it uses composites for the engine cowling, it remains mostly aluminum like other Tecnam designs. It is named after aircraft design chief Luigi Pascale's first production aircraft, the P48 Astore. Read more >>   

Solar Impulse flies over Golden Gate Bridge

The solar-powered aircraft Solar Impulse made its debut in the United States by flying over San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge April 23. The flight was the first leg of a planned tour across the United States as part of the Solar Impulse team's goal to fly the aircraft around the world. Read more >>   

AOPA to unveil redesigned website

Look for exciting new changes at AOPA.org in the coming weeks. We will be launching a redesigned website, making it easier for you to use our flight planning tools, find topic-specific subject reports and forms, complete online safety training, manage your membership, and get the latest news and updates on the industry and AOPA's initiatives from protecting your freedom to fly to growing the pilot population. Read more >>   

Telling it forward

It's a simple proposition: Tell Joe Richardson what you did in the war, and he'll give you a ride in his P-51. That's the sporting offer Richardson makes to the World War II veterans who come by hundreds to see his flyable collection of vintage military aircraft at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky. "The people I've gotten to meet are the best part of owning these airplanes," Richardson said. "The planes and the guys that flew them are heroes, and it's their stories that need to be told." Read more >>   

Time to change those tires

Most aircraft maintenance tasks are the domain of licensed A&P mechanics. However, with the proper training and tools, changing a tire is something any aircraft owner or operator can do. Get ready to get your hands dirty. Read more >>   

Pilot, 20, readies bid to become youngest ‘earthrounder’

The aircraft's annual inspection is complete. The immersion suit arrived on time, and on May 1, a 20-year-old pilot from Fresno, Calif., plans to depart on a bid to become the Guinness World Records youngest person to fly around the world solo. Read more >>   

How do you become a civilian test pilot? Go back to school

Say "test pilot," and whose name comes to mind? For most people, it's Chuck Yeager, the first test pilot to break the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 in 1947. Even private citizens become test pilots. So, if you have an inner Yeager waiting to be freed, it's possible to become a civilian test pilot or a flight test engineer. Read more >>   

Ten-Hi Flyers: Attractive, affordable ownership

Ten-Hi Flyers, a nonprofit 501(c)(7) flying club out of Denver's Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, prides itself with offering its members "an attractive and affordable ownership opportunity." Read more >>   

Court ruling clears way for Embraer A-29

A U.S. Federal Court of Claims ruling April 19 to deny an injunction sought by Beechcraft Corp. gives Embraer and its U.S. partner Sierra Nevada Corp. clearance to build A-29 light air support aircraft for Afghanistan. A 2011 contract awarded to Embraer and Sierra Nevada Corp. was scrapped following a protest from Beechcraft, which had bid on the same contract offering a weaponized version of Beechcraft’s T-6 trainer, the AT-6. The Air Force, following a new round of bidding, again awarded the contract to Embraer in February. Read more >>   

Useful FBO apps

When flying to an unfamiliar airport, it's always helpful to see what services are available at the facility's fixed-base operation. Apps allow users to access information about FBOs around the world. This week, AOPA looks at five FBO apps: AOG Service by Duncan Aviation, Multi Service Aero FBO Locator, Jet Aviation FBO, AIR Card FBO Locator, and Signature iFBO. Read more >>   

PrayerFlight.org prepares for state capitals flyover

PrayerFlight.org will participate in the National Day of Prayer May 2 by flying over all 50 state capitals using 70 aircraft and 75 volunteer pilots. Read more >>   

The show must go on

Even though some large airshows have canceled their events for the year because of sequestration budget cuts, many smaller events are taking place around the country. Find out how you can support general aviation by attending or volunteering to help with an event. Read more >>   

CAFE unveils program for Electric Aircraft Symposium

This year's CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposium will focus on technologies that will help further develop electric flight, with topics including new aircraft coating, battery management systems, and an ingenious propeller safety device. Read more >>   

Reporting Points: Strange but true general aviation news

Drug bust at Amelia Earhart Airport, landing without a nosewheel, and walking away from emergency landings. Read more >>   

Debonair Sweepstakes: On to paint

How do you capture an LCD screen on camera in turbulence and direct sunlight? AOPA Pilot editors braved less-than-ideal conditions to photograph the Sweepstakes Debonair's new panel on a flight to the paint shop. Read more >>   

Advice for pilots amid ATC cuts

While politicians argue over federal budget cuts, pilots are feeling the effects. AOPA Live looks at the latest on air traffic control furloughs, with advice for general aviation pilots operating in a somewhat depleted National Airspace System. AOPA also explores flight training extremes, including an opportunity for GA pilots to pull Gs while safely on the ground. Speaking of simulation extremes, AOPA Live's Paul Harrop caught up with a hobbyist who has built himself a full-scale Boeing 707 cockpit simulator. Plus, Dr. Jonathan Sackier covers fatigue and sleep apnea in the "Fly Well" feature. AOPA Live This Week, April 25.   

Safety & Proficiency

IFR Fix: Maximum magenta

Do you know what instructions a flight receives from an air route traffic control center on initial call-up after departure from an airport not served by either radar approach/departure control or a control tower? Read more >>   

Pilots who've rolled the dice and lost

Why do some pilots take unnecessary risks? Take one glance at the Air Safety Institute's interactive accident map, and you'll see that year after year pilots continue to gamble and lose to takeoff, landing, fuel management, continued VFR flight into IMC, and stall/spin accidents. Delve deeper to find out why. That knowledge may save your flight from becoming a point on the Air Safety Institute's map. View the map >>   

Just taking a cat nap?

How do you cope with an overwhelming desire to close your eyes for just a few seconds? The Air Safety Institute Fighting Fatigue safety brief explains that a power nap can be a very effective way to regain alertness and the ability to make proper decisions—but obviously no napping allowed while at the controls of your airplane! Get tips on how to avoid becoming fatigued and steps you can take to deal with it. Read more >>

The 33 percent

In most years, approximately one third of all fatal general aviation accidents have been the result of pilot mistakes made during maneuvering flight. Learn more about the fundamentals of aerodynamics—the forces that keep us aloft—and become a safer, more knowledgeable pilot by taking the Air Safety Institute's Essential Aerodynamics: Stalls, Spins, and Safety online course. Take the course >>   

Answers for Pilots: A change of heart

There's good medical news for pilots who have been treated for heart disease and other cardiac-related conditions. The federal air surgeon's cardiology panel met earlier in 2013 with recommendations that will reduce the required observation and stabilization time, as well as the expense, of obtaining a special issuance authorization. The FAA is releasing the specifics of its recent decisions, but not all at once. Find out what we know so far >>   

Leading Edge: New pilots, more safety

For too long the general aviation industry has tried to avoid the fact that new piston aircraft are priced above what most of the market can afford, writes AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg. "The business model is on life support, and we wonder why more people don't want to fly?" Read more >>   

Advocacy

ATC hit with double whammy, pilots experience delays

As the FAA rolls out furloughs in response to budget cuts forced by sequestration, air traffic controllers are taking a hard hit, already causing a ripple effect of delays across the National Airspace System. Controllers could be furloughed at least one day per pay period from now until the end of September. In addition to working with fewer staff, some controllers will be forced to take on additional responsibilities: Starting May 1, contract weather observers will be transitioned out and controllers will need to be trained and eventually pick up the extra duties. Read more >>   

AOPA mobilizes on Capitol Hill to end ATC furloughs

Reports of air traffic delays from AOPA members, airline employees, and the FAA are mounting, and the association is actively working on Capitol Hill to educate many members of Congress on the importance of aviation and the vital role air traffic controllers serve in keeping the National Airspace System operating safely and efficiently. Read more >>   

Pilots urged to comment on proposed Forest Service planning rule

Pilots are being urged to weigh in on a new planning rule proposed by the Forest Service to ensure that any plans include aviation. Read more >>   

Comments sought on draft airman certification standards

An industry/FAA working group has drafted a pair of new documents—airman certification standards—that seek to clarify expectations for students, instructors, and evaluators; and to enhance safety by more clearly integrating aeronautical knowledge and risk management with flying skills outlined in the existing practical test standards. Read more >>   

Texas launch facility review continues, comment sought

AOPA is studying a draft environmental impact statement for a proposed SpaceX rocket launch facility near Brownsville, Texas, with an eye on potential impacts to aviation that will likely include temporary flight restrictions. Read more >>   

VFR: Seaplane training in Central Southwest Region

Interested in flying seaplanes? Southwest Regional Manager Yasmina Platt shares some training providers in her neck of the woods. Read more >>   

Member Benefits

Exciting new features now available for FlyQ EFB

An update to FlyQ EFB, AOPA's electronic flight bag app for the iPad, adds the most requested feature: ADS-B in-flight weather. Read more >>   

Accident forgiveness, deductible waiver enhancement launched

AOPA Insurance has launched a program to help general aviation pilots save money in the event of an incident or accident. Partnering with the AOPA Foundation's Air Safety Institute, AOPA Insurance now offers Accident Forgiveness and Deductible Waiver Enhancement on select insurance policies. Read more >>   

What is a CACI?

The FAA physicians in Oklahoma City and Washington, D.C., recently amended the certification policy for a group of low-risk medical conditions to eliminate the special issuance requirement. Warren Silberman, former manager of FAA Aerospace Medical Certification, explains what the change means for pilots with conditions such as arthritis or glaucoma. Read more >>   

AOPA Career Opportunities

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for a human resources assistant, software test and quality assurance analyst, online marketing and content specialist, AOPA Live editor/graphic artist, advertising marketing manager, mid-level gift specialist, network support engineer, aviation technical specialist, staff assistant/PAC coordinator, president of AOPA Insurance Services, major gifts officer, and director of outreach and events. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.   

Community

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