February 13, 2015 - VOL 15, ISSUE 7

Flight Training News

Article

Air Safety Institute rekindles spirit of fun, learning, flying

AOPA's Air Safety Institute is well known for its innovative brand of online and in-person aviation safety education, from award-winning safety courses and videos to quizzes, publications, and seminars. During 2015, it will bring the aviation community together with captivating aviation safety seminars at exciting new locations whenever the opportunity arises. Read more...  

Article

New instrument training app released

Pilot Training Solutions' Instrument Rating Virtual Test Prep iPad app was released in the App Store Feb. 4, the fourth app the company has released in as many months. Read more...  

Article

Rotax continues contest

Rotax BRP is again offering a new 912 iS Sport engine to the first flight school that gets one to 2,000 hours time between overhauls. Read more...  

Article

Seaplane, helo FIRC electives debut

AOPA's popular electronic flight instructor refresher course (eFIRC) provides a customized way for flight instructors to fulfill their currency requirement by offering 13 pilot-selectable electives—including new seaplane and helicopter elements. Read more...  

PDF

Review private pilot test requirements

The FAA deleted questions on outdated topics and implemented other improvements to the private pilot airplane knowledge test on Feb. 9. The improvements are part of the ongoing collaboration of an industry-led group chaired by AOPA. Download the FAA's answers to frequently asked questions to find out more on why the changes were made and what the industry is doing to improve airman testing. New draft certification standards will bring all private pilot airplane requirements together in one convenient location; they can be downloaded here.

Students gather in Phoenix for aviation issues conference

More than 100 high school students, their families, and college students attended the 2015 Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace International Research Conference (A3IRCon) in Phoenix recently to learn about pressing issues facing aviation. Presented by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott, Arizona, campus, the conference covered issues including the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the National Airspace System, diversity in aviation, and commercial airline crash investigation.

Training Resources

PDF

How safe is flight training, really?

We've all heard that flight training is safer than most other aspects of general aviation, but is that actually true? Also, are different training activities characterized by their own distinct risk profiles? The Air Safety Institute's first comprehensive analysis of instructional accidents in a decade not only explores the differences between phases and types of training, but also between airplanes and helicopters. Download the report...

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 6 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

Airlines weather winter storms

Airlines demonstrated improvements in storm recovery during a recent winter storm in the Northeast, using new software to reschedule crews and canceling flights early to keep airplanes out of the path of the storm, according to The Wall Street Journal. Changes are driven by stiffer regulations and customer outrage about ground delays, according to the newspaper.

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

Plane Spotter

'T-craft' on skis

The plane spotters watching from the warmth of the terminal murmured approval as Roger Paradise taxied his ski-equipped 1946 Taylorcraft BC12-D to a stop on the polished snow of the ramp at Dewitt Field, Old Town Municipal Airport in Old Town, Maine, on Feb. 7. Paradise became a private pilot last year. Enthusiastically, he discussed becoming acquainted with the flight characteristics of his recently acquired two-place, side-by-side "T-Craft" powered by a Continental C85 engine turning a sturdy climb prop. The aircraft is fitted for floats—a capability that Paradise is keeping in mind for someday.

Training Products

'Flying IFR' available in softcover, e-book

Author Richard Collins' Flying IFR is a guide to real-world instrument flying, with details on the IFR system, equipment, and the risks and rewards of flying IFR. The fifth edition includes chapters on the relationship between systems such as autopilots and your flying; managing stress; and flight in and around ice and thunderstorms, and at night. It is available from ASA as a softcover for $19.95 or e-book, in either eBook ePub format for $14.95 or iBook format for $14.99.

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

Medical conditions that don't require special issuance, part 2

What kind of paperwork do you need to take to your aviation medical examiner if you have had a bone fracture, colonoscopy, pneumonia, osteoarthritis, or allergies? Find out from former FAA Aerospace Medical Certification manager Warren Silberman. Read more...  

Blogs

The multiengine height-velocity diagram

You will typically find a height-velocity diagram for multiengine helicopters in the flight manual. Unlike that of singles, the H-V diagram for the multiengine helicopter is designed to ensure a safe landing with one engine inoperative, and not from an autorotation. Read more...  

Wings and wheels

We fly for pleasure, business, recreation, and charitable purposes. Wouldn't it be nice if after the wings are done flying we had some wheels to get us to a nice restaurant for lunch, or to our hotel or a nearby scenic attraction? Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

Which squawk code should be used when an aircraft is in an emergency situation?

Answer

Section 6-2-2 of the Aeronautical Information Manual lists the emergency transponder code as 7700. Read more about emergencies in this Safety Advisor.

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

Career Opportunities

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for an outreach and events coordinator; aviation event and meeting planner; vice president for major and leadership gifts; Sitecore developer; director of studies, research, and analysis; administrative assistant, Air Safety Institute; Air Safety Institute intern; associate editor—Web/ePilot; online marketing manager; .Net applications developer; and account manager II. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.