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Top Stories
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Article
While international news reports on the worsening Ebola outbreak focused on government efforts to bring resources to bear on the crisis, general aviation pilots with groups like Mission Aviation Fellowship were taking the fight directly to its most remote, inaccessible battlegrounds.
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Article
The U.S. government has announced plans to boost the ranks of armed Cessna Grand Caravans fighting terrorists in the troubled Middle East.
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AOPA Live This Week
Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California, a world-class attraction you won't want to miss during the AOPA Fly-In Sept. 20, gave AOPA Live a sneak peek at an impressive (and airworthy) collection. Also, the NTSB notes a decline in general aviation accidents, and Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) says pilots need to speak up about pilot protection.
AOPA Live This Week®, Sept. 18...
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AOPA Fly-Ins
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Article
There are many reasons why you will want to be at AOPA's Chino Fly-In on Sept. 20. Here are our top 10.
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Share the Chino excitement
Spread the word about the fifth AOPA Regional Fly-In at California's Chino Airport on Sept. 20 via social media! Share the events of the day with others by following @AOPA on Twitter, using the hashtag #AOPACNO for tweets, and liking our Facebook page.
Chino Fly-In quick links
Flight procedures and notam (PDF)
Register for meals
Educational seminar schedule
Lodging and transportation
Members only
If you're planning to fly to Frederick, Maryland, for AOPA's Homecoming Fly-In on Oct. 4, you'll need to be sure to fulfill your preflight obligations in familiarizing yourself with the operating times of the tower and any special procedures for arrivals and departures at the airport.
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Article
Walk in the footsteps of Civil War generals, taste the diverse offerings of local chefs, or check out a legendary spyplane. The area around Frederick, Maryland, has plenty to entice history buffs, gastronomes, and outdoorsmen alike to stay for the weekend when they come for the AOPA Homecoming Fly-In Oct. 4.
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Technique and Safety
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Article
General aviation accident reductions in 2013 could be "a positive sign" about how pilots are approaching training, education, and proficiency.
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Accident analysis
Reported ceilings and visibilities above VFR minimums are no guarantee of a clear view of the horizon. NTSB investigators concluded that the VFR pilot in a fatal crash Oct. 21, 2013, likely lost control in reduced visibility caused by rain showers.
Read more in this special report from the Air Safety Institute.
AOPA Partner Spotlight
What happens when a simple piece of equipment fails in your airplane in low instrument meteorological conditions? In this video, you'll learn that it can quickly lead to a life-or-death situation. Take this IFR challenge from PilotWorkshops and see if you can make the right decision and regain control of this flight.
Watch the video and enter to win a Bose A20 Aviation Headset...
IFR Fix
A VFR pilot enters instrument conditions shortly after takeoff. Air traffic control gets an instructor on the ground involved to help talk the pilot through the serious situation and narrowly avert tragedy.
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Video
What is flight following, and how does it work? Hear an air traffic controller explain the best way to communicate your request with ATC and what to expect before and during your flight.
Watch the video...
Blog
A recent fatal accident involved a Piper Malibu that landed counter to established traffic at a nontowered airport. AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg discusses right-of-way and decision making in the pattern. Is it ever OK to land with a tailwind?
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Advocacy
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Advocacy
The current third class medical system should be eliminated for private flying, according to a member survey done by the Flying Physicians Association.
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Advocacy
AOPA is asking the FAA to be more flexible when it comes to determining what constitutes acceptable use of airport hangars. In formal comments filed Sept. 18, the association urges the FAA to expand its definition of "aeronautical use" when it comes to hangars and to give the owners of private hangars more freedom to use them as they wish.
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Call to action
Keep pressure for medical reform
AOPA members have sent more than 21,000 letters to their members of Congress asking them to co-sponsor the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act! AOPA called members to action Sept. 11, urging them to get their members of Congress to support expanding the FAA's sport pilot standard by not requiring pilots to obtain a third class medical certificate. If you haven't contacted your elected officials in Congress yet, please ask them to sign on as co-sponsors today.
Blog
AOPA President Mark Baker is asking for members' help at a pivotal moment in the fight for medical reform. "It's time pilots got relief from the costly and outdated third-class medical," he writes.
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Health
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Fly Well
You check the aircraft for wiring issues during preflight, but what if your body's wiring is the problem? Dr. Jonathan Sackier discusses neurological problems.
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Technology
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Article
Garmin has announced a service contract that extends warranty coverage for G1000 avionics. Pricing depends on aircraft and installed features.
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Article
A satellite-based transceiver has shown promise to enable worldwide Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast coverage.
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Opinion
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Blog
An augmented reality helmet for industrial applications could dramatically change the pilot experience in the future by revolutionizing the communication and display of information in the cockpit, writes Opinion Leaders blogger John Petersen.
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Blog
If you are flying in instrument conditions and your panel lights up with a caution light, or a series of cascading failures, are you ready to handle it? Opinion Leaders blogger Amy Laboda shares tips for using a simulator and mind exercises to increase your ability to handle problems quickly in the air before they escalate.
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Blog
The aviation community is a large, diverse group of people, writes Opinion Leaders blogger Jamie Beckett. And that means members of the community will disagree with one another. "We can discuss ideas. We can share opposing views. But we should not go to battle with each other," he says.
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Gear
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Apps of the week
Aviation developers unveil updates for nine flight planning apps.
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Article
California pilot Christopher Braun has created a revamped version of the cleco plier that is said to be lighter and more ergonomic.
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Travel
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Article
As you fly in to Santa Paula, California, you'll see rolling hills and valleys, mostly covered in citrus and avocado orchards, like the California of old. The airport evokes an old-time airfield, complete with antique airplanes dating back almost a century. Consider visiting the field when you attend the AOPA Fly-In at Chino, California, on Sept. 20.
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Blog
A 25-day trip around the world comes to its conclusion in this day-by-day recap of the 2013 journey.
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Financial
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Webinar
Certified single-engine airplanes dominate the flying club fleet in the United States, but numerous clubs operate other types of aircraft, including light sport and experimental aircraft. Learn about the benefits and pitfalls of incorporating these and other types of aircraft into your club during a webinar scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
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News and Notes
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Article
Jamie Crandall is flying again after a 17-year hiatus thanks to an AOPA Rusty Pilot seminar. And, he's helping pay for two other men to learn to fly.
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Slideshow
Steve Hinton Jr., flying the P-51 Mustang Voodoo, won his sixth Unlimited Gold Championship at the Reno, Nevada, National Championship Air Races Sept. 14 in a close contest that saw Thom Richard—finishing third in Precious Metal—disqualified for crossing the show line on the second lap.
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Article
A combination of general aviation and faith is the recipe the Catholic Aviation Association hopes will help spark interest and help the industry grow.
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Article
Recipients of the 2014 Public Benefit Flying Awards include a retired airline pilot who devotes his time to aviation organizations and the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles program.
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Poll
Aerobatic aircraft to turbine singles are featured on the 1983 covers of AOPA Pilot magazine. Check out the unique angles the photographers used to capture these aircraft.
Vote for your favorite cover...
Member benefits
Parking lots can be unpredictable. Keep these tips from Liberty Mutual in mind to help prevent fender benders or more serious accidents.
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Blog
With strong products and a history of changing ownership, Enstrom Helicopter Corp. may be kindred spirits with Mooney.
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Career Opportunities
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Aviation job board
Hartzell Propeller is seeking a flight test engineer to lead flight test activities in support of supplemental type certificates (STCs) for propeller installation on Part 23 aircraft. Responsibilities include flight testing, project management, aerodynamic performance calculation, and customer communication.
Learn more about this exciting opportunity.
AOPA career opportunities
Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for an executive assistant for accounting/finance and legal, legal services plan program manager, financial analyst, major gift officer, and account manager II. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities,
visit AOPA Online.
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Question of the Week
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Question
Generally speaking, how thick can a pilot expect the clouds to be when significant precipitation is reported?
Answer
Clouds usually are 4,000 feet thick or more to produce significant precipitation. Heavier precipitation likely corresponds to thicker clouds. Elevate your knowledge of hazardous weather with this Air Safety Institute online course. (Source: FAA Advisory Circular).
Got a question for our aviation services staff? The AOPA Pilot Information Center is a service available to all members as part of the annual dues. Contact AOPA. |
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Forums
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What are your thoughts about going totally paperless with an EFB?
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Education and Seminars
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Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Sept 20-21 - Colorado Springs, Colorado; Baltimore, Maryland; and Bellevue, Washington
Sept 27-28 - Richmond, Virginia
Oct 11-12 - Santa Clara, California; Corpus Christi, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Nashville, Tennessee
Oct 18-19 - Columbia, South Carolina
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the Air Safety Institute's new Online eFIRC.
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Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars
Sept 22 - Arlington, Texas
Sept 23 - Addison, Texas
Sept 29 - Mesa, Arizona; Reno, Nevada; and Hampton, Virginia
Sept 30 - Sacramento, California; Tucson, Arizona; Richmond, Virginia; and Northglenn, Colorado
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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Rusty Pilot Seminars
Sept 19 - Chino, California
Sept 20 - San Jose, California; St. Cloud, Florida; and Medford, New Jersey
Sept 27 - Burlington, Washington
Oct 2 - Independence, Oregon
Oct 3 - Frederick, Maryland
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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Aviation Calendar
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Check out user-submitted events from your region. To include an event or to search all events in the calendar, visit AOPA Online. AOPA does not endorse the events listed below, nor have ePilot editors edited the submissions. AOPA assumes no responsibility for events listed.
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ePilot Editor:
Benét Wilson
Production Assistant:
Melissa Whitehouse
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Contributors:
Sarah Deener
Alyssa Miller
Jim Moore
Jill W. Tallman
Elizabeth Tennyson
Warren Morningstar
Alton K. Marsh
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Ian J. Twombly
Dan Namowitz
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