DECEMBER 26, 2014 - VOL 16, ISSUE 52

AOPA Fly-Ins

AOPA Pilot feature

2014 fly-ins: Sea to shining sea

In an effort to increase member engagement, one of AOPA President Mark Baker's first acts as the association's new leader was to move away from one annual convention and instead to host a series of regional fly-ins to "meet the members where they are." After seven fly-ins—in locations from coast to coast—more than 16,000 AOPA members met and enjoyed the camaraderie, aviation fun, and fantastic food offered by the association. Read more and watch a video of the highlights...  

Technique and Safety

IFR Fix

Power, and distraction

After a complete electrical failure during an initial climb from the departure airport, the pilot of a Beech King Air 200 learned a valuable lesson from a simple but costly omission. Read more...  

Safety Spotlight

Don't let chilly weather ground you

The cold weather season can be a wonderful time to fly. But you need to be ready for chilly encounters with Mother Nature. How to prepare? Check out the Air Safety Institute's "Icing and Cold Weather Ops" Safety Spotlight to dust off the rust. Learn more...  

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Quiz: Escape the cold

It's the middle of winter, and a trip down to the sunny Bahamas sounds appealing. The weather is not bad for your departure, but some low IFR conditions are expected at your planned fuel stop. Will you be able to make it to the beach? Find out with the Air Safety Institute's Winter Escape IFR quiz. Take the quiz...  

Aircraft Maintenance

Exhausting maintenance

Exhaust systems are one of the few systems in our aircraft where a single point of failure can be catastrophic. Here are tips for inspecting the system for safety during every preflight. This is one area in which catching an issue on the ground can make all the difference in the world. Read more...  

AOPA Strategic Partner sponsored content

IFR training flight gone wrong

In this video, two pilots head out to shoot practice approaches in order to maintain their instrument currency. In a scenario all pilots can relate to, one is flying while the other is acting as safety pilot. Unfortunately, most overlook a critical planning step that can quickly lead to big trouble, as you will see. This video from PilotWorkshops will change the way you think about "simple" IFR training flights. Watch it and enter to win a Bose A20 aviation headset...  

Advocacy

Join the Airport Support Network

Ensuring the health and vitality of your airport is up to you—incompatible development and economic and political pressures can restrict your flying. Every day, close to 2,500 Airport Support Network (ASN) volunteers work with AOPA headquarters to help save their airports, but we need more. To learn more and nominate yourself as a volunteer, visit the Airport Support Network online. See a list of airports that need and currently have volunteers.

Health

Members only

I hereby resolve...

Start the New Year with a resolution to avoid the hassle and frustration that can often come from an altercation with the FAA. Here are some basic tips to help guide you through the medical certification process if you have a condition that requires FAA review. Read more...  

Technology

Article

Diesels on the cusp

After years of waiting, 2015 may prove to be a very important year in the development of compression-ignition (diesel) aircraft engines. Certifications are expected that will expand the options, even if the market remains largely overseas. With the year drawing to a close, AOPA takes a look back at what was accomplished in 2014, and what is around the corner. Read more...  

Opinion

Blog

Who's the best pilot?

Opinion Leaders blogger Ron Rapp writes, "The best pilot isn't the one who finds the cheapest fuel, stuffs the most presents into the baggage compartment, or makes the softest landing. It's the one who best manages the risk inherent in that flight." What do you think? Share your thoughts...  

Travel

Podcast

Can you fly to Cuba? Not quite yet

With the news of reestablished diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, members are calling AOPA with questions about whether general aviation travel to the island is permitted. At this time, the FAA prohibition against private flights to Cuba remains in place. However, AOPA is working with the FAA and will post the latest information on flying to Cuba on its Caribbean travel page. For now, AOPA has recorded a podcast briefing with the latest information on the topic. Listen to the podcast...  

Financial

Article

Renter's insurance: Do I need it?

In addition to offering liability protection, renter's insurance policies also provide optional coverage for physical damage to an aircraft that you are operating. Read more...  

News and Notes

Article

Cirrus completes fleet

Cirrus Aircraft celebrated the successful first flight on Dec. 20 of its third conforming SF50 Vision personal jet. Read more...  

Article

Endeavor Awards nominations open

Nominations are open until Jan. 31, 2015, for the Endeavor Awards, bestowed to honor the service of individual pilots who participate in public benefit flying. Read more...  

Article

Van Nuys Airport spreads the spirit

Each year, Van Nuys Airport sponsors a special holiday program at a local elementary school that features a visit from Santa Claus and friends. Read more...  

Poll

Vote for your favorite 'Pilot' cover

The Cessna T206 Turbo Stationair, Ercoupe, Socata TBM 850, and Diamond DA42 Twin Star made the cover of AOPA Pilot in 2006. The Husky, Sky Arrow, Champ, and AOPA Sweepstakes Catch-A-Cardinal were featured in 2007. Vote for your favorite cover from each year.

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Volunteer coordinator, RAF

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) seeks a volunteer coordinator to provide ongoing education, coaching, development, direction, and support to the RAF state liaisons. This position has a wide range of responsibilities from facilitating the administrative needs of the state liaisons to captaining a trade show booth. Read the full job description and apply today!

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for a graphic designer, associate editor—Web/ePilot, program manager for flight training initiatives, senior advertising sales/account executive, online marketing manager, major gift officer, senior ambassador, .Net applications developer, social media evangelist, and account manager II. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.