July 31, 2015 - VOL 15, ISSUE 31

Flight Training News

Article

Delta State University orders DA42 sim

Delta State University in Mississippi has placed an order for a Level 6 Diamond DA42 flight training device from Frasca International, to be delivered in the spring of 2016. Read more...  

Video

Toilet paper, airshow legends, emergencies

Follow the One Week Ready to Solo students through their training in episodes three and four of AOPA's five-part series. In these installments, Harley-Davidson engineer Chris Graves learns a mischievous trick involving toilet paper that has a serious purpose in building confidence and aircraft control. Former Navy corpsman Nik Oekerman gets a lesson from an airshow legend, and General Motors global advertising executive Sherry Rosenkranz learns how to handle an engine out. Watch the episodes...  

Article

Teens find a place at AirVenture

Ten young aviators learning about aviation from the Lakeland AeroClub in Florida flew two Pipers and three Cessnas to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, from their home base at Central Florida Aerospace Academy on the grounds at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. Read more...  

Flash-based, login required

Special-use airspace matters

Can you fly through a prohibited area if air traffic control clears you to "proceed on course" or assigns a heading that would take you through the area? Test your knowledge on special-use airspace operations with this Air Safety Institute quiz...

Facebook chat

Get club resources at August 'Flight Training' chat

Flying clubs can be an affordable—and fun—way to get your aviation fix. Kelby Ferwerda, manager of AOPA's flying club initiative, will be the guest at the August Flight Training chat to talk about joining a club, starting your own, and much more. Join the discussion at 3 p.m. Eastern time on Aug. 4. 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.

Slideshow

AirVenture 'a tremendous week'

As the last of the airshow performers flew over Wittman Regional Airport, EAA Chairman Jack Pelton said EAA AirVenture 2015 was a smashing success with record attendance early in the week. Read more...  

Cessna sells trainers to China

Shandong Hairuo General Aviation Co. Ltd. in China has ordered six Cessna Skyhawk 172s, Cessna Aircraft announced at EAA AirVenture July 24. The Chinese general aviation operator had previously announced an order in April for two Skyhawks to be used for pilot training.

Scholarships

Article

Jimmie Allen Flying Club Scholarship celebrates flight

Sarah Wilson, the former corporate pilot turned open-cockpit barnstormer, initiated the $5,000 Jimmie Allen Flying Club Scholarship to encourage future pilots who also are looking for something different from their flying. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Aug. 9. Read more...  

Article

Wipaire offers scholarship, Caravan interiors

Wipaire now offers the Aurora interior for Cessna Caravans to include divans and cabinets. The company also announced a seaplane scholarship. Read more...  

Training Resources

Pre- and post-flight resources for students

A successful flight begins before you even start the engine. Access resources to help you conduct safe operations on the ground and prepare for a safe flight with Flight Training Online. A pre- and post-flight procedures resource page and other resource pages in the Students section of the website cover tasks you'll be expected to perform to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency to a designated pilot examiner.

Video

Extra eye in the sky

ATC's flight following service can be a huge benefit in helping pilots see and avoid. But when air traffic controllers are busy, pilots may hesitate to request it. Learn why you should not be afraid to key the mic in this installment of the Air Safety Institute's popular Ask ATC series. Watch the video...  

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

Fees bring airline revenue, passenger frustration

While high fees, more fees, and poor disclosure of fees frustrate some airline passengers, the practice of garnering additional revenue through these tactics has helped airlines become more profitable, according to a report in The New York Times. The article cites an analysis of 63 airlines by IdeaWorksCompany that found that the airlines studied earned $38.1 billion in revenue from nonticket sources in 2014.

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

Plane Spotter

Firefighter's friend

Few aircraft designs are more distinctive than a high-wing twin turboprop with engines mounted on elongated booms. Now add an elevated horizontal tail to the blueprint and you are probably in the presence of a North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco that has flown military missions or fought wildfires since its 1960s rollout. In California, where they know something about firefighting, the 10,500-pound OV-10A appears in Calfire's Firefighting Aircraft Recognition Guide as a command and control aircraft. The agency acquired 16 OV-10As in 1993, praising the aircraft's size, speed, and maneuverability.

Training Products

2016 FAR/AIM series available

Pilots, crewmembers, and maintenance technicians may now purchase the 2016 edition of relevant federal aviation regulations and the Aeronautical Information Manual through ASA. The collection of books, e-books, and apps includes indexes and clearly marks changes since the last release. The FAR/AIM includes full-color graphics and a suggested study list, the company said.

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

Understanding multiple sclerosis and the FAA requirements

A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis raises many questions for a pilot. If you have this condition, what does the FAA want and what treatments are acceptable? Read more...  

Blogs

Money in the tank

When was the last time you really made an effort to see how much fuel your airplane burns? Blogger Chip Wright explains some tactics that may reduce your fuel burn—and save you money. Read more...  

Talk of the town

EAA AirVenture gives attendees a chance to intersect and study a broad cross-section of the aviation industry. There are ultralights and sailplanes, balloons and blimps, military and commercial jets, and helicopters and fixed-wing general aviation aircraft. Opinion Leaders blogger Amy Laboda reflects on the 2015 show. Read more and share your thoughts on AirVenture...  

Final Exam

Question

While you are filing your flight plan with your instructor, you obtain a standard weather briefing. During the call, the briefer says, "VFR flight not recommended." Does this mean that instrument conditions prevail and that you cannot conduct the flight under visual flight rules?

Answer

No, this is a recommendation and is advisory in nature. The briefer is saying that flight in VFR would be doubtful. The final decision as to whether the flight can be conducted safely rests solely with the pilot. See Aeronautical Information Manual 7-1-4 (b)(2) for more information.

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 graphic design intern; director of media relations; 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.