April 22, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 17

Flight Training News

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What will the weather do?

Accurately interpreting frontal movements and associated weather patterns to formulate a clear, big-picture view of the weather in advance of a flight can be difficult. The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Weather Wise: Air Masses and Fronts online course makes that process easier. Take the course...

Article

Summer camps showcase aviation

Parents with science, technology, engineering, and math-minded children can choose from a variety of STEM-based summer camp options for budding aviators. Read more...  

Article

Nominate a teacher for Crossfield Aerospace Education award

The National Aviation Hall of Fame is looking for outstanding aerospace educators for the thirtieth annual A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year Award. Read more...  

Scholarships

Three students awarded NATF scholarships

The National Air Transportation Foundation awarded academic and flight training scholarships to three college flight students pursuing aviation careers. The foundation announced April 13 that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Matthew Bettmeng, Westminster College's Brett Bentley, and Kansas State University's Johnathon Hagen received financial boosts to help propel their aviation pursuits.

Plane Spotter

An assembly of Avengers

Plane spotters in the vicinity of Peru, Illinois, were in for a treat on April 16 when a large number of the 16 World War II-era TBF/TBM Avenger torpedo bombers still flying made their appearance for a spring airshow. Unmistakable in sight and sound, Grumman's low-wing taildragger with folding wings, a 1,900-horsepower Wright R-2600 radial engine, and a crew of three carried a 2,000-pound torpedo or other ordnance. After their military days were done, some of the big bombers found civilian use as firefighting aircraft.

Training Products and Resources

Waterproof, wireless camera streams video

The waterproof and wireless Flightcam 360 can stream up to eight hours of high-quality in-flight video from its pod-mounted swiveling eyeball camera. Interchangeable lenses and additional accessories can improve creative control while documenting flights. The video camera is available online from Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for $337.

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

Cardiac conditions and the FAA's CACI program explained

After the initial publication of the first conditions AMEs can issue (CACIs) a couple of years ago, progress slowed on getting new conditions into the pipeline. However, the FAA is moving forward with the program to remove certain conditions, including some cardiac issues, from the special issuance category. Read more...  

Blogs

Upholding a higher standard

Pilots are fairly high-profile people and are often held to a higher standard than people in most other professions, according to Flight Training blogger Chip Wright. He cautions career pilots "not to engage in any act that brings disrepute, bad publicity, or embarrassment to the company." Read more...  

Instrument Tip

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Approach with a twist

It looks like a localizer approach, but an LDA approach has a twist at the end. Learn more when you tackle this unusual approach into Connecticut's Hartford-Brainard Airport. Do you have the skills to find the runway in instrument conditions? Take the AOPA Air Safety Institute's quiz...

Final Exam

Question

Can a sport-pilot-only flight instructor give a flight review in a light sport aircraft to an airline transport pilot?

Answer

Yes, a sport-pilot-only flight instructor can conduct a flight review for an ATP in a light sport aircraft, according to 14 CFR 61.415(d)(4). The flight review can be conducted in a light sport aircraft, according to 14 CFR 61.56, which allows a pilot to accomplish a flight review in any aircraft for which he or she is rated.

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

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a marketing specialist, communications director, pilot community development coordinator, Great Lakes "You Can Fly" ambassador, donor relations director, AOPA Foundation communications director, marketing copywriter, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.