June 10, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 24

Flight Training News

Article

AOPA scholarships top $156,000

AOPA is offering more than 40 scholarships this year worth more than $156,000 through three different programs: the AOPA AV8RS teen membership, the AOPA You Can Fly High School Flight Training Scholarship, and the AOPA Foundation Scholarship. Read more...  

Article

EAA to host Sport Pilot Academy

The Experimental Aircraft Association plans to train a small number of pilots to "fly the Oshkosh way" at its first EAA Sport Pilot Academy. Read more...  

Frasca flight sim to help Georgia Tech study

Georgia Tech researchers in Atlanta will use a Frasca flight simulator configured as a glass-panel Cessna 172 to study decision processes, Frasca announced May 23. The psychology department will deploy a Mentor simulator equipped with a Garmin G1000 system to "investigate decision support applications designed to aid pilot understanding and use of next generation display technologies."

Video

Learning a new attitude

What does attitude have to do with flying? Redbird pilot Brittney Miculka joins airshow veteran and AOPA Ambassador Michael Goulian for a spin as she learns "it's the wing that stalls and it's the wing that flies" during the fifth installment of the 10-part Winging It video series. Watch the video...  

Plane Spotter

An Extra early effort

Not every aircraft design thrives on its own merits, even if its emergence brings forth a successor that does. Before single-engine turboprops filled airport ramps (and the skies) as the common sights they are today, a piston-powered airplane from Germany, the Extra 400, was produced during the 1990s with a goal of providing speed and performance for six occupants using composite-materials construction and a 350-horsepower liquid-cooled engine. The Extra 400 was recognizable by its pressurized-cabin single, high wing, and T-tail. A longer-nosed, turboprop-equipped descendant is the Extra 500.

Training Products and Resources

Safety Spotlight

Don't test the tempest

The convective season is here in most parts of the United States, with the potential hazard of strong—even violent—thunderstorms lurking on the horizon. So now is a good time to brush up on how to avoid these convective beasts. Learn how to stay safe with the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Thunderstorm Avoidance Safety Spotlight.  

Pilot Pocket Plus holds smartphones

Pilot Pocket has been updated to accommodate today's digital environment. The transparent acrylic Pilot Pocket Plus from Sporty's Pilot Shop affixes with suction cups to a cockpit window and can keep writing tools, sunglasses, and small electronic devices easily at hand. The Pilot Pocket Plus is available online for $23.95.

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

Get inspired to travel

Join a flying club, take on a new type of flying, visit new destinations, attend aviation events, take your family on a vacation—these are just some of the ways you can put your private pilot certificate to use. Read more...  

Pilot Protection Services

AOPA offers guidance on private pilots conducting charity flights

Thinking about giving rides to support a charity raffle? AOPA Pilot Protection Services attorney Jared Allen explains the federal aviation regulations governing the way private pilots can conduct flights offered by a charitable organization in exchange for donations. Read more...  

Blogs

Speak up early and often

AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Safety Advisor Bruce Landsberg offers tips on how to communicate effectively with air traffic control. Read more...  

Instrument Tip

Video

Escape IMC with ATC

You know to stay out of instrument meteorological conditions unless you are instrument rated and current (or are training with your instrument instructor). But, if by mistake you get caught in the clouds, get help immediately. Talk to air traffic control and admit to the emergency. Learn how controllers can help you escape this perilous situation. Watch the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Confess to ATC video...  

Final Exam

Question

What time can I begin logging night time for the purposes of meeting the requirements for getting a private pilot certificate?

Answer

Under 14 CFR 1.1, "night" is defined as "the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the American Air Almanac, converted to local time." You can use this calculator to help determine when civil twilight is, based on the date and your location. For more information on night regulations, 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 a fundraising specialist, administration executive assistant, government affairs federal and state vice president, Aviation Insurance Services director, member services representative, financial analyst, Great Lakes regional manager, medical certification specialist, marketing specialist, communications director, Great Lakes "You Can Fly" ambassador, donor relations director, AOPA Foundation communications director, and marketing copywriter. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.