Snowfall is typically measured easily with a ruler in Mid-Atlantic states, but not this time around. Yardsticks were required to tally the totals across Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia after snow fell by the foot Jan. 22 and 23, and many runways and taxiways remained closed days later. Read more...
A massive winter storm dumped nearly three feet of snow in the Mid-Atlantic and at AOPA's home in Frederick, Maryland, leaving pilots and airport crews digging out for days. Learn an easy way to find out if airports along your route are closed, and get winter flying tips from the AOPA Air Safety Institute. Rain, gusty wind, and cold temperatures at the end of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Florida didn't douse all the fun. A new drone area attracted many, including visitors who arrived with parents in tow. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Jan. 28...
The AOPA Air Safety Institute's 2016 "Learn & Earn Safety Challenge" offers you a chance to sharpen your skills and win access to seven proficiency training programs—valued at more than $1,500—from PilotWorkshops.com. Enter the challenge and read about the lucky 2015 fourth-quarter winner...
A relatively new private pilot took off from an airport near Cleveland at night with three passengers on board—putting the aircraft at or above maximum gross weight—with tragic consequences. Could more experience have helped save the flight? Learn more in this special report from the AOPA Air Safety Institute...
The AOPA Air Safety Institute's interactive accident maps reveal year-by-year patterns in takeoff, landing, fuel management, VFR-into-IMC, and stall/spin accidents. Click on any marker to see details—taking a moment to delve deeper into what happened may help you avoid the snags that have trapped others. Check out the maps...
Unchecked hazardous conditions and attitudes increase aviation risks, according to Hover Power blogger Matt Johnson. He offers tips to conquer those hazards. Read more...
The FAA has issued a flight advisory to make pilots aware of temporary flight restrictions that will be in effect Feb. 7 in connection with Super Bowl 50, when the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos face off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The FAA urges pilots to check frequently for changes to valid times and dimensions prior to operating in the affected areas. Read more...
PS Engineering has announced that it is offering multi-dimensional audio, dubbed IntelliAudio, in its new PMA8000BTi audio selector panel. Read more...
Norm Baker grew up during the Golden Age of Aviation and learned to fly in a Piper J-3 Cub. Now, the octogenarian flies his Cessna 172 around the country and, when able, gets to know children in order to learn how best to inspire them in aviation. Opinion Leaders blogger Jolie Lucas shares his story. Read more...
Cirrus Aircraft launched an Apple iOS-based interactive flight manual designed to give pilots everything they need at their fingertips to perform safe flight operations, the company announced Jan. 21. Read more...
With winter in full swing, many pilots' thoughts might be turning toward warmer climates. It's never too early to start planning a trip to the Bahamas. AOPA offers a video; podcast; and step-by-step tips to help you plan the trip, cross the U.S. border, work with customs, and fly around the islands. Learn more...
Before Carolina or Denver Super Bowl players land in the Levi's Stadium end zone for a touchdown, a trio of Cessnas from the Civil Air Patrol's California Wing will have assisted U.S. Air Force jets in testing their defense systems. Read more...
The FAA reports that nearly 300,000 hobbyists took advantage of the limited-time opportunity to register their drones at no cost. The rest of those flying outdoors for fun with a small unmanned aircraft (weighing 0.55 pounds to 55 pounds) have until Feb. 19 to register online. Read more...
Textron Aviation has created a call center for owners of Beechcraft, Citation, and Hawker brand jets and turboprops who need unscheduled maintenance. Dubbed 1Call, the new call center streamlines repair services, and operators can arrange alternative air transport if needed. Read more...
The U.S. Sport Aviation Expo had two good days, one rained out, and one that was nearly blown away. High winds on Jan. 23 kept most aircraft on the ground and kept the crowds sparse, though those visitors who braved the conditions found a few deals on new products, and hints of more to come. Read more...
Beyond the Powder, a documentary that meshes the history of women pilots during the 1929 Women's Air Derby with their modern counterparts, will be made available to public television stations nationwide beginning in June. Read more...
You want to accomplish an instrument proficiency check to regain your instrument currency. Can you complete the IPC with a CFII who is not instrument current?
Answer
A CFII who is not instrument current can conduct an IPC, although he or she may not feel comfortable doing so. There are some conditions that must be met, including the limitations listed in 14 CFR 61.57, which apply to every pilot who is not instrument current. The CFII can't act as pilot in command under instrument flight rules or in weather conditions less than those required for VFR. Because neither you nor the CFII can act as pilot in command in instrument conditions, this IPC would have to be accomplished under VFR in visual conditions.
Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.
Education and Seminars
Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Feb 6-7 - Las Vegas, Nevada; and Louisville, Kentucky
Feb 20-21 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Fort Worth, Texas; Fairfax, Virginia; Nashua, New Hampshire; and Sacramento, California
Feb 27-28 - Kenner, Louisiana; and Melbourne, Florida
Want something to do this weekend? Planning an aviation getaway? See AOPA's enhanced calendar of events. You can filter events by date range, airport ID, state, or region. Before you take off on an adventure, make sure you check our current aviation weather provided by Jeppesen.
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
