January 30, 2015 - VOL 15, ISSUE 5

Flight Training News

Article

Students soar

A California charter school has teamed up with a glider school to give students a potentially life-changing opportunity: They're learning science, math, and stick-and-rudder skills. On Jan. 26, a Glaser-Dirks DG-505 glider drew a crowd to the mall parking lot, with many curious onlookers watching as students took turns getting an up-close look at the aircraft they will soon fly themselves. Read more...  

Article

Sporty's offers refurbished 172s

Sporty's has struck a chord with flight schools and others looking for an affordable, like-new aircraft. The first 172LITE will be available for delivery in February. Read more...  

Advocacy

Outdated test questions removed

As part of a larger effort to improve the airman testing and certification process, the FAA has announced that on Feb. 9 it will remove outdated private pilot knowledge test questions about nondirectional beacons, radar summary charts, En Route Flight Advisory Service, medevac, and transcribed weather broadcasts, among others. Additionally, new draft airman certification standards are available for review. Read more...  

Advocacy

CFI checkride problems clarified

AOPA worked with the flight training industry and FAA to quickly resolve a problem that suddenly put many rating applications on hold. Read more...  

Video

No room for a mistake

When air traffic control instructs you to exit the runway at a specific taxiway, they expect you to comply. Learn from the Air Safety Institute's Runway Safety: Allentown, Pennsylvania animation why it's important to communicate properly with ATC and stay vigilant while moving on any airport surface area. Watch the video...  

Facebook chat

The ins and outs of instrument flying

Whether you are an instrument student, a rated pilot, or someone who wants to know more about the art of instrument flying, you'll want to be a part of the next live Flight Training Facebook chat. Join Flight Training editors Ian J. Twombly and Jill W. Tallman at 3 p.m. Eastern time on Feb. 3. The guest chatter will be Bruce Williams, flight instructor, writer, and aviation consultant. One chatter will receive a $50 Aircraft Spruce & Specialty gift card. Set an email reminder here. Flight Training Facebook chats are underwritten by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty.

Scholarships

Article

Upwind private pilot scholarship open to teens

The Upwind Summer Scholarship Program, which gives high school students a chance to earn their private pilot certificate in the summer between their junior and senior years, is accepting applications for its 2015 scholarship. Read more...  

Training Resources

Flash-based; login required

'Pilot report' appreciated

Are you ready to provide the pilot report (pirep) that flight service always asks for during a weather briefing? If you haven't provided one before or need to brush up on how to estimate and report actual conditions aloft, take the Air Safety Institute's SkySpotter: Pireps Made Easy online safety course. Don't hold back, take the course...

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

Domestic airline profits don't mean cheaper flights

Lower fuel prices and strong demand from U.S. passengers have led to strong profits for domestic airlines, according to the Chicago Tribune. Yet analysts say that doesn't necessarily mean customers will see cheaper flights; Moody's Investor Service said that the profits will be used for debt reduction, aircraft purchases, and shareholder returns.

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

Plane Spotter

The twin from Tecnam

There are aircraft manufacturers who build products for the light sport aircraft market, manufacturers who build aircraft to Part 23 certification standards—and those who do both. One such builder is Tecnam, of Italy, and Sebring, Florida, whose high-wing, four-place P2006T light twin is driven by two liquid-cooled, 100-horsepower Rotax 912S engines that can burn automotive fuel or avgas. Veteran plane spotters will note a similarity between the P2006T and the larger Italian-built Partenavia and Vulcanair aircraft. That's not a coincidence; the same designers took on the Tecnam.

Training Products

ASA launches maneuvers test prep video

Flight Maneuvers, the newest video in the Aviation Supplies & Academics Inc. (ASA) Virtual Test Prep series, demonstrates maneuvers in the practical test standards for private, sport, commercial, and instructor certification. Lessons define each task with an objective and demonstrate it, using high-definition air-to-air video, 3-D and animated graphics, special effects, and tips from the pilots and instructors. It is available online for $49.95.

Article

Rod Machado releases 'Aviation Learning Center' app

Aviation writer, humorist, and CFI Rod Machado has released a free app that serves as a clearinghouse for his instructional resources. Read more...  

AOPA Premier Partner sponsored content

Tips for better takeoffs, landings

Master CFI, designated pilot examiner, and accomplished glider pilot and instructor Wally Moran explains his techniques for normal, crosswind, and short- and soft-field takeoffs and landings in this Takeoffs and Landings Refresher manual. Pilots of any experience level will find the refresher information helpful. The manual can be downloaded as a PDF on any PC, laptop, or iPad. Get the free manual from AOPA Premier Partner PilotWorkshops...  

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

Article

AOPA offers flying club aircraft financing

AOPA is offering special aircraft financing for flying clubs as a way to help new flying clubs acquire quality aircraft while aiding existing clubs that want to expand their fleets. Read more...  

Members only

What's one of the top reasons for FAA enforcement actions?

Question 18(v) of the FAA's medical history and physical examination form, 8500-8, has caused airmen more aggravation than most other questions on the FAA medical history. An improper response results in the No. 1 enforcement action in the FAA legal realm. Read more...  

Blogs

The hardest parts of the job

Find out from an airline pilot what he considers the three main challenges of his job. Read more...  

Maximum performance takeoffs and judgment calls

While giving helicopter rides at an airport event, a pilot took off toward the taxiway for a maximum performance takeoff. Blogger Maria Langer discusses why that wasn't a good idea. "This is an 'advanced' maneuver not only because it requires more skill than a normal takeoff but because it has additional risks," she explains. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

Is a transponder required to operate in Class D airspace?

Answer

No. The only communication equipment required for operating in Class D airspace is a two-way radio. (Source: FAR 91.129.)

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

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: First officer, Enterprise Holdings

The Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Corporate Aviation department has an immediate opening for a first officer. The first officer (pilot) will report to the aviation operation director/chief pilot, as well as the captain of each flight. The ideal candidate is a self-starter and a team player that possesses a strong, service-oriented work ethic. Apply for this exciting career opportunity now.

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for a vice president for major and leadership gifts; Sitecore developer; director of studies, research, and analysis; administrative assistant, Air Safety Institute; Air Safety Institute intern; member services representative; graphic designer; associate editor—Web/ePilot; senior advertising sales/account executive; online marketing manager; .Net applications developer; and account manager II. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.