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Top Stories
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Article
From the long-awaited rollout of new airplane designs to the unlikely discovery of a piece of history from D-Day in an aircraft "boneyard," AOPA in 2015 brought its members the stories of general aviation. Check out the top stories that captured pilots' interest in 2015. Read more...
 
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Technique and Safety
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IFR Fix
After experiencing an alternator failure in instrument conditions, the pilot and flight instructor could receive radio communications but not transmit; the transponder still worked. What should the pilot and CFI do? Read more...
Login required
The LOC/DME BC-B approach into Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport in Oregon is scenic and exhilarating. With rising terrain nearby, this approach procedure will keep your ride exciting from the initial approach fix all the way to touchdown. Can you use glideslope indications as an aid on this approach? Take the quiz...
Flash-based; login required
Once in a while, we take up passengers for an introductory flight, but rather than being in awe of the scenery below, they have a tight grip on the seat, eyes closed. Help nervous passengers overcome their anxieties by introducing basic and easy-to-comprehend aviation knowledge through the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Pinch Hitter online course. Share the course before going flying...
Safety Spotlight
While the cold weather season can be a wonderful time to fly, you also need to understand the hazards that chilly weather can unleash. How to prepare? Check out the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Icing and Cold Weather Ops Safety Spotlight.
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Advocacy
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Advocacy
Addressing the big issues that will affect the way we fly for decades to come requires a big commitment, and 2015 has been a year marked by steady progress on some of the biggest issues of all. Read more...
Advocacy
The FAA is seeking comments on two draft advisory circulars about aviation weather. The updates include new weather products and drop items considered obsolete or set to be discontinued. The new drafts would replace weather guidance dating to 1943; weather guidance was completely rewritten in 1975, and updated again in 2015. Read more...
Private pilots asked to participate in technology study
The FAA is seeking current private pilots of all ages to participate in a Weather Technology in the Cockpit simulation at the William B. Hughes FAA Technical Center in New Jersey. Participants would need to give only one day of their time between April and June and will be compensated for participating. Being within commuting distance of the technical center is a plus, but not essential, according to the FAA. For more information, email Hi-Tec Systems Program Manager Kim Mortensen or call 609/272-1515 weekdays before 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
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Health
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Pilot Protection Services
In the past several months, the FAA has added kidney stones as a condition AMEs can issue (CACI) a medical certificate for—without sending pilots through the special issuance medical process—and has changed some recommendations on another condition in the CACI program. Read more...
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Technology
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Article
Registering a small unmanned aircraft proved pretty easy when the FAA opened the online portal Dec. 21. Finding space on a DJI Phantom 3 for all the letters and numbers was slightly more difficult, but at least one of the million or so drones sold since the boom began is now marked, its operator educated. Read more...
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Gear
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Article
Appareo's new Stratus ESG ADS-B Out transponder is on track for April 2016 deliveries, and the company's new dealer network has reached 230. Read more...
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Travel
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Answers for Pilots
Ever dream about flying your aircraft to Europe? The airlines "fly the pond" routinely, but what about general aviation? GA aircraft can fly across the Atlantic Ocean with the right equipment and significant planning. Find out what the biggest challenges are, along with some tips for handling them. Read more about transatlantic operations...
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Financial
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Member benefit
After Malcolm Lawton's father died, Lawton found and purchased one of his father's former airplanes. When it was time to insure the aircraft, AOPA Insurance was his choice for many reasons. Read more...
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News and Notes
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Article
NASA is accepting applications through Feb. 18 for the next class of astronauts. Travel is required; possible destinations include the International Space Station and Mars. Meals and accommodations in outer space are provided, along with plenty of training before that; apply online. Read more...
Article
Mooney International has made the first flight of the M10T proof-of-concept three-person trainer. Certification is expected in the next few years. The aircraft is aimed at the international market and is powered by a diesel engine, the Continental CD-135. Read more...
Article
Epic Aircraft of Bend, Oregon, marked a milestone toward certification of its E1000 turboprop with a Dec. 19 flight. The company hopes to certify the factory-built version of the six-seat Epic LT kitplane in 2016. Read more...
Article
There are flying clubs and then there are flying clubs. For Congressional Flying Club's aviation aficionados, the social scene and the journey, rather than the destination, are paramount. Read more...
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Career Opportunities
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AOPA career opportunities
Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a marketing copywriter; Web project manager; AOPA Aviation Finance account executive, analyst I, and loan processor; High School Aviation Initiative senior director; e-learning designer; member services representative; Legal Services Plan attorney and administrative assistant; major gift officer; and insurance account executive.To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.
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Question of the Week
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Question
During your flight review, the instructor asks how familiar you are with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plans. You are surprised because your understanding was that an ICAO flight plan was for an international flight only, and you would not need to worry about it because you have no plans to fly outside the country. Why would your instructor ask this?
Answer
On Oct. 1, 2016, an ICAO flight plan will be used for both domestic and international flights. The change, originally scheduled for Oct. 1, 2015, was pushed back a year. For details on this decision and the comments that were submitted, see the Federal Register. To learn the differences between the domestic and ICAO flight plans, watch this short video from the AOPA Pilot Information Center. The instructor is bringing it up because this will be a major change in the information required when you file a flight plan. ICAO flight plan filing is supported in the latest release of the AOPA Flight Planner.
Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA. |
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Education and Seminars
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Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Jan 9-10 - Spokane, Washington; Charlotte, North Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; Santa Clara, California; and Ridgeland, Mississippi
Jan 16-17 - Portland, Oregon; Bellevue, Washington; and Elkridge, Maryland
Jan 23-24 - Rockford, Tennessee; Long Beach, California; and Ypsilanti, Michigan
Feb 6-7 - Las Vegas, Nevada; and Louisville, Kentucky
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the Air Safety Institute's Online eFIRC.
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Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars
Jan 11 - Reno, Nevada; and The Woodlands, Texas
Jan 12 - Sacramento, California; and Houston, Texas
Jan 13 - Milpitas, California; and San Antonio, Texas
Jan 14 - Santa Rosa, California; and Austin, Texas
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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Rusty Pilot Seminars
Jan 2 - Lakeland, Florida
Jan 9 - Stevensville, Maryland; and Lawrenceville, Georgia
Jan 16 - Lebanon, Tennessee
Jan 20 - Racine, Wisconsin
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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ePilot Editors:
Alyssa Miller
Jim Moore
David Tulis
Production Assistant:
Melissa Whitehouse
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Contributors:
Mike Collins
Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Alton K. Marsh
Warren Morningstar
Dan Namowitz
Jill W. Tallman
Elizabeth Tennyson
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker
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