January 8, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 2

Flight Training News

Article

AOPA updates brand

As part of AOPA's ongoing efforts to build the pilot community, the association is updating its brand, including a new logo and tag line—"Your freedom to fly." The evolution in AOPA's logo and the design of its materials represent a renewed focus on the fun of flying and on connecting with current and future pilots of all ages and interests. Read more...  

Advocacy

FAA releases new flight review guidance

The FAA has issued updated guidance for flight instructors conducting flight reviews and instrument proficiency checks, and AOPA is urging instructors to look closely at the changes. Read more...  

Flight Training feature

What's this? 13 things to spot on your trainer

Lots of antennas and objects stick out all over your training aircraft, and some may be a mystery to you. Truth be told, they just may be a mystery to experienced pilots, too. Here are some that are basic, and one that you can use to test your instructor. Read more...  

Safety seminar

Up here, wishing you were down there?

The AOPA Air Safety Institute's new seminar, "Emergency! Getting it Right when Things Go Wrong," offers expert advice on how to keep abnormal situations from becoming emergencies. Share your thoughts with fellow pilots and knowledgeable instructors, and learn about best practices for off-airport landings during this in-person safety seminar. Check the schedule for a fly-in or unique aviation location near you...  

Video

'Weather Wise: Mistakes we make'

One of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's major roles is accident analysis—learning from real-world mistakes. In this fifth video in the popular Weather Wise series, AOPA Air Safety Institute statistician David Kenny talks about what types of weather are most dangerous for pilots and if the Internet, better forecasts, cockpit weather, etc. have lowered the accident rate. Watch the video...  

Korea approves Frasca training device

Korean Aerospace University's Frasca Cessna 172S flight training device is the first simulator to achieve South Korea's Dah approval, similar to the FAA's Level 6 designation, Frasca Marketing Manager Peggy Prichard said in a Jan. 4 news release. The flight training device has Garmin G1000 avionics, a G700 autopilot, a Frasca TruVision visual system, and a realistic Cessna cockpit layout. It was installed at the university's flight training center on Jeju Island and will be used for initial pilot training.

Plane Spotter

Certifiably different

Composite materials are at the leading edge of modern aircraft design, but can you name the first FAA-certified all-composite airplane, and the decade in which its design emerged? The correct answer is the Windecker Eagle, a single-engine airplane named for the late designer Leo Windecker. Its emergence began in 1961, culminating in certification in 1969. A 285-horsepower engine and "slippery" design gave it a cruise speed of 180 knots. A Windecker Eagle returned to the skies in December; it will be shipped to China as a demonstrator and be returned to production in that country.

Training Products and Resources

Opaque IFR glasses handy for training

A pair of lightweight, inexpensive view-limiting glasses can help primary and instrument students concentrate solely on the instruments for situational awareness and navigation, while blocking distractions and the view outside the cockpit. Opaque frosting prevents peeking and simulates IFR conditions. The glasses are handy for instrument work during flight reviews, too. Adjustable frames with UV-protected polycarbonate lenses and a soft carrying bag complete the package for less than $20.

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

What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) may have no symptoms, or very mild symptoms that include shortness of breath, fatigue, and palpitations in the chest; however, the condition also can have serious escalating symptoms. Read more...  

Blogs

Holidays and deadheads

Deadheading, the practice of having airline crews ride in the cabin with passengers to get to their next assigned flight or return home, is a costly hassle, writes Flight Training blogger and airline pilot Chip Wright. Deadheads, and their consequences, are exacerbated during the holidays. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

During your training for your private pilot certificate, you and your instructor flew twice in one day. After the first flight, you took a break for lunch and then came back to fly the same aircraft. Do you have to preflight the aircraft again since you were the last one to fly it only an hour earlier?

Answer

All pilots must become familiar with all available information concerning each flight, according to 14 CFR 91.103. Determining something didn't happen to the aircraft during your previous flight or while it was parked would be impossible without an additional preflight.

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 copywriter; Web project manager; AOPA Aviation Finance account executive, analyst I, and loan processor; High School Aviation Initiative senior director; member services representative; Legal Services Plan attorney; major gift officer; and insurance account executive. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.