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Top Stories
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Article
Find out how Light Speed Engineering's Klaus Savier, a German-born engineer, has coaxed Toyota Prius fuel consumption from his Lycoming IO-360-equipped Long EZ while posting Indy car speeds. Read more...
 
Article
Aviators celebrating the freedom of flight can thank two bicycle-building brothers from Ohio who launched their gasoline-powered, wood-and-fabric invention into a strong North Carolina wind Dec. 17, 1903. Here are five fun facts you might not have known about the Wright brothers and their famous first flight. Read more...
AOPA Live This Week
AOPA Live This Week® brings you this week's breaking news, including the Senate's passage of the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2, a look back at the top stories of 2015, and a director's cut of the videos you loved most this year. Watch the warbirds, tall tales, and unforgettable moments. As of publication deadline, AOPA Live producers were still finalizing this week's show, which will be available on Dec. 18. The next AOPA Live This Week show will air Jan. 7, 2016.
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Technique and Safety
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Video
In some ways, flying IFR makes weather planning easier. But more time in the clouds means more exposure to potentially dangerous conditions, which makes good preflight planning even more essential. Weather Wise: IFR Flight Planning—the fourth installment in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's video series on practical weather flying—explores the major hazards IFR pilots face, and how to get a solid grasp of the big picture before leaving the ground. Watch the video...
Pilot Protection Services
Previewing your intended route on a sectional chart and obtaining a standard briefing, via telephone or DUATS, might not be enough to help you steer clear of airspace issues. Read more...
AOPA Premier Partner sponsored content
Engine failure on takeoff
When your engine fails on takeoff, how much altitude do you really need to return to the airport safely? The answer may shock you. Learn from an eye-opening, real-life example provided by AOPA Premier Partner PilotWorkshops.
IFR Fix
If you are one to seek approach procedures that challenge your workload-management abilities, the ILS or LOC/DME RWY 35 approach to Colorado's Greeley-Weld County Airport offers a test. Read more...
PDF
Can you fly into icing conditions in an aircraft equipped with approved-for-icing-conditions systems? Learn more about the different systems and how they have been tested, certified, or approved in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Aircraft Deicing and Anti-icing Equipment Safety Advisor. Download the publication...
Video
A Socata TBM 700 accident in 2011 near Morristown, New Jersey, holds several important lessons about recognizing the hazards of icing conditions that were not forecast and the safest response to that situation. In this AOPA Air Safety Institute video, learn how to make the right decisions sooner to prevent this type of accident. Watch the video...
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Advocacy
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Advocacy
The owners of recreational drones weighing between 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and 55 pounds will have to register their aircraft with the FAA before making their first outdoor flight under new rules announced Dec. 14. Read more...
Advocacy
The full Senate on Dec. 15 passed the Pilot's Bill of Rights 2, which includes third class medical reform. The bill also must pass the House, where it has 152 bipartisan cosponsors, before it can go to the president for his signature. Read more...
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Advocacy
AOPA and the FAA recently hosted a two-day GA Engine Summit attended by representatives of numerous aircraft engine manufacturers and industry associations to discuss ways for the industry and government to work more effectively together. Read more...
Advocacy
The owners of a number of Cessna and Piper models are being advised about possible wing spar problems under two recent special airworthiness information bulletins issued by the FAA. Read more...
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Technology
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Article
Tecnam has received a type certificate for its Italian-made P2010 four-seat aircraft that includes approval for a constant-speed propeller. Seven are on order. Read more...
Article
The Airbus Perlan Mission II team recently had a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Minden-Tahoe Airport in Nevada to open flight testing in preparation to fly the glider to an unprecedented 90,000 feet next summer. Read more...
Article
Avidyne Corp. announced availability of wireless features built into the IFD440/540 series boxes that current owners may unlock with software. Read more...
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Opinion
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Blog
Have you spent hours online searching for that perfect airplane at a bargain price? Opinion Leaders blogger Mike Busch offers advice to keep in mind when considering buying a pre-owned airplane that might need a little fixing up. Read more...
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Gear
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Article
Breitling's new Exospace B55 chronograph, introduced at the company's New York City boutique Dec. 16, functions as a timepiece and a logbook. With a few button pushes, it can send flight times and other measurements to smartphones or computers. Read more...
Member benefit
The AOPA Flight Planner v 2.2 features a new range tool and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plan support. The range tool can help users quickly visualize how far they can go from any point on the chart with sufficient fuel reserve to be safe. Users also can customize their view to display distance, fuel, or time with color coding for easy risk identification. Read more...
Article
ForeFlight, the creator of a popular electronic flight bag app for the Apple iPad and iPhone, announced the availability of a logbook component. Read more...
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Travel
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Online resource
If you are planning a flight to the Bahamas, check out AOPA's resource page that offers step-by-step guidance on the requirements you'll need to meet to fly internationally. Learn more...
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Financial
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Member benefit
Get rewarded for doing what you love most—talking about flying! AOPA has launched a new rewards program in which members can earn points by getting fellow pilots to join the association. You'll also earn points for sharing information about AOPA through emails, Facebook, and Twitter! Once you've earned at least 50 points, you can redeem them for Amazon gift cards. You'll be able to track your progress so you know how much more you need to do to reach your goal. Learn how you can start earning points today!
AOPA Foundation focus
Don't miss out on your chance to bid on one-of-a-kind aviation experiences, fun getaways, unique gifts for pilots, and more in the AOPA Foundation's online auction—it closes Dec. 20 at midnight Eastern Standard Time. New items have just been added, including two tickets to the fiftieth annual Country Music Awards and after party in Nashville, Tennessee, and a hypoxia training session at the NASTAR Center in Pennsylvania. Place your bid today...
Member benefit
You've found the perfect airplane, and it's priced to sell, but don't skip the pre-buy inspection. The only way to truly understand what costs you will be inheriting when you purchase an aircraft is with a thorough pre-buy. Learn what other mistakes to avoid when buying a business aircraft.
AOPA Foundation focus
AOPA President Mark Baker and AOPA Foundation Interim Executive Director George Perry reflect on the impact donations to the foundation have had in 2015 to help get pilots back in the air, make flying more affordable, and encourage travel to fly-ins. If you donated to the foundation in 2015, find out how your contribution helped to promote general aviation; if you haven't donated yet, learn what your tax-deductible donation would support. Watch the video...
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News and Notes
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Article
Sporty's, a company that has long worked in nearly all aspects of general aviation, is now offering charter service in a Cessna Skylane. Read more...
Article
Windecker Eagle N4198G, designed and flown in the 1960s then banished to the hangar 31 years ago, has returned to the skies following restoration. The next job is to ship it to China, where it will return to production. Meanwhile, restoration begins in this country on a second Eagle for a Chinese businessman and his partner, Ted Windecker, son of the late company founder. Read more...
Article
A red telephone on the desk of a colonel at the heart of America's air defense rang for Santa in December 1955. As the colonel would later recall, a child wanted to know if the real Santa Claus was on the line, as advertised. What happened next gave birth to a holiday tradition that is going strong 60 years later. Read more...
Article
Swiss watch maker Breitling has announced the North American flight demonstration schedule of the Breitling Jet Team for 2016. Read more...
Article
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship will return to a racing destination in Germany and visit the home of the Indy 500 in 2016. Read more...
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Career Opportunities
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AOPA career opportunities
Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a senior director, High School Aviation Initiative; e-learning designer; loan processor; member services representative; legal services plan attorney; legal services plan administrative assistant; major gift officer; 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
While reviewing the electronic standard briefing for your next flight, you notice a notam for unmanned aircraft system operations:
"!DCA 12/165 BRV AIRSPACE UAS WI AN AREA DEFINED AS .5NM RADIUS OF BRV180012.4 (3.8NM NE APH) SFC-700FT DLY 1500-2100 1512081500-1512112100."
This is great information for situational awareness, but you wonder if there is a way to view UAS notams graphically.
Answer
Yes. Lockheed Martin's website has a UAS section that shows UAS Operating Areas for the contiguous United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. As UAS operations become more prevalent, the need for manned aircraft pilots to be better informed of unmanned operations increases. Most of the UAS notams will have little to no effect on flights, but knowing that for a fact—rather than making an assumption—goes a long way. For more information about Lockheed Martin's services or UAS offerings, watch AOPA's recent webinar on the topic.
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
Jan 9-10 - Spokane, Washington; Charlotte, North Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; Santa Clara, California; and Ridgeland, Mississippi
Jan 16-17 - Portland, Oregon; Bellevue, Washington; and Elkridge, Maryland
Jan 23-24 - Rockford, Tennessee; Long Beach, California; and Ypsilanti, Michigan
Feb 6-7 - Las Vegas, Nevada; and Louisville, Kentucky
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
Jan 11 - Reno, Nevada; and The Woodlands, Texas
Jan 12 - Sacramento, California; and Houston, Texas
Jan 13 - Milpitas, California; and San Antonio, Texas
Jan 14 - Santa Rosa, California; and Austin, Texas
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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Rusty Pilot Seminars
Jan 2 - Lakeland, Florida
Jan 9 - Stevensville, Maryland; and Lawrenceville, Georgia
Jan 16 - Lebanon, Tennessee; and Houston, Texas
Jan 20 - Racine, Wisconsin
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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ePilot Editors:
Alyssa Miller
Jim Moore
David Tulis
Production Assistant:
Melissa Whitehouse
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Contributors:
Mike Collins
Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Alton K. Marsh
Warren Morningstar
Dan Namowitz
Jill W. Tallman
Elizabeth Tennyson
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker
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