FEBRUARY 28, 2014 - VOL 16, ISSUE 9

Technique and Safety

IFR Fix

Sorry, wrong number

Two go-arounds and a rejected takeoff would provide a day's worth of drama at many airports. When they all happen at once, on one runway, with the go-arounds head-on, only luck averts disaster. Read more... Share:  

Aircraft maintenance

Engine preheating myths, realities

The engine heater and a small cabin heater have been keeping the aircraft warm and ready to go for almost two weeks. Heresy, you say? Leaving a preheater on for this long will corrode the engine, you say? Not necessarily. Read more... Share:  

Video

Better approach, better landing

As cliché as it sounds, a good landing starts with a good approach. Creating a set of repeatable, consistent steps to stabilize your descent can go a long way toward an uneventful touchdown and rollout. Watch the video... Share:  

Flash-based, login required

When the chips are down

Jim Lawson, who was not instrument current, learned a lot about working with ATC to escape peril during an unexpected IFR descent. But that wasn't all he experienced in "Trapped On Top." Watch the Real Pilot Story...

PDF

Are you weather wise?

Weather is the most dynamic variable that affects your flying. Learn to cope with its changing conditions by digging into the Air Safety Institute's Weather Wise Safety Advisor and you'll appreciate how official reports and forecasts compare with what you'll see from the cockpit. Learn more...

Advocacy

Advocacy

Congressional leaders say no to user fees

Leaders of the House aviation subcommittee and General Aviation Caucus sent a letter to President Barack Obama reminding him of their strong opposition to user fees and asking him not to advance a new user fee proposal in his upcoming budget. Read more... Share:  

Advocacy

Santa Monica advocates prep for next round

AOPA leaders were in Santa Monica recently, pledging their continuing support to protect the embattled airport. The visit followed a judge's decision to throw out a lawsuit that could have led to closure of the field, but anti-airport forces already are regrouping to continue the fight. Read more... Share:  

Advocacy

AOPA meets with aviation leaders in the Northwest

Growing general aviation, protecting airports, and local and national advocacy issues were among the topics leaders from AOPA discussed with the heads of state aviation associations, Airport Support Network volunteers, and hundreds of pilots during the Northwest Aviation Conference held outside Seattle Feb. 22 and 23. Read more... Share:  

Blog

A stop in Emerald City

The burning issues for pilots in the Northwest are the same as elsewhere in the country. One question that always surfaces is how to control the cost of flying. Read more... Share:  

Heli-Expo news

Aviation CEOs report growing optimism

A chorus of industry leaders sang the praises of general aviation while admitting to challenges ahead in dealing with FAA bureaucracy and changing cultural whims. Read more... Share:  

Health

Article

Journalist Miles O'Brien loses arm to accident

Surgeons amputated the left arm of PBS science correspondent and pilot Miles O'Brien when complications arose during surgery for an injury to the arm, O'Brien reported in a Feb. 25 blog. Read more... Share:  

Technology

Article

Hartzell to deliver TBM prop

Hartzell Propeller has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) for its swept-airfoil composite five-blade propeller for Daher-Socata TBM 700 and TBM 850 aircraft. Read more... Share:  

Heli-Expo news

Rig approach system eases workload

A new technology solution promises to ease pilot workload and increase safety in what must surely be among the most dangerous flying environments anywhere—instrument conditions over the open seas near an oil rig. Read more... Share:  

More News

Researchers testing slow flight limits

Light helicopters embrace glass

Opinion

Blog

How to request to start an approach at the intermediate fix

Few pilots know they can start an approach at an intermediate fix under certain conditions. Learn how to request to start there. Read more... Share:  

Blog

In support of light sport aircraft

What's a general aviation pilot to think of the light sport market these days? Cessna is out, and a bunch of little-known names are in. Feel free to scratch your head in wonder. You won't be alone. Read more... Share:  

Gear

Article

Antenna taps weather services

Garmin has announced a new antenna designed to capture Sirius XM weather and feed it to Garmin devices, starting with the aera 796. The antenna is being rolled out as Sirius updates its pricing plans, making more features available at the lowest price point. Read more... Share:  

Apps of the week

Five apps for maintenance tracking, reference

These five maintenance apps handle tasks including airworthiness directives and service bulletin notifications, logs, and maintenance due lists. Read more... Share:  

Travel

Article

Oklahoma to host cross-country air races

Pilots are invited to compete in two cross-country racing events coming up in May in Oklahoma. Read more... Share:  

Financial

Heli-Expo news

Sikorsky overseas orders rising

While an increase in foreign defense spending will more than offset the decrease in U.S. military spending, helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky nonetheless is planning a series of layoffs of salaried employees over the next few weeks. Read more... Share:  

Members only

Tax deductibility of flight training

Can pilots deduct the cost of their flight training for income tax purposes? As with most tax questions, the answer is "sometimes." Read more... Share:  

More News

Congressional Flying Club: Rising from the DC SFRA ashes

When it comes to family, safer is better: AOPA expands AD&D plan

AV8RS program awards four flight training scholarships

News and Notes

Heli-Expo news

Bell Jet Ranger back

Bell is bringing back the Jet Ranger with new avionics and a new engine. The 505 Jet Ranger X looks all new, but retains some familiar components, such as the rotor blades and drive system. Read more... Share:  

Article

Skyhawk diesel mod launched

A diesel engine, a three-blade constant-speed propeller, and advanced avionics will add efficiency, safety, and value to the Cessna 172 in a newly announced upgrade program, said Premier Aircraft Sales of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A zero-time, new-generation, 135-horsepower Centurion 2.0 turbodiesel engine is at the heart of the upgrade. Read more... Share:  

Member benefits

AOPA Plus now AOPA Premier

For 75 years, AOPA has helped members like you enjoy the freedom, fun, and satisfaction of flying. Now, you can choose the association's new AOPA Premier membership—with more benefits, more value, and more savings for pilots who want the most from AOPA. See the benefits AOPA has reserved for you... Share:  

More News

Aviation honors R. A. 'Bob' Hoover

Google to lease historic airfield

Strange but true: Flower deliveries disrupted, falling parts

Sweepstakes

Blog

Rod-and-crankshaft action

The pressure's on to finish the sweepstakes Debonair's engine upgrade in advance of Sun 'n Fun, so all you sweeps winners out there can see the latest improvements in person. Read more... Share:  

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Executive director, Virginia Air and Space Center

The Virginia Air and Space Center is seeking an accomplished, visionary leader  to serve as executive director. Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director has responsibility for planning, directing, and overseeing the work of the center, staff, and volunteers; leading successful fundraising campaigns; and maintaining/enhancing the permanent collection and educational programs. See the full job description...

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for an accounting operations supervisor, accounting technician - accounts payable and receivable, event planner, coordinator of pilot community and development, director of insurance business operations, and member services and airport directory representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.