The trainer you fly most likely drinks 100LL aviation fuel via a Continental or Lycoming engine. Some manufacturers have begun to look beyond the traditional toward diesel engine technology. The twin-engine Diamond DA42 VI shown here relies on two Mercedes Benz-derived E4-C engines and uses jet fuel. While the engines gulp down a bit more than you're accustomed to burning—16.5 gallons per hour total at 92 percent power in cruise—jet fuel is less expensive than 100LL, and there's no need to worry about a replacement for avgas.
What: Diamond DA42 VI
Where: Frederick, Maryland
Photographer: Mike Fizer
FAA announces rulemaking on third class medical
Driver's license could be considered instead
The FAA on April 2 announced plans to go through a rulemaking process that could result in expanding the number of pilots eligible to fly without the need for a third class medical certificate. The announcement comes two years after AOPA and the Experimental Aircraft Association jointly petitioned the FAA to expand the third class medical exemption to cover more pilots and aircraft.
The rulemaking effort, which the FAA is calling the “Private Pilot Privileges without a Medical Certificate” project, will consider whether to allow private pilots to fly without a third class medical certificate in certain circumstances. Instead, pilots will be able to use other criteria, including a valid driver’s license, to demonstrate their fitness to fly. The agency offered no other details of the planned rulemaking.
As part of the announcement, the FAA said it will consider whether it can safely provide any relief to the medical requirement before the rulemaking process is complete. The agency also said it is still considering the AOPA-EAA petition, which received 16,000 overwhelmingly positive comments.
AOPA President Mark Baker made pursuing the medical exemption a top priority when he took the reins at AOPA in September 2013, and the association has pushed the FAA for a response to its petition and sought assistance from Congress.
“This rulemaking announcement is the next important step along a path that we sincerely hope will allow more pilots to fly without the expense and frustration of the medical certification process,” said Baker. “For a decade, sport pilots have flown safely without third class medical certificates, and we’re confident private pilots can do the same. This issue is a top priority for our members and we appreciate the FAA’s decision to move forward with rulemaking. We will continue to work with FAA, Congress, and our members to complete this process as quickly as possible.”
From the track to the sky
Join us in Indianapolis on May 31
On the heels of the Indianapolis 500, AOPA’s Fly-In at Indianapolis Regional Airport (MQJ) May 31 will turn heads from the track to the sky. Pent-up demand for an aviation event at Indianapolis Regional has been building since the popular Indianapolis Air Show, a 16-year tradition, was canceled in 2013 with no plans of a return because of spending cuts from sequestration. That makes the fly-in a “summer aviation fix” for many pilots in the Midwest, according to Ryan Maxfield, general manager of Indy Jet at the airport.
Known to locals as Mount Comfort, the airport—just a 20-minute drive from downtown Indianapolis—changed its name in advance of the city’s hosting the 2012 Super Bowl in order to attract more jet traffic. But its warm Midwestern style hasn’t changed. Gulfstreams park beside Piper Tri-Pacers, and everything from jets and warbirds to single-engine piston trainers share the nontowered traffic pattern, giving the laid-back, growing airport an energetic buzz that mimics the burgeoning city, which Maxfield dubbed “the biggest little town.”
Let us know you're coming. RSVP online.
PilotWorkshops offers free training programs
Free online access to training programs
PilotWorkshops will provide AOPA members with free online access to an extensive library of quality audio and video aviation training programs as a new AOPA Premier Partner.
The programs, available on the website of the Nashua, New Hampshire-based firm that specializes in pilot proficiency training products, are designed to help pilots of all levels achieve a higher degree of flight proficiency.
Founded in 2005, PilotWorkshops is best known for its “Pilots Tip of the Week,” read regularly by more than 120,000 pilots and available free on its website. The course content is developed by a world-class team of instructors who contribute their knowledge and experience to PilotWorkshops’ tips and online training products.
AOPA members can visit PilotWorkshops to gain instant access to programs on nontowered airport operations, single pilot IFR, takeoffs and landings, stick and rudder flying, IFR communications, weather and planning, in-flight emergencies, and more.
2013 Flight Training scholarship winner earns certificate
Rodney McKnight, winner of the 2013 Ceci Stratford Flight Training Scholarship, passed his checkride March 3 to earn his private pilot certificate.
McKnight was 6 years old when he decided he wanted to become a pilot. “I remember it like it was yesterday. I took my first general aviation flight with my best friend and his dad. I got to sit in the right seat,” he said. “Ever since then, I’ve wanted to give someone their first airplane ride.” Lessons for McKnight began in 2012, when he took an online ground school course with his flight instructor, Jason Schappert. He started his training at Albert J. Ellis Airport in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and finished it at Ocala International Airport in Florida.
The AOPA Flight Training Scholarship came to McKnight’s attention after he received an email saying his AOPA membership was about to expire.
McKnight received the Ceci Stratford Flight Training Scholarship on October 4, and completed his checkride on March 3. “My next goals are to earn a certificate, instrument, commercial, CFI, and CFII, all in rotorcraft,” he said. “I then plan on coming back to Ocala and make Jason a CFII in rotorcraft and he’ll make me a CFII in aircraft.”
Couple donates Twin Bee to Vermont school
Will be used for seaplane training
Californians Jeanette and Roger Glazer have enjoyed their Twin Bee UC-1 for the past six years, but recently considered selling it. Instead the Seaplane Pilots Association convinced the couple to donate their storied aircraft.
The aircraft will be donated to the Vermont Flight Academy, a nonprofit, Part 141-approved flight school affiliated with Vermont Technical College, which offers a four-year aviation degree program. “This aircraft has a colorful history,” said Eric Weaver of the Seaplane Pilots Association. The Twin Bee appeared in the movie Caddyshack and was a personal aircraft of Bebe Rebozo, who flew then-President Richard Nixon in the 1970s—N-number One-Two-Three-Bravo-Romeo.
The Glazers restored the Twin Bee with the help of Amphibians Plus of Bartow, Florida, owned by Harry Shannon. Shannon donated a portion of the annual to the Seaplane Pilots Association. The aircraft is valued at between $180,000 and $200,000.
“My dream has been to create a quality flight school that offers a seaplane rating,” said Doug Smith, program director of Vermont Tech. “Through the benevolence of the Glazers, they will affect the lives of hundreds of students.”
Related Articles
