September 18, 2015 - VOL 15, ISSUE 38

Flight Training News

Advocacy

Groups: Don't cap vets' training

Five general aviation organizations, including AOPA, are asking the Senate to protect flight training benefits for veterans. Read more...  

Video

Get the weather you need

Preflight weather planning is the foundation for some of our most critical decisions as pilots. But are we getting what we need? The Air Safety Institute's new video, Weather Wise: Gathering Information—the first in a series focused on practical weather flying—shares strategies to gather important weather information at the right time, using the system that fits your needs. Watch the video...  

Article

Need money for flight training? Just draw it

A former U.S. Army soldier building an aviation career is earning flight training money by drawing airplane portraits for owners. Read more...  

Bell academy adds full-flight sim

Training device manufacturer Frasca International has delivered a Bell 407GX full-flight simulator to Bell Helicopter's training academy in Fort Worth, Texas. The FAA Level B-approved simulator provides night-vision capability, a six-axis motion system, and convertible instrument panel configurations.

Article

Online soaring school takes off

Gliderbooks Academy-Online Soaring School has launched a series of courses designed to give prospective glider pilots the aeronautical information they need to take the knowledge test. Read more...  

Drone schools abound

With many commercial drone operators scrambling to hire pilots, unmanned aircraft education is also ramping up to train professional crews. A partial list of programs now available in the United States is available online; UAV Air announced its arrival in the United Kingdom Sept. 7, noting that the school was founded by airline pilots and veteran drone operators with movie set experience. Several operators who attended a recent drone conference in Las Vegas reported some degree of difficulty filling positions that require pilot certificates under terms of their FAA authorization.

Plane Spotter

New skids on the block

Plane spotters are an upward-looking bunch, and they also are a forward-looking bunch, especially in spotting the first example of a manufacturer's latest aircraft model to arrive on the local scene. The rarity of such events ensures that it will be a big deal when someone spots an Enstrom TH180 on the ramp. The TH180 is Menominee, Michigan-based Enstrom Helicopter's roomy new two-place, Lycoming piston-engine-powered training helicopter with a three-bladed main rotor. Enstrom hopes to obtain FAA certification for the new trainer this year.

Training Products and Resources

Dust off the rust

Whether it's been quite some time or only a short hiatus since your last flight, the Air Safety Institute's Rusty Pilots Safety Spotlight provides a convenient way to get you back into the left seat. Brush up on your mic technique, polish your aerodynamics knowledge, and delve deeper into today's airspace before your next flight. Learn more...  

Member Benefits

Member benefits

Consider these points when purchasing a turbine aircraft

Lenders have preferences based on make, model, and year of aircraft when it comes to providing financing for turbine aircraft. Check out these four tips to consider before you buy. Read more...  

Member benefits

Student pilot buys AOPA's renters insurance

After joining AOPA as a student, Amy Munizzi said Flight Training magazine and AOPA ePilot Flight Training Edition's weekly "Training Tip" provided her with the information she needed to progress in her training. She then turned to AOPA Insurance Services to buy renters insurance to make sure she was covered in her flight school's aircraft. Read more...  

Pilot Protection Services

7 tips to help you prevent heart disease

What can you do to prevent cardiovascular disease and stay in the left seat longer? Dr. Jonathan Sackier offers seven tips to lower your risk. Read more...  

Blogs

'The times they are a-changin''

First-year pay for regional airline pilots is "by no means a king's ransom, but it's a vast improvement over days gone by," writes Flight Training blogger Chip Wright, who has almost 20 years of airline flying experience. When he started in 1997, he made $14,605 his first calendar year. What do new regional airline pilots make today? Read more...  

Take a long-range view of your health

Flight Training blogger Chip Wright says young professional pilots should take a long-range view of their health when considering long-term and short-term disability to avoid a potential financial strain down the road. Read more...  

Instrument Tip

AOPA Premier Partner sponsored content

Master GPS approaches

In this video, Master CFII and Designated Pilot Examiner Wally Moran breaks down the different types of GPS approaches and shares some tips to help you fly them more smoothly, safely, and precisely. Watch the video, provided by AOPA Premier Partner PilotWorkshops...  

IFR Fix

Impaired and unaware

Two pilots who suffered hypoxia during high-altitude flight but survived to read about themselves in Aviation Safety Reporting System narratives had one thing in common. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

You and your instructor have been preparing for your private pilot knowledge test. You have taken some practice exams and think you can pass the test but would like to retake it immediately if you fail. Is this possible?

Answer

It is possible. However, before you can retake the exam, your instructor must determine that you have received the proper training to take the exam again and also must give you another endorsement. (Source: FAR 61.49.)

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

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Flight instructor, SkyWarrior Flight Training

Are you looking for an excellent time-building opportunity? Skywarrior Flight Training is an FAA-certified, Part 141 school located in Pensacola, Florida, just minutes from the beach and Naval Air Station Pensacola, home of the Blue Angels. The location provides VFR flying conditions nearly every day. Recently certificated flight instructors are welcome; however, all applicants will be reviewed. Instructors can expect to earn between 80 and 110 hours per month of flight time. Apply today...

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for a legal services plan specialist; payroll technician; database developer; aviation event planner; manager of aviation safety programs; ambassador—Texas; director of aviation security; graphic design intern; director of media relations; and director of regulatory affairs.To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.