March 14, 2014 - VOL 14, ISSUE 11

Flight Training News

Article

AOPA Foundation makes donation to Able Flight

Able Flight will be able to train more people with physical disabilities thanks to an $8,000 donation from the AOPA Foundation. Read more... Share:  

Apps of the week

Wrangle the weather with these five apps

Take a look at five apps designed to help pilots check and track the weather. Read more... Share:  

Article

Wisconsin company offers upset training to pilots

A Wisconsin company is now offering its upset training course to all pilots. Read more... Share:  

Embry-Riddle online course covers human factors in accidents

The mental and physical factors that contribute to aviation accidents will be the topic of a new, free massive open online course (MOOC) offered by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide. The class, which runs from April 7 to May 11, is limited to 2,000 students. Students enrolled in the course will have the flexibility of viewing lectures and working on assignments based on their own schedules. There will also be live sessions where students can watch the instructor and ask questions in real time.

Video

Brief passengers, they'll thank you

When an accident happens, a little information can sometimes make a big difference. The Air Safety Institute's video Critical Information: The Passenger Safety Briefing helps broach this sensitive issue, with tips on how to prepare your passengers. Watch the video to learn more... Share:  

Central Michigan University receives unmanned helicopter

Central Michigan University has acquired an unmanned aircraft—a six-foot-long helicopter—equipped with a hyperspectral camera that the university says will significantly advance research imaging of Great Lakes wetlands. The camera takes extremely high-resolution images in 334 colors, compared with typical cameras that create images using combinations of three primary colors. Researchers will use the helicopter, controlled via computer or by radio waves, to capture images of vegetation in wetlands throughout the Great Lakes basin.

Article

Always something going on at AOPA campus at Sun 'n Fun

Whether you're at Sun 'n Fun for a day or the week, there will always be something happening at the expanded AOPA campus. In addition to the primary membership tent, the association will offer a new "activity tent" for education, programming, and socializing, and an outdoor courtyard area. Read more... Share:  

Training Resources

SkySpotter: Pireps made easy

Created by pilots, for pilots, pilot reports (pireps) are a great source of real-time, in-flight weather conditions—offering a "sneak peek" of what you'll encounter in flight. This Air Safety Institute course covers how to get, use, and give pireps to help you become a better SkySpotter. Take the course...

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

FAPA.aero to hold career fair

Future & Active Pilot Advisors (FAPA.aero) will be holding a career fair for pilots on March 21 in Los Angeles and May 1 in Las Vegas. The fair will also hold a session for future professional pilots and those actively looking for an aviation university or flight school covering the projected need for new pilots, financing your education or flight training, and developing a rational career plan.

Boeing, Hainan Airlines expand pilot training agreement

Boeing and China's Hainan Airlines have signed a five-year pilot training agreement to support the carrier's introduction of the 787 Dreamliner to its fleet. Under the deal, Boeing Flight Services will extend the airline's existing contract for flight training at Boeing's Singapore and Shanghai training campuses on three Boeing models—the Next-Generation 737, 767, and 787.

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

Plane Spotter

Oklahoma's 'radical' racer

Some airplanes just look the part; the mere sight of them conjures images of aviation in purest form. If an aggressive-looking racer with a strikingly straight wing, short gear, and steel-tube frame brings to mind the Red Bull Air Race, it's because the Zivko Edge 540, built in Guthrie, Okla., is flown by race pilots including Paul Bonhomme, winner of the first race of the 2014 series. Light, agile, and "streamlined to perfection," the Edge's "radical wing" is "acknowledged as a pioneering feat of design," says the air racing organization.

Training Products

PilotMall.com offers flight sim device bundle

PilotMall.com is selling the Saitek Pro Flight Basic Flight Simulation Bundle with X-Plane 10. The bundle includes the Saitek Pro Flight Yoke System, the Saitek Pro Flight Rudder Pedals, and X-Plane 10, a flight simulator for personal computers. The cost is $324.99.

ASA offers private pilot test prep bundle

ASA's "Test Prep 2014 Bundle: Private Pilot" covers study questions for the private and recreational pilot FAA knowledge exam, supported with answers and explanations. It includes a softcover book, the prepware download edition, and free 24-month access to Prepware Online. The cost is $54.95.

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

The next five most common medical conditions at FAA

After discussing the top five medical conditions seen at the FAA's Aerospace Medical Certification Division, former manager of FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Warren Silberman presents the next five—and the associated certification requirements. Read more... Share:  

Member benefits

FYI from AOPA Insurance Services

AOPA Insurance Services extends its coverage beyond aviation aircraft and renter's insurance in order to provide pilots like you with the most complete protection possible. Find out about other types of coverage. Share:  

Blogs

How the captain earns the money

How does an airline captain earn his or her salary? Chip Wright says it's not during normal operations, but during the abnormal ones—when the hard decisions have to be made. Read more... Share:  

Take me flying

When you get your pilot certificate, don't leave behind the four-legged passengers. Read more... Share:  

Instrument Tip

IFR Fix

Trains at the DER

At 500 feet per minute and 95 knots of groundspeed in the windless conditions, was the altitude gain per nautical mile sufficient? Read more... Share:  

Flash-based, login required

GPS for IFR 101

GPS units require study and practice to be used safely before launching into instrument meteorological conditions. For a rock-solid foundation of practical knowledge, start with this basic introduction course, full of safety tips and advice that will help you avoid common mistakes, before you delve into a receiver-specific course. Take the course...

Final Exam

Question

I'm getting ready for a solo cross-country flight to a towered airport with intersecting runways. I've heard that occasionally this airport conducts land and hold short operations (LAHSO). The runway lengths show I should have plenty of room to land and come to a complete stop before the intersecting runway, but I'm nervous about complying with the clearance. Do I have to accept a LAHSO clearance?

Answer

No. A pilot has the final authority to accept or decline a LAHSO clearance and is expected to decline the clearance if he or she feels it will compromise safety. Student pilots should not participate in the program. (Source: Aeronautical Information Manual 4-3-11.)

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

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Flight instructors at Pilgrim Aviation

If you are a CFI interested in top pay, flying safe, and having fun, Pilgrim Aviation is looking for you. Pilgrim Aviation, an FAA-approved flight school under Part 61, offers both primary and advanced flight training. It has an owned fleet of 11 aircraft, including a 2013 Cessna Skycatcher light sport aircraft, and Redbird LD advanced aviation training device. Click here for full job description and to apply.

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, Air Safety Institute intern, director of insurance business operations, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.