SEPTEMBER 29, 2015

Technology has the potential to improve pilots' lives by making flying safer and easier, boosting power and performance, and improving efficiency. For the month of October, AOPA will highlight how technology affects our lives—from how pilots can make the most of tools available now to game-changing tech on the horizon. Look for a new theme each week online and in AOPA ePilot, and share your thoughts with AOPA on Facebook and Twitter.

Tektober 2015

Pilot magazine

To infinity and beyond

Amid several large, unadorned hangars in the desolate landscape of Mojave, California, are the headquarters of Virgin Galactic, The Spaceship Company, and Scaled Composites. Will Pomerantz, vice president of special projects for Virgin Galactic, takes you inside the facility housing the massive fuselages of the carrier and spaceship that promise the possibility of commercial human space flight. Read more...  

Pilot magazine

Amping up the light single

Are electrically powered airplanes amusing oddities or the trainers of the future? Pipistrel's Alpha Electro two-seat, light sport trainer burns no fuel, emits no pollutants, makes very little noise, and boasts low operating costs—but how well does it fly? AOPA Editor at Large Tom Horne put the composite aircraft to the test. Read more... 

Pilot magazine

Diesel rounds the bend

With their ability to burn widely available and lower-cost jet fuel, rugged durability, single-lever power control, and generally better fuel specifics, the allure of diesel engines for aviation is high. Still, progress and acceptance are slow, particularly in the United States where avgas flows freely at prices competitive with jet fuel. The predicted surge of new diesel engine installations has yet to materialize. However, that doesn't mean their progress isn't real. Read more...  

Video

Improving margins of safety

Innovations in technology and streamlined FAA installation requirements for angle of attack indicators in general aviation aircraft have made it easier to bring critical safety information to GA pilots that could help reduce the number of loss-of-control accidents. Watch this AOPA Air Safety Institute video brought to you by Aspen Avionics...  

Online resource

Technological leap: Ready for ADS-B Out?

Aircraft owners who fly in airspace where a transponder is required today are preparing for a technological leap—equipping their aircraft with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) by the FAA's Jan. 1, 2020, deadline. Will you be ready? Check out AOPA's ADS-B Out selector tool to find out what kind of equipment offers the best solutions for you based on your aircraft and where you fly. Find what works for you...