April 11, 2014 - VOL 14, ISSUE 15

Flight Training News

Article

Liberty, Cessna partner on flight training

Cessna Pilot Centers will be the main flight training provider for students enrolled in Liberty University's online aeronautics bachelor's degree. Read more... Share:  

Article

Diesel Archer approved in Europe

Piper and Continental have teamed to produce a diesel-powered Archer designed for the international flight training market. The first Archer DX has been flying in Germany since February, and European regulators have approved the 155-horsepower Centurion engine change as a supplemental type certificate. Read more... Share:  

Article

FAA hands out master pilot, mechanic awards at Sun 'n Fun

Former FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt, Women Airforce Service Pilot Bernice Haydu, and Sun 'n Fun founding director Billy Henderson were among the recipients of the FAA's Wright Brothers Master Pilot and Charles Taylor Master Mechanic awards. Read more... Share:  

Personality quiz

What GA airplane were you meant to fly?

Of all the pioneering general aviation aircraft ever produced, which model are you meant to fly? The AOPA Aircraft Personality Quiz matches you with the perfect aircraft for your style, temperament, and aviation ambitions. Strap in, enjoy the ride, and let the result astonish you. Then share it with your friends. Take the quiz... Share:  

Apps of the week

Checklist apps? Check

Give your plastic checklist an upgrade by going digital with these five apps. Read more... Share:  

NASA announces STEM awards

NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project has signed approximately $2 million in new cooperative agreements to three tribal colleges and universities to engage students and faculty in NASA-related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities. The selected institutions for 2014 are Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kan.; Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute, Albuquerque, N.M.; and Chief Dull Knife College, Lame Deer, Mont.

Institute for Aerospace Education wins $25,000 sponsorship

The Institute for Aerospace Education, a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education initiative that serves school districts in Kentucky and Tennessee, has received a $25,000 sponsorship from Kentucky's Frankfort Independent Schools, reports General Aviation News. The institute provides industry certificates and dual college credit in flight/aeronautics, aircraft maintenance, aerospace engineering, and aviation operations/management for students enrolled in its programs.

Video

Running on empty

Words matter when the fuel gauge points to empty. In "Ask ATC: Minimum Fuel vs. Fuel Emergency," air traffic controllers explain that what you say is as important as when you say it. Watch the video... Share:  

Flash-based, login required

Get help in the air

Do you use all the benefits flight service can provide, including its help while airborne? The Air Safety Institute's A Pilot's Guide to Flight Service helps you get the most out of flight service, on the ground and aloft, including in-flight weather updates and emergency assistance. Take the course...

AOPA Stay Smart webinar

Recruit, keep good flight instructors

Flight school owners can learn how to attract and keep high-quality flight instructors in a Flight School Business webinar with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Jason Blair on April 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Register now... Share:  

Training Resources

PDF

Misfueling

When we think about the risks associated with aviation fuel, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the possibility of a fuel exhaustion incident—an engine failure and subsequent forced landing. That concern is not unwarranted: An average of nearly three aircraft per week are damaged due to fuel exhaustion or starvation. Running out of gas is not, however, the only fuel-related worry for pilots. Read more in this Air Safety Institute safety brief. Download the brief...

Did you know that student pilots who join AOPA are three times more likely to complete their flight training? Membership includes unlimited access to aviation information by phone (800/USA-AOPA, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time) or from Flight Training Online or AOPA Online. If you're not already a member, join today and get the pilot's edge.

Career Pilot

American Eagle, San Diego Christian College sign pipeline deal

American Eagle Airlines has signed a deal with San Diego Christian College that gives aviation students a direct path to become a commercial airline pilot. Graduates of the college's aviation program will provide flight training for two years, and then be guaranteed an interview with Eagle's parent company, American Airlines.

For more aviation career news, see the Flight Training website.

Plane Spotter

Capacious classic

If ever an airplane were built to barnstorm, the New Standard D-25 was it—and in selected cases, still is. The sight of one draws you closer, at which point you become aware of how large this Roaring Twenties-era biplane really is; any lingering doubts will be arrested should four passengers disembark from the deep cockpit in front of the pilot. A visually striking feature, to help a plane spotter confirm the identification from a distance, is the difference in size between the large upper and smaller lower wings.

Training Products

King Schools offers free e-book

John and Martha King of King Schools released a free e-book at Sun 'n Fun for those interested in becoming a private pilot. So You Want to Learn to Fly is written in a fun, easy-to-read style, and topics include choosing the right airplane and flight instructor, understanding FAA requirements to become a private pilot, and which books and other resources are worth the money. The free book can be downloaded from the King Schools website.

Book explains aircraft systems

Author David Lombardo explains the inner workings of an aircraft in his book, Aircraft Systems. The book includes detailed descriptions and numerous illustrations of the various systems common to general aviation singles and light twins. Readers will gain a greater understanding of what goes on under the cowling and behind the panel. The cost is $29.99.

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.

Member Benefits

Members only

Pilots and placards

Placards provide necessary information to aid in the safe operation of aircraft. The use of placards in accordance with the regulations also provides pilots an opportunity to go flying when certain instruments or equipment don't work. Read more... Share:  

Member benefits

Flying club insurance

When it comes to flying club insurance, each member should be an "insured" under the policy and be provided cross-liability protection, among other things. Read more... Share:  

Blogs

The old guy on a windy day

Still searching for a new flight school, Jean Moule lands in Independence, Ore., and flies her very first Grumman. Read more... Share:  

Instrument Tip

IFR Fix

'Deviate as necessary'

The clouds were angry, but the passenger was angrier. Bowing to the bluster, a Cessna 421 pilot tried to shoot a gap between cells. Read more... Share:  

Final Exam

Question

I've read that restricted areas aren't always active and there may be times when pilots can fly through them without permission from the controlling agency. Where can I find this information?

Answer

This information can be found on the end panel of the sectional chart where the restricted area is charted. It is always a good idea to check notams to be sure the restricted area has not been activated outside of its published times.

Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Career Opportunities

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for an executive assistant for government affairs, account manager I, Air Safety Institute intern, director of state government affairs, account manager II, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.