APRIL 17, 2015 - VOL 17, ISSUE 16

Technique and Safety

IFR Fix

A last defense in CFIT scenario

As you prepare to level off from the descent in instrument conditions, a ground proximity warning goes off. What's the correct response? Read more...  

Accident analysis

Shifting priorities

When computing weight and balance, remember that the results can't be trusted any more than you can trust the airplane's payload to stay where you put it. Read more in this special report from the Air Safety Institute...  

Flash-based, login required

Uplift your datalink knowledge

Are you looking for practical advice on safely using datalink weather in flight? Enter the Air Safety Institute's IFR Insights: Cockpit Weather online course tutorials and interactive scenarios that connect datalink science to our knowledge of onboard avionics. You'll see that datalink is not a crutch to make an unflyable situation flyable, but rather an excellent tool supplementing our big weather picture to avoid dangerous weather. Take the course...

Premiere Partner sponsored content

Deadly trap: What would you do?

Your good friend calls with bad news. His wife and daughter have been in an accident hundreds of miles away and he needs your help to get him there quickly. Flights like this make you grateful to have your instrument rating. Unfortunately, thunderstorms may impact your route of flight, so you must balance safety with your friend's urgent need. You have four choices for how to handle this scenario from PilotWorkshops. Test yourself, and enter to win a Bose A20 aviation headset. Watch the video scenario…  

PDF

Don't worry, call for help

When expectations and reality diverge in flight, you may need to change plans and ask for help from air traffic control. The Air Safety Institute's Say Intentions: When you need ATC's help Safety Advisor explains why and when it's best to key the mic and talk to ATC. Download the Safety Advisor to learn more...

Blog

Fly the cloud: Controlling whiteout and brownout

Whether the rotor wash kicks up loose earth causing a brownout or snow causing a whiteout, the techniques used to mitigate potential obscuration conditions are alike, according to blogger Markus Lavenson. Lavenson shares two techniques that have worked well for him over the years. Read more...  

AOPA Fly-Ins

Article

AOPA requests proposals for future fly-in locations

With the vision to bring future AOPA Regional Fly-Ins to new locations all over the United States, AOPA is inviting airports, cities, and aviation communities to submit proposals to host an AOPA Fly-In in coming years. Read more...  

Advocacy

Advocacy

FAA lists approaches to be cut

The FAA has identified 736 VOR and NDB instrument approach procedures it would eliminate during the establishment of the NextGen satellite-based air traffic system. Read more...  

Advocacy

Spread the weather word

If your local airport does not already broadcast local weather beyond the VHF radio or phone, there may be an opportunity to change that. Read more...  

Advocacy

Senate committee presses Huerta on FAA initiatives

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta appealed to a Senate committee for "stability and predictability" in funding for his agency during an April 14 FAA reauthorization hearing. Read more...  

Article

Man's violation of DC airspace 'unacceptable,' AOPA says

After Doug Hughes flew a gyroplane into the Washington, D.C., Flight Restricted Zone and landed on the Capitol lawn April 15, AOPA quickly stated that the man's actions were "unacceptable" and that they "should in no way be associated with the law-abiding professional and recreational pilots who every day follow the rules and regulations of the National Airspace System." Read more...  

Advocacy

FAA stresses importance of GA survey data

Pilots invited to participate in the thirty-seventh General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey can provide important data on use of their aircraft. Read more... 

Health

Pilot Protection Services

A test that could save your life

Far too many people effectively die of ignorance from an almost completely avoidable disease. Learn about preventing colorectal cancer. Read more...  

Technology

Article

Flight Design C4 flies

Flight Design's four-place C4 completed its maiden flight April 9, with no surprises. The flight test team reports the aircraft is as stable, fast, and smooth as hoped for, and the program is on track for first deliveries in 2016. Read more...  

Article

L-3's Lynx NGT-9000 earns TSO

L-3 Aviation Products' Lynx NGT-9000 MultiLink Surveillance System has received FAA technical standard order approval. The touchscreen, dual-mode 978-MHz and 1090-MHz Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) transponder can display Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast traffic and weather. Read more...  

Article

Trig announces coms, audio panels

Trig Avionics announced two new communication radios, the TY96 and TY97, and two audio panels. All are expected to ship during the second half of 2015. Read more...  

Opinion

Blog

How to destroy your engine in one minute

Opinion Leaders blogger Mike Busch details three cases in which piston engines were destroyed or severely damaged by detonation or pre-ignition in just a matter of minutes. And, he offers tips to help you avoid this costly situation. Read more...  

Blog

The weakest link

If one aircraft component caused 90 percent of all accidents, wouldn't it be replaced completely? "Well we do have such a component: the pilot," writes Opinion Leaders blogger Ron Rapp. "Your average pilot probably doesn't think of him or herself as the weakest link. I certainly don't. But those pesky statistics..." Read more...  

Gear

Article

Apple Watch takes flight

The first thing aviation software developers had to figure out about the Apple Watch was just how much data to deliver. Those first out of the gate opted to stick to the basics. Read more...  

Article

FreeFlight releases ADS-B View 2.0

FreeFlight Systems has released ADS-B View 2.0, a free iPad app that displays on iPads weather and traffic data received by FreeFlight's RANGR ADS-B In systems. Read more...  

Article

Apple update nixes GPS connection

Users, application developers, and portable GPS receiver manufacturers report iOS 8.3 causes older-model, portable GPS receivers to stop communicating with navigation apps. Read more...  

Financial

Article

Eclipse, Kestrel merge to form ONE

Two relative newcomers to aviation have come together to form ONE—ONE Aviation, that is. Eclipse Aerospace and Kestrel Aircraft are merging to create the new company, to be led by aviation innovator Alan Klapmeier. Read more...  

Article

Fuel leaks prompt FAA fine

The FAA has proposed a $430,000 fine against Textron Aviation subsidiary Beechcraft after fuel leaks were found in 43 Barons. The twin-engine aircraft, delivered between January 2012 and November 2013, developed fuel leaks because of one or more production errors. Read more...  

Article

AOPA Insurance offers hangar coverage

The new AOPA Hangar Insurance program protects individuals who own or lease hangars in cases of hangar damage, personal injury, fire or wind damage, or theft starting at $42 per month. Read more...  

News and Notes

Article

Popcorn and props

Where better to kick back, relax, and watch an aviation-themed movie than at an airport? On April 18, AOPA is kicking off a season of free aviation-themed movies that will be shown in the association's new National Aviation Community Center. Read more...  

Article

Sharpen your skills

AOPA offers pilots attending the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo a full lineup of fun, informative seminars. Read more...  

Article

Auctioning atomic history

Capt. Robert Lewis kept careful notes and collected photos during and after the Enola Gay's fateful mission on Aug. 6, 1945. His collection, including documents never seen before, according to the auction house, will be sold to the highest bidders on April 29. Read more...  

Join Baker for free treats, updates

Members can find out about AOPA's key initiatives from AOPA President Mark Baker over coffee and donuts or ice cream at two free events during the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida. At a Pilot Town Hall April 22 at 9 a.m., Baker will discuss the association's latest efforts in Washington, D.C., and other initiatives over free coffee and donuts; find out more about current efforts while satisfying your sweet tooth April 25 at 1 p.m. during an ice cream social and Pilot Town Hall. Read more...  

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: First officer, Enterprise Holdings Inc.

The Enterprise Holdings Inc. Corporate Aviation Department has an immediate opening for a first officer. Duties include assisting the captain to ensure safety of all flights, providing excellent customer service to passengers, assisting with preflight and in-flight duties, and other tasks as appropriate. This position is based at corporate headquarters in St. Louis. A relocation package will be provided. Apply for this exciting opportunity today!

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for part time, temporary digital product support; a senior director of government affairs (airport advocacy); director of government affairs (airspace/air traffic); aviation technical specialist; director, pilot community development; vice president, information and technology; senior ambassador, You Can Fly; outreach and events coordinator; vice president for major and leadership gifts; Sitecore developer; director of studies, research, and analysis; and account executive. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.