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Top Stories
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Article
Piper Aircraft upped its game in the single-engine turboprop market April 13 with the introduction of the M600, a higher-performing version of the Meridian. The M600 leads the new M-class series of airplanes, all based on the original PA-46 Malibu.
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Article
A former Navy corpsman, a Harley-Davidson custom builder, and a global advertising manager for General Motors have been tapped for a one-week adventure that could change their lives—learning how to fly through the One Week Ready to Solo project.
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AOPA Live This Week
Piper Aircraft unveiled the new M-class series, introducing three new aircraft that climb straight to the top of the Piper lineup. Watch the first flight of the new Flight Design C4 four-seater, explore the options for bringing your aircraft into Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) compliance, and see how to expand your hangar without rebuilding it.
Watch AOPA Live This Week®, April 16...
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Technique and Safety
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IFR Fix
As you prepare to level off from the descent in instrument conditions, a ground proximity warning goes off. What's the correct response?
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Accident analysis
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
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
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
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
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.
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AOPA Fly-Ins
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Article
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.
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Advocacy
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Advocacy
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.
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Advocacy
If your local airport does not already broadcast local weather beyond the VHF radio or phone, there may be an opportunity to change that.
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Advocacy
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.
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Article
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."
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Advocacy
Pilots invited to participate in the thirty-seventh General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey can provide important data on use of their aircraft.
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Health
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Pilot Protection Services
Far too many people effectively die of ignorance from an almost completely avoidable disease. Learn about preventing colorectal cancer.
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Technology
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Article
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.
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Article
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.
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Article
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.
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Opinion
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Blog
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.
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Blog
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..."
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Gear
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Article
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.
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Article
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.
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Article
Users, application developers, and portable GPS receiver manufacturers report iOS 8.3 causes older-model, portable GPS receivers to stop communicating with navigation apps.
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Financial
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Article
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
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.
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Article
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.
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News and Notes
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Article
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.
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Article
AOPA offers pilots attending the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo a full lineup of fun, informative seminars.
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Article
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.
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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.
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Career Opportunities
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Aviation job board
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
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.
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Question of the Week
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Question
As a rule of thumb, a 10 percent increase in gross weight at landing will cause what percent increase in landing distance?
Answer
It would cause a 10 percent increase in landing distance. (Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, 10-15.)
Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.
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Education and Seminars
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Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Apr 18-19 - Needham, Massachusetts; Denver, Colorado; and Ashburn, Virginia
Apr 25-26 - Tampa, Florida; and San Diego, California
May 2-3 - Sacramento, California; and Kansas City, Missouri
May 16-17 - Dania Beach, Florida; Houston, Texas; Pensacola, Florida; and Albany, New York
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the Air Safety Institute's Online eFIRC.
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Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars
Apr 18 - Las Vegas, Nevada
Apr 21 - Frederick, Maryland
Apr 22 - Towson, Maryland
Apr 23 - Lakeland, Florida; and Milan, Illinois
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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Rusty Pilot Seminars
Apr 18 - West Lebanon, New Hampshire; and San Martin, California
Apr 25 - Lakeland, Florida; Quinton, Virginia; and Medford, New Jersey
May 2 - New Century, Kansas; Alexandria, Minnesota; and Southbridge, Massachusetts
May 3 - Anchorage, Alaska
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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Photo Contest
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Who's your favorite co-pilot?
We want to find the best general aviation photos that show pilots sharing their passion for flying with their best flying friend. Submit a photo and vote for your favorite from the submissions. The photo with the most votes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern each Wednesday will win a prize from Sporty's and AOPA, and be featured in AOPA ePilot. An overall winner will be picked by Sporty's and AOPA on May 29 for a grand prize. This week's winning photo, "Noah's first lesson," was submitted by Tom Laney.
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ePilot Editors:
Sarah Deener
Alyssa Miller
Jim Moore
Production Assistant:
Melissa Whitehouse
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Contributors:
Jill W. Tallman
Elizabeth Tennyson
Warren Morningstar
Alton K. Marsh
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Ian J. Twombly
Dan Namowitz
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