December 30, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 53

Flight Training News

You Can Fly

One pilot at a time

You Can Fly is different from other efforts to reverse the decline of the pilot population because it is a collection of targeted programs, each aimed at a different stage of the pilot lifecycle. The program, launched in January 2015, is off to a strong start, helping create 30 new flying clubs, getting more than 2,000 rusty pilots flying again, giving $105,000 in high school flight training scholarships, and more. Learn about the program, its successes, and plans for the next five years. Read more...  

Article

Future pilots invited to free monthly forums

With the demand for career pilots continuing to soar, Future & Active Pilot Advisors is increasing its presence in the aviation community by offering 12 free in-person or virtual seminars aimed at building the pilot pipeline. Future Pilot Forums begin in Miami Jan. 7, and continue monthly at U.S. sites ranging from Georgia to Hawaii. The company previously offered four seminars per year. Read more...  

Article

Five Instagrammers to follow

Pilots visit places that others rarely see, and several are sharing their unique view of the world on Instagram. With an eye on "inspiring others to go fly," AOPA Social Media Manager John Munn recommends following five Instagrammers whose posts are sure to please any aviation geek. Read more...  

Article

Kick off your license to learn

You've heard the adage that "a pilot certificate is a license to learn." So you've vowed to stay current and proficient, but how do you satisfy that pledge? The AOPA Air Safety Institute picked its top 10 safety programs from 2016 to give you a great start. Read more...  

Slideshow

Best photos of 2016

AOPA photographers delighted members in 2016 with stunning photography that invited pilots to explore general aviation and the community that drives it. Join these professionals on a behind-the-scenes visual journey to learn more about their top photo picks and to help celebrate aviation's special moments. Read more...  

Podcast

Hangar Talk: James Clark

Hear how Van's Aircraft RV builder and South Carolina State University President James Clark planned for—and then led—a formation flyover of Clemson stadium for his team's football game. Listen to the podcast...  

Scholarships

AOPA Foundation focus

AOPA Foundation funds $196K in scholarships in 2016

Forty-two aviation enthusiasts are on their way to earning their pilot certificates thanks to generous donations to the AOPA Foundation in 2016. Two more will be able to attend aviation summer camps, and another will receive financial assistance to pursue a flight science degree in college. The foundation provided $196,000 in scholarships to people ranging from high school teenagers to adults. Read more...  

Plane Spotter

The last L-bird

A 65-horsepower, tandem two-seat airplane built during World War II can stake some unusual claims to aviation history. The 1,650-pound-gross-weight Interstate Cadet, manufactured in El Segundo, California, was the last (and least produced) of the aircraft known as L-birds for their military role as liaison aircraft. One Interstate Cadet found its way into the history books as the trainer civilian flight instructor Cornelia Fort and her student were flying when Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941—one of several civilian airplanes caught up in the surprise attack.

Training Products and Resources

Solar USB battery powers all

Pilots in the digital age rely on tablets and other electronic devices for cockpit awareness, but what happens when the power runs out? NFlightCam's Solar USB Battery provides backup power that can charge an iPhone 6 about six times, or provide one complete charge to an iPad Air or similar tablet. The device comes with a built-in flashlight. A carabiner clip can keep the rugged water- and shock-resistant solar-powered battery conveniently attached to a flight bag. The Solar USB Battery is available online for $49.99.

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

LLCs offer limited protection

Many pilots think that owning an airplane in an LLC provides absolute protection against all manner of liability. It does not. Read more...  

Member benefit

Answers to your top insurance questions

Is there a pilot age limit for getting a new insurance policy? What do you need to know about insurance when flying to Canada or Mexico? When should student pilots purchase renter's insurance? AOPA Insurance Services Vice President and Director of Operations Jim Pinegar answers these questions in the December installment of "Ask Jim." Read more...  

Blogs

Hurry up and slow down

When flying as part of a crew that has normal setup procedures, follow those procedures, even if one of the crew members is running late. According to airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright, one of the worst things that can happen in the running-late scenario is for one pilot to get involved in a part of the routine that is normally the other pilot's responsibility. Read more...  

Instrument Tip

Video

Is airframe icing in the air?

Unless you're a seasoned meteorologist, weather and its effect on your flight is one of the more difficult elements to grasp. AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Tom Horne explores ice-producing weather in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Flying the Weather: Airframe Icing. Learn what to look for and how airframe ice affects the aircraft's handling and that all-important facet of flying—lift. Watch the video...  

Final Exam

Question

What changes will third class medical reform mean for my sport pilot certificate?

Answer

Sport pilot privileges remain the same. See 14 CFR 61.315 to learn about the privileges and limitations of the sport pilot certificate. For more information about the sport pilot certificate and light sport aircraft rule, call 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672). Private pilot certificate holders who have been flying light sport aircraft to avoid the medical requirement will be able to resume flying covered aircraft when the new FAA regulations are issued, estimated to be in January 2017. For more information, read this AOPA Online article.

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 an aviation event operations senior manager, flying clubs initiative director, travel and destination products director, program administration manager, account executive, donor relations director, New York You Can Fly ambassador, aviation technical specialist, aviation financial analyst, and part-time administrative assistant. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.