August 26, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 35

Flight Training News

Slideshow

Bremerton Fly-In 'awesome'

A record number of aviation enthusiasts turned out for AOPA's second fly-in of 2016, filling Bremerton National Airport's ramps, runways, and parking lots with airplanes and automobiles for two days of sun-filled seminars, exhibits, and special events. The airport, its staff, and volunteers showcased the warm local hospitality and stellar Pacific Northwest beauty of Bremerton, Washington, across Puget Sound from Seattle. Read more...  

Article

Delta offers ATP training options

Delta Air Lines has rolled out a new airline transport pilot certification training program (ATP CTP) "to meet a need in the marketplace," according to a news release on the carrier's website. Read more...  

You Can Fly

High school, AeroVenture team to offer college credit

Students at Southbridge High School in Massachusetts can earn two college credits through Exploring the Fundamentals of Aviation Science at AeroVenture Institute at Southbridge Municipal Airport. High school students who enroll in the course will study aerodynamics, engineering and aircraft maintenance, aircraft systems and instruments, weather, communication, navigation, career opportunities, and more. They also will take an introductory flight. AeroVenture Institute is the 2015 AOPA Flight Training Excellence Awards Best Flight School.

Video

What's your fuel situation?

In the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Ask ATC: Minimum Fuel vs. Fuel Emergency, air traffic controllers explain that words matter when the fuel gauge points to empty. What should you say, and when should you say it? Watch the video for their advice...  

Scholarships

OBAP awards $125,000 in aviation scholarships

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals announced Aug. 19 that scholarships totaling $125,000 were awarded to 24 recipients, including Bernard Alexis, who received $28,000 to pursue an American Airlines 737 type rating. Funds also were awarded to assist career pilots with training for major air carrier roles and for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) training.

Plane Spotter

One for the books

When AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Tom Horne landed a TBM 900 single-engine turboprop at Maine’s Bangor International Airport on March 16, 2014, it was the first chance for local plane spotters—or any stateside spotters—to add Daher-Socata's new airplane to their spotting logs. And that's not a whimsical reference to a metaphorical manifest of observed aircraft. Because of its location and size, the former U.S. Air Force base serves many unusual aircraft, attracting plane spotters who can jot down sightings in a Plane Spotter's Log offered by the airport's aviation-buff-friendly management.

Training Products and Resources

FAA exam resources for drone pilots

Aviation Supplies & Academics aims to help drone pilots pass the FAA knowledge test by providing a way for them to become familiar with aeronautical and airspace regulations for commercial operations. A new suite of study materials includes test prep books, sample test questions, explanations, and references for additional study. Course materials are available in a variety of formats including softcover or e-book format for $19.95 or bundled with online prepware for $39.95.

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

Member benefit

Party with Red Bull, AOPA at Indy's Yard of Bricks

The high-speed, low-altitude thrill of the Red Bull Air Races is coming to Indianapolis Oct. 1 and 2, and spectators have the chance to expand the full-throttle experience with a party at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Yard of Bricks. Alternative rock band Edisun will perform live while attendees enjoy food and drinks. General admission to the party is $30, but AOPA members can get a $10 discount by purchasing tickets using promo code AOPA16. Learn more and purchase tickets to the race and party...  

AOPA Aviation Finance

Aircraft type affects interest rates

The type of aircraft you choose to finance impacts the interest rate due to the risk factors. AOPA Aviation Finance President Adam Meredith describes the different risk factors and how they may affect the loan. Read more...  

Pilot Protection Services

FAA's 'request' for medical records is more like a demand

The FAA has broad authority when it comes to medical certification matters. They have the authority to request medical records and information to aid them in determining a person's eligibility for medical certification under 14 CFR Part 67. Read more...  

Blogs

Don't be early—or late

Airlines make a huge deal about on-time performance for their arrivals and departures. Do you know which is more important and why? Flight Training blogger Chip Wright explains. Read more...  

Flying frost control

Hover Power blogger Maria Langer previously offered insight into the professional helicopter pilot duties of cherry drying. This week, she explains the ins and outs of flying frost control over citrus trees and crops in southern and central California and Florida. Read more...  

Instrument Tip

Flash-based; login required

A challenging instrument approach

Most ILS approaches are straightforward, but sometimes onboard equipment doesn't work as advertised. Take the AOPA Air Safety Institute's IFR Chart Challenge: ILS Approach course to see how well you do with the various scenarios. Practice your skills now...

Final Exam

Question

I've read what the Aeronautical Information Manual and the federal aviation regulations say about restricted airspace; however, I'm still in doubt as to whether I can fly under visual flight rules through restricted airspace that is inactive without a specific clearance. Can you help me?

Answer

Yes, you can fly VFR through restricted airspace without a clearance as long as the controlling or using agency has determined that the restricted area is not active and is "cold," as some pilots like to refer to it. Before flying through the airspace, you must contact the appropriate controlling or using agency to confirm the restricted area is inactive. Restricted airspace can contain some perilous surprises like aerial gunnery or guided missiles, so it is wise to know what is going on before penetrating the airspace. For more on special-use airspace, take the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Know Before You Go online course, and review the airspace flash cards.

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 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 flying clubs initiative senior manager, product marketing specialist, account executive, advertising-marketing coordinator, member services representative, Central Southwest regional manager, administrative coordinator, New York You Can Fly ambassador, aviation technical specialist, development specialist, government affairs federal and state vice president, communications director, donor relations director, and development communications director. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.