July 10, 2015 - VOL 15, ISSUE 28

Flight Training News

Article

Scholarship winner a new pilot

AOPA's 2014 Noe-Singer Flight Training Scholarship winner earned her private pilot certificate just two days before her eighteenth birthday and then shipped off to the Air Force Academy for basic cadet training. Read more...  

Fly like a fighter

'Unable'

Even in a T-38 jet trainer, sometimes the appropriate response to a clearance is "Unable," recalls retired U.S. Air Force pilot Larry Brown. Read more...  

'Safety Briefing' highlights flying 'four corners'

Earning a pilot certificate opens a fresh realm of possibilities and poses exciting challenges to the new pilot. The July/August issue of FAA Safety Briefing addresses "the many unique opportunities that GA flying enables in all four corners of our great nation" with articles on topics from healthcare tips for cross-country flying to the beauty and challenges of Alaska and Hawaii.

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Breaking down stalls and spins

Do you know the meaning of V_S0 and V_S1? Are you familiar with the acronym PARE? Go beyond the pilot's operating handbook to learn what happens when you exceed the critical angle of attack. Take this quiz for a spin...

Sky Combat Ace adds San Diego outpost

Dogfighters looking to take down a bandit over San Diego, take note: Sky Combat Ace, the Las Vegas-based extreme flight action experience, just announced its newest outpost at San Diego's Gillespie Field. Wannabe adventurers or aerobatic aficionados can choose one of the SCA flight packages previously profiled by AOPA that offer either extreme action experiences or just extremely cool sightseeing tours.

Scholarships

Article

Women in Aviation scholarship window opens

Women in Aviation International is offering 98 scholarships valued at more than $480,000, the organization announced July 1. There are opportunities for flight training, spin training, advanced certificates and ratings, type ratings, dispatcher training, maintenance, and more. Read more...  

Article

Tied to aviation history, building the future

From World War II pilots to astronauts and commercial airlines, Breitling has served the aviation community with reliable, efficient timepieces since the early days of flying. Now, the Swiss manufacturer is investing in the next generation of pilots with the Breitling Aviation Scholarship Fund. Read more...  

Training Resources

Video

When weather is in the way

Do you feel worried asking ATC for help when you've been given a clearance that puts you close to troublesome weather? Find out why you, as pilot in command, need to advise ATC when a deviation for weather is necessary. Learn more in this 'Ask ATC' installment...  

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

Article

Kansas State University expands unmanned aircraft programs

Kansas State University Salina will offer a new Bachelor of Science degree in engineering technology with an unmanned aircraft systems option, along with a new UAS minor with both a flight operations focus and a data acquisition and management focus. Read more...  

IndiGo set to go public

IndiGo Airlines, India's largest domestic air carrier, is poised to go public, according to a report in Forbes. The airline's holding company recently filed its draft prospectus with the market regulator, according to the report.

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

Plane Spotter

'The next step'

Whether in service providing executive transportation, performing medical evacuations, delivering personnel and equipment to offshore oil rigs, with airlines, or with governments, the Sikorsky S-76 has emerged as a legend of the medium-sized helicopter group since its introduction in 1977. Powered by two turbine engines that turn a four-bladed rotor, and seating from 12 to 13 occupants when typically configured, the aircraft has continued to evolve to provide spacious transport, reduced noise, low costs, and safety. A new iteration, the S-76D, marks "the next step in helicopter technology," promises Sikorsky.

Training Products

Pilot Training Solutions releases à la carte videos

FAA test preparation course developer Pilot Training Solutions now offers chapters of its apps as individual videos. Videos in the Private Pilot Written Test Prep YouTube channel range from $4.99 to $9.99 and include titles such as Weather Services and VFR Navigation. CEO Gian Luca ("Lucas") Noia said the videos may be purchased from any device and allow customers to focus on areas where they are weak rather than purchase the whole course.

Updated aviation mechanic PTS available

ASA has released a softcover version of the FAA's Aviation Mechanic Practical Test Standards, including the new Change 1, effective in September. The booklet details information to be covered in the oral and practical exams for an aviation maintenance technician certificate and includes General (8081-26A), Airframe (8081-27A), and Powerplant. The cost is $9.95.

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

Pilot Protection Services

Unmanned aircraft operating commercially in the NAS

With hundreds of unmanned aircraft operating within the National Airspace System and more on the way, aircraft owners and pilots can help maintain flight safety by becoming familiar with the conditions and limitations that Congress and the FAA have placed on unmanned aircraft system operations. Read more...  

Member benefits

Lifelong interest in airplanes leads to ownership

Adolfo Ortiz recently bought his first aircraft, a 1959 Piper Comanche. Though he hopes he'll never need to use the coverage, he selected AOPA Insurance for the aircraft because "I knew I would be treated well." Read more...  

AOPA Foundation focus

Calendar highlights stunning photos, benefits GA

Reserve your copy of the 2016 AOPA Foundation calendar by making a donation to support the future of general aviation. This 16-month calendar is filled with spectacular aviation images to remind you of the fun you've had, the places you've been, and the friends you've made along the way. It's AOPA's gift to you to recognize the personal impact you're having on GA's future through your generous support of the AOPA Foundation. Reserve your calendar...  

Blogs

What to do with your pilot certificate

Whether you are young and looking for a career, retired and looking for leisure activities, or somewhere in the middle, earning a pilot certificate can open up a world of possibilities for you. AOPA Central Southwest Regional Manager Yasmina Platt suggests activities for pilots and explains the minimum certificate needed for each. Read more...  

The Ercoupe: A must-try for a student pilot

AOPA Communications intern Matthew Orloff flew an Ercoupe, and wants you to know why you should fly one too. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

If you fail a portion of your private pilot certificate checkride, will you have to take the exam over in its entirety if you retake it within 60 days?

Answer

No. Federal aviation regulation 61.43 (f) explains that applicants are entitled to credit for areas of operation that they passed if they pass the remainder of the practical test within 60 days of a discontinuance and meet other requirements. However, the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards notes that "during the retest, and at the discretion of the examiner, any Task may be reevaluated, including those previously passed."

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 a director of regulatory affairs; Northwest Mountain regional manager; AOPA National Aviation Community Center aviation event planner; marketing project coordinator; account executive, AOPA corporate partnerships; videographer, Air Safety Institute; and aviation technical specialist. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.