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August 9, 2013, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter

Van's RV-12

AUGUST 9, 2013 - VOL 15, ISSUE 32

 

Top Stories

Article

Born to fly like a bird

Suspended upside down by his feet from a skysurfing wing attached to a hoist, Yves Rossy wiggled and twisted, struggling to break free from bindings without using his hands. It wasn't a Houdini stunt, but a test of a life-saving escape move in case he lost control of the wing in the air. Read more... Share:  

 

Article

Yves Rossy trains student Jetman

Jetman Yves Rossy's dream of flying like a bird is moving to the next phase—training others to do the same. Vincent Reffet, 28, is Jetman's first student, but he isn't a pilot. Read more... Share:  

 

Article

Shipments up, headwinds remain

Aircraft makers collectively posted a 26-percent increase in total billings, and a 9-percent increase in airframes shipped during the first half of 2013 compared to the first six months of 2012. Read more... Share:  

Article

PC-12 delivery a milestone for Pilatus, PlaneSense

Fractional-ownership program operator PlaneSense has taken delivery of its forty-ninth Pilatus PC-12 single-engine turboprop, calling the aircraft paramount to the success of the business. Read more... Share:  

 

AOPA Live This Week

CBP has no records of invasive search

U.S. Customs and Border Protection claims it has no record of the detention and search of a law-abiding pilot that prompted an outcry in the general aviation community. Plus, Beechcraft marks a major Bonanza milestone. AOPA Live This Week® also samples audience reaction to Disney's Planes, a special sneak-peek showing at EAA AirVenture that had kids dreaming of flight. As of publication time, AOPA Live producers were finalizing this week's episode. Check back on the AOPA Live page for the latest edition that will be available Aug. 9. Read more... Share:  

 

EAA AirVenture

 

Article

EAA hints at AirVenture 2014

After closing out EAA AirVenture 2013 with about 500,000 attendees, the association revealed what it has its sights set on for 2014: remembering the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I and celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the jet engine. Read more... Share:  

 

Article

Piper revenue up

Piper Aircraft reported an 11-percent increase in revenue in the first half of 2013 compared to the first half of 2012. Read more... Share:  

 

Article

No more ground loops, Beringer says

Beringer Wheels and Brakes is developing a new tailwheel that promises ground-loop-free landings for taildragger pilots. The company explains that its double-pivot tailwheel can be made to move as the rudder moves. Read more... Share:  

Article

SocialFlight connecting pilots, events

Many pilots find it hard to justify a simple $100 hamburger flight with rising fuel prices, but they are ready to lift off if they know they can attend a safety seminar or airshow, meet up with fellow pilots, and get a meal all at one event. Read more... Share:  

 

Planes deputs at AirVenture

Article

'Planes' debuts at AirVenture

A starry night, cool breeze, and free popcorn set the perfect backdrop for a special preview of Disney's Planes at EAA AirVenture's outdoor Fly-In Theater presented by Ford Motor Co. in Oshkosh, Wis., Aug. 2. Read more... Share:  

 

AOPA Live This Week

AOPA Live from EAA AirVenture

In case you missed the special editions from Oshkosh, Wis., catch up on the Husky that could transform general aviation—think 85 cents a gallon—along with a dazzling array of gadgets, new products, and people. Among the highlights, AOPA Live crews landed an exclusive interview with the Breitling Jetman, whose advice to would-be pilots is, "hold on tight to that dream." Watch AOPA Live...

 

More News

Honor Flight salutes veterans

SkyCraft expects September LSA cert

#Oshbash a social media sensation

King Schools offers helicopter FIRC

eSpyders hit the market

Technique and Safety

 

Article

NTSB: Slight decline in GA accident rate

The National Transportation Safety Board noted a slight decrease in the general aviation accident rate for 2012, though the numbers are still preliminary and the calculated rate is based on forecast estimates of flight hours flown rather than survey data. The AOPA Foundation's Air Safety Institute remains dedicated to more dramatic gains. Read more... Share:  

 

IFR Fix

IFR Fix: 'Pay attention!'

The Cessna 310 was in a holding pattern at 8,000 feet when the controller called with a beef. Read more... Share:  

 

Flash-based, login required

Departure, en route, approach, oh my

Flying on instruments is more than just the fundamentals of instrument interpretation, cross-checking, and aircraft control. It is also being able to interpret the symbols and formatting of current IFR charts quickly and accurately. Are you up on your IFR chart knowledge? Learn more and take the Air Safety Institute's IFR Insights: Charts online course. Share:  

 

Wrong place, wrong time

Animation

Wrong place, wrong time

Runway incursions can happen in seconds, whether a single miscalculation or a host of slipups converging at the wrong time. That's why it's important to communicate clearly and appropriately, double-check clearances, be vigilant, and have situational awareness when maneuvering on the airport. Watch this Air Safety Institute animation of a near collision on the runway between a Canadair Regional Jet and a Cessna 172 to learn how to avoid a similar scenario. Watch the animation... Share:  

 

Accident database

Improve your safety by learning from others

Gain valuable knowledge about flying safely by learning from the mistakes of others. The Air Safety Institute's Accident Database generates a list of accidents that have been added to the database in the past 30 days that may be relevant to you.

 

Blog

Leading Edge: Should FSS be at AirVenture?

What do you think about the fact that in-person flight service station briefings were not available to attendees at Sun 'n Fun and EAA AirVenture this year? Read more... Share:  

 

Advocacy

 

Inhofe sees friend for GA in Foxx

Article

Inhofe sees friend for GA in Foxx

General aviation now has "a friend at the top" in U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, said Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) in an interview with AOPA President Craig Fuller during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. During the interview, Inhofe also said he is planning a Pilot's Bill of Rights II. Read more... Share:  

 

Article

FAA data policy raises questions

The FAA's proposed policy for disseminating data digitally to the public is unclear, lacks transparency, and should be reviewed and improved by an industry stakeholder committee, AOPA said in comments on the proposal. Read more... Share:  

 

 
Court win for backcountry pilots

Article

Court win for backcountry pilots

Recreational aviation advocates have expressed relief at a federal appeals court ruling that they said largely upholds the status of several backcountry airstrips in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in Montana. Read more... Share:  

 

Article

Participation urged in GA survey

The thirty-fifth annual General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey (GA Survey) is under way, and pilots who have received an invitation to participate can still help with the scientific effort that will provide the FAA with accurate statistics on aviation activity from 2012. Read more... Share:  

 

Health

 

Members only

Top five dumb AME tricks

Not all aviation medical examiners are created equal, and some do not act in the best interests of their pilots. Read more... Share:  

 

Article

Healthy options popping up at airshows

For such a health-conscious demographic as pilots whose ability to continue their passion or career depends on good health, airshows that target aviators are some of the unhealthiest attractions. Read more... Share:  

 

Technology

 

Article

AOPA Jay adds 'real-world excitement' to aerospace course

A Florida school district's newest career-education offering is an aerospace technology class that will use five AOPA Jays by Redbird to provide an exciting, realistic flight-training experience. Read more... Share:  

 

Article

Avidyne IFD540, 440 near certification

Avidyne Corp. has completed the design phase of its IFD540 and IFD440 GPS navigators and expects to submit the 540 for certification by the end of 2013, Avidyne President and CEO Dan Schwinn said July 29 at EAA AirVenture. Read more... Share:  

 

Gear

 

Article

Developers pitch five aviation apps

This week, AOPA takes a look at five aviation apps submitted by developers: POH Performance, Flight Weather, Pilot In Command, Radio Navigation Simulator Pro, and PilotWorkshop. Read more... Share:  

 

Travel

 

Article

Guidebook for Mexico and Central America available

The Pilot's Guide to Mexico and Central America is now available with the most current information and photos of airports throughout the region. The guide contains detailed instructions on arrival and departure procedures as well as current contact information for 229 airports. Read more... Share:  

 

Financial

 

Article

Phoenix Flyers: Excellent aircraft at reasonable rates

A good aircraft fleet and reasonable flying costs are among the benefits of joining Arizona-based Phoenix Flyers. Read more... Share:  

 

Member benefits

Three reasons an LLC may be right for you

You have probably noticed the initials LLC on your lawyer's or another professional's business card. What you may not have considered is that an LLC may be the best way to go if you are buying an airplane in partnership with another person or group of people. Read more... Share:  

News and Notes

 

Article

Warbird collection to be auctioned

Wealthy aircraft collector Merle Maine, who died earlier this year, owned a baker's dozen warbirds, some of them rare, that are now on the auction block. Read more... Share:  

 

Article

Young Eagles name Tucker chairman

The 2013 EAA Gathering of Eagles fundraising dinner raised a total of $2.49 million from its raucous, fast-paced auction. Also during the dinner, Sean D. Tucker was named the new honorary chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program. Read more... Share:  

 

Call for volunteers

Sign up to volunteer at Summit

AOPA needs volunteers to help with parking 1,000-plus attendee aircraft, directing ground transportation, and managing the flow of people and vehicles. This year's AOPA Aviation Summit in Fort Worth, Texas, Oct. 11 through 13 promises to be an outstanding event. Be a part of pulling it off—sign up to volunteer today! Share:  

 

Article

Women in Aviation honored by National Aviation Hall of Fame

Clad in pink shirts, more than 300 women cheered Aug. 2 at EAA AirVenture as they learned that they—members of Women in Aviation, International—were being honored with the National Aviation Hall of Fame's 2013 Milton Caniff "Spirit of Flight" Award. Read more... Share:  

 

AOPA Career Opportunities

 

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for an AOPA Live editor/graphic artist. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.

Question of the Week

How well do you know the regulations and other aviation facts?

Question

You are flying when you notice that your fingers and toes are becoming numb. You attribute it to the cold and turn up the cabin heat. The numbness progresses from your fingers and toes to your hands and feet, and you are having trouble manipulating the controls. You land at the next airport on your route and go to the hospital. The hospital runs a complete battery of tests. By this time you are feeling much better. The doctor tells you all of the tests were negative and they can't find a thing wrong. You leave for the airport to finish your trip. Are you legal?

Answer

Maybe not. FAR 67.309 states in part that neurologic standards for a third class airman medical certificate include "No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of ... A transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause." FAR 61.53 also requires pilots to self-ground when a known medical condition makes the person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate held. In this situation, the FAA would expect the pilot to see the family physician, and maybe a specialist, to get to the bottom of the symptoms. If the doctor confirms that it isn't serious, you could continue to "self-assess" under 61.53 and resume flying on your current medical. Just be aware, though, that you should report the condition on your next FAA medical application, and be sure to provide your aviation medical examiner with a report from your treating doctor about the results of the evaluation.

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. Contact AOPA.

Forums

 

Confusing en route clearance

A member asks a question about a confusing en route clearance in the AOPA Forum. Read more...

Training Tips

Assertive on the controls

Training tip: Assertive on the controls

Passing the (theoretical) 50-foot obstacle that appears in the short-field landing performance table for your trainer, you idle power, maintain the recommended airspeed, touch down on the main wheels (of your tricycle-gear aircraft), lower the nose, and apply heavy braking.

Nice job! You stopped on the center line, aligned properly, without drift, and within 200 feet of the specified point, all as required to perform the maneuver to standards on a private pilot practical test.

Especially good was your braking: firm and effective but without sliding the tires or compromising directional control, your instructor notes.

A short-field landing's combination of precision and assertive handling is a good example of maneuvers that require smoothness and excellent timing, while the pilot also ensures that the control inputs get the job done.

It takes practice—and confidence derived from it—to wring maximum performance from your aircraft consistently. And if you have been simulating your short-field work on a long, wide runway with obstruction-free approaches, be sure to get some dual practice at airports where a short-field approach is the normal, everyday way of doing things.

Other maneuvers come with a different set of aerodynamic considerations while still requiring that you don't sacrifice smoothness and precision for the assertiveness needed to extract needed performance from your aircraft.

Taking off from a soft or rough field, goal one is to become airborne at the lowest possible airspeed. That calls for aggressive pitch management (and lots of right rudder to control direction). Once airborne, lower pitch aggressively to keep the aircraft flying in ground effect until it can accelerate to a safe climb airspeed.

Maneuvering during slow flight is another scenario requiring assertive but restrained inputs to maintain control at a high angle of attack.

When performing a crosswind landing, sideslipping demands sufficient bank to offset drift, and rudder as needed to keep the nose (the longitudinal axis) pointed down the extended center line.

A forward slip to lose altitude—another application of intentionally crossed controls—will only work if the pilot avoids an increase in airspeed, a commonly observed error.

Perhaps the best example of a controlled combination of aggressive flying and a fine touch on the controls is the maneuver of choice when a landing isn't working out: the go-around. Make practicing them the rule, not the exception, on training flights!

Training Products

FAA film covers runway safety

Fly Right Films has posted Face to Face, Eye to Eye, Fly Right, a video produced for the FAA Runway Safety Program Office. It offers a gritty, up-close look at air traffic control in congested airspace.

MyWrittenExam.com offers prep for FAA knowledge test

MyWrittenExam.com allows users to practice FAA tests, made up of all of the official FAA questions and answers. The website covers five different airman certificates—recreational, private, instrument, commercial, flight instructor—and more than 40 ratings.

Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by ePilot editors unless otherwise noted. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors.

Final Exam

Question

You are planning your second dual cross-country with your instructor. As you lay your plotter down on the sectional chart, you notice that the course takes you right through a large restricted area. Will you have to fly around it?

Answer

That depends. FAR §91.133(a) states in part that, "No person may operate an aircraft within a restricted area ... contrary to the restrictions imposed." Restricted areas are listed on the panel of sectional charts by number. That listing will give the restrictions imposed on that area. Typically the restrictions are by day, time, altitude, or any combination of them. If you are flying outside of those restrictions, you may fly through the area. If not, you must have authorization from the controlling authority.

Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA. Don't forget the online archive of "Final Exam" questions and answers, searchable by keyword or topic.

 

 

Education and Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Aug 10-11 - Atlanta, Ga.; Champaign, Ill.; and Allentown, Pa.

Aug 17-18 - Long Beach, Calif.

Sept 14-15 - Baltimore, Md.; and Bellevue, Wash.

Sept 21-22 - Phoenix, Ariz.; Sacramento, Calif.; and Colorado Springs, Colo.

For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the Air Safety Institute's new Online eFIRC.

Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars

Sept. 9 - Ypsilanti, Mich.; Fort Worth, Texas; Wichita, Kan.; and Germantown, Tenn.

Sept. 10 - Independence, Ohio; Addison, Texas; Bethany, Okla.; and Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Sept. 11 - Columbus, Ohio; Fayetteville, Ark.; and Maryville, Tenn.

Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.

AOPA Stay Smart Webinars

Aug. 20 - Flight School Finances: Blue skies or smoking hole? Register here.

 

Engage in Aviation

Check 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.

Northeast aviation events

Aug 10 — Stow, Massachusetts. Minute Man Airfield (6B6). Young Eagles Rally.

 

Aug 10 - Aug 11 — Moravia, New York. Owasco Airfield (Y92). Owasco Airfield Days.

 

Aug 10 - Aug 11 — Moravia, New York. Owasco Airfield (Y92). Owasco Airfield Days.

 

Aug 11 — East Windsor, Connecticut. Skylark Airpark (7B6). Corn Roast & Cookout Fly-In.

 

Aug 17 — Marlborough, Massachusetts. Marlboro Airport (9B1). A Day at Marlboro Airport.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

Eastern aviation events

Aug 10 — Smoketown, Pennsylvania. Smoketown Airport (S37). Smoketown Fun Fly In.

 

Aug 10 — Galion, Ohio. Galion Municipal Airport (GQQ). Galion Pancake Breakfast.

 

Aug 11 — Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County Airport (KBTP). EAA 857 Fly-In Breakfast & Lunch with Young Eagles.

 

Aug 15 — Sao Paulo, Delware. Business Aviation in Latin America.

 

Aug 16 - Aug 17 — Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State University Airport (KOSU). Flight Review Weekend.

 

Aug 17 — Port Clinton, Ohio. Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport (PCW). Port Clinton Area Arts Council, "Appetite for the Arts".

 

Aug 17 — Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Beaver Falls Airport (KBVI). Aviation Appreciation Day.

 

Aug 17 — Clarion, Pennsylvania. KAXQ (Clarion County). Clarion Airport Open House and "Tuskugee Airman Day".

 

Aug 17 — Newark, Ohio. Newark-Heath (VTA). Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast and Airport Open House.

 

Aug 17 - Aug 18 — Lititz, Pennsylvania. Lancaster Airport (LNS). Lancaster Airport Community Days.

 

Aug 18 — Port Clinton, Ohio. Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport (PCW). EAA Pancake Breakfast & Young Eagle Rally .

 

Aug 18 — Indiana, Pennsylvania. Jimmy Stewart Airport (KIDI). Jimmy Stewart Airport Flyin.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

Midatlantic aviation events

Aug 18 — Anderson, South Carolina. Anderson Regional (KAND). South Carolina Breakfast Club.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

Florida aviation events

No events have been submitted for Florida through next weekend. Submit your own in the online calendar of events.

Southeast aviation events

Aug 10 — Williamson, Georgia. Peach State Aerodrome (GA2). Backcountry Operations Refresher Clinic.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

Great Lakes aviation events

Aug 10 — Fort Wayne, Indiana. Smith Field Airport (SMD). EAA Chapter 2 Young Eagles Rally.

 

Aug 10 — Marshall, Michigan. Brooks Field Airport (RMY). Community Airport Movie Night.

 

Aug 11 — La Crosse, Wisconsin. La Crosse Municipal Airport (KLSE). Aviation Day & Flying Waffles Breakfast.

 

Aug 11 — South Haven, Michigan. South Haven Area Regional (LWA). Fly In and Rotary Club Breakfast.

 

Aug 17 — Westfield, Indiana. Westfield Airport (I72). Indy Flyers Ultralight & Light Sport Fly-in.

 

Aug 17 — Danville, Indiana. Gordon Graham (2R2). HCAA "Lunch at the Airport".

 

Aug 17 — North Vernon, Indiana. OVO (North Vernon Municipal). OVO airport awareness day.

 

Aug 17 — Forest Lake, Minnesota. Forest Lake, MN (25D). 12th Annual Forest Lake Open House and Fly-In.

 

Aug 17 — Marshall, Minnesota. Southwest Minnesota Regional Airport (KMML). Marshall Sunrise Rotary Fly-In/Drive-In Pancake/Sausage Breakfast.

 

Aug 18 — Mankato, Minnesota. Mankato Regional Airport (MKT). Fly-in/Drive-in Breakfast.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

Midwest aviation events

Aug 10 — Mason, Michigan. Mason Jewett Airport (KTEW). Young Eagles.

 

Aug 10 — Brighton, Michigan. Brighton Airport (45G). BAA Fly-In / Drive-In.

 

Aug 10 — Winn, Michigan. Woodruff Lake Airport (53W). EAA 907 Fly-in/Drive-in Pancake Breakfast.

 

Aug 10 — Greenville, Michigan. Greenville Municipal Airport (6D6). Fly-In, Drive-In..

 

Aug 10 — Fort Wayne, Indiana. Smith Field Airport (SMD). EAA Chapter 2 Young Eagles Rally.

 

Aug 11 — Sandusky, Michigan. Sandusky City Airport (Y83). Sandusky Dawn Patrol.

 

Aug 15 — Olathe, Kansas. Johnson County Executive Airport (KOJC). Navigation and Fitness for Flight.

 

Aug 17 — Westfield, Indiana. Westfield Airport (I72). Indy Flyers Ultralight & Light Sport Fly-in.

 

Aug 17 — Mason, Michigan. Mason Jewett Airport (KTEW). Mason Aviation Day.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

Southwest aviation events

No events have been submitted for Southwest through next weekend. Submit your own in the online calendar of events.

Central aviation events

Aug 10 — Erie, Colorado. Erie (EIK). Spirit of Flight Center Rods & Wings.

 

Aug 11 — Vermillion, South Dakota. Harold Davidson Field (KVMR). Airport Breakfast.

 

Aug 11 — Flandreau, South Dakota. Flandreau Airport (4P3). Airport Breakfast.

 

Aug 16 - Aug 18 — Broomfield, Colorado. Rocky Mountain Metro (KBJC). Mooney Ambassadors at Rocky Mountain Airshow.

 

Aug 16 - Aug 18 — Broomfield, Colorado. Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (KBJC). Rocky Mountain Airshow.

 

Aug 18 — Hartington, Nebraska. Hartington Airport (0B4). Airport Breakfast.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

Western aviation events

Aug 16 - Aug 18 — Minden, Nevada. Minden-Tahoe (MEV). SoaringNV Cross Country Camp.

 

Aug 17 - Aug 18 — Las Vegas, Nevada. McCarran Int'l Airport (LAS). Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

California aviation events

Aug 17 - Aug 18 — Camarillo, California. Camarillo Airport (CMA). Wings Over Camarillo Air Show.

 

Aug 17 — Hanford, California. Hanford Municipal Airport (KHJO). Display Day & Breakfast.

 

Aug 18 — La Verne, California. Brackett Field (POC). Antique Aircraft Fly In & Display.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

Northwest aviation events

Aug 10 — Prineville, Oregon. Prineville Airport (S39). Wings and Wheels.

 

Aug 16 - Aug 18 — Independence, Oregon. Independence State Airport (Oregon) (7S5). Independence Fly In and Van's Homecoming.

 

Aug 16 - Aug 18 — Scappoose, Oregon. Scappoose Industrial Airpark (KSPB). Northwest Antique Airplane Club Annual Fly-In.

 

For descriptions of the events in this region, see the online calendar of events.

 

Hawaii aviation events

No events have been submitted for Hawaii through next weekend. Submit your own in the online calendar of events.

Alaska aviation events

No events have been submitted for Alaska through next weekend. Submit your own in the online calendar of events.

 

ePilot Editor:

Benét Wilson

Production Team

Katie Richardson
Melissa Whitehouse

Contributors:

Sarah Brown
Alyssa Miller
Jim Moore
Jill W. Tallman
Warren Morningstar
Alton K. Marsh
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Ian J. Twombly
Dan Namowitz

Member Tools: Send feedback | ePilot Archive

Topics: AOPA

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