May 6, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 19

Flight Training News

Article

Santa Monica school to close

Santa Monica's largest flight school will close its doors for good in one week following an agreement with the city government, which had served an eviction notice. Read more...  

Article

Student creates own company

A Washington, D.C., student has created his own computerized refueling system to handle paperwork more efficiently, more safely, and less expensively, and FBOs are listening. Read more...  

Video

Beaufort fly-in procedures

Are you coming to the AOPA Fly-In at Michael J. Smith Field in Beaufort, North Carolina, May 20 and 21? If you intend to fly to the event, watch this fly-in procedures video to plan your arrival. The video provides an eagle's-eye view of what to expect, whether arriving from the north, west, or south. You also should download the pilot information packet for in-depth details. Watch the video and plan your flight...  

Find out if Redbird pilot helps 'save a life'

Learn why stethoscopes don't work in a medevac environment as Redbird's Brittney Miculka joins Case Western Reserve University's medical helicopter training class for the third installment of the 10-part Winging It video series. Read more...  

Article

ASA adds instrument online ground school

Instrument students now can turn to Aviation Supplies & Academics for an online ground school option. ASA announced May 2 the availability of its Instrument Pilot Online Ground School. Read more...  

Scholarships

Two aviation students going to France

Two mechanical engineering students are packing their bags for five-week summer internships at Daher's Tarbes, France, facility near the Pyrenees Mountains. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Kristin Sandager and Washington University's Dalton Nonweiler were awarded the 2016 EAA/Daher International Scholarships May 2.

Plane Spotter

Sonex B models

Airshows, fly-ins, and major aviation gatherings are plane-spotting paradise, as the manufacturers who unveil their new ideas there know. Sonex Aircraft (tagline: "The Sport Aircraft Reality Check!") previewed the B models of its compact, canopied Sonex and Waiex two-place kit aircraft with more cockpit room and panel space, more fuel capacity, and more engine options recently at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida. Either model might be spottable in conventional- or tricycle-gear configuration. But if the tail is Y-shaped, yes, call it a Waiex (pronounced WHY-ex).

Training Products and Resources

Safety Spotlight

Fuel facts

Tapping the fuel gauges in an attempt to summon the last drops of fuel to keep the engine alive is not the best way to conclude a flight. Don't let it come to that—check out the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Fuel Management Safety Spotlight for fuel planning and fuel management suggestions.

Flight Outfitters offers new iPad Mini, Air kneeboards

Flight Outfitters embraces the tablet age with new kneeboards for the iPad Mini and iPad Air. Innovative pilot-friendly features include a sturdy, rotating mounting bracket; a fold-down side pocket that converts to a rigid note-taking platform; and a heavy-duty elastic strap. The $59.95 iPad Mini Kneeboard and the $69.96 iPad Air Kneeboard are available from several online retailers.

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

Photo contest

Pilots showcase GA in photos

Pilots and aviation enthusiasts have submitted more than 400 photos showcasing general aviation in the AOPA Photo Contest sponsored by Faro Aviation. Entries will remain open until May 15 so you can submit your best image. AOPA will choose the top three submissions in each category (aircraft, places, and people), and you can vote between May 27 and June 6 to pick the winners. Learn more about the prizes and submit your photo...  

Pilot Protection Services

Accident or incident?

Did your aircraft's wingtip hit the fence while you were parking? Did you have a gear-up landing or prop strike? Did you knock over a taxiway light while taxiing, or brush your aircraft against another on the ground? Did a passenger fall and break an arm while exiting the airplane? Find out which of these events must be reported. Read more...  

Instrument Tip

IFR Fix

Crossing G airspace

It is the pilot in command's responsibility to know what kind of airspace the route will take them through. Direct routings enabled by GPS technology are becoming less the exception and more the rule. But does that capability come with a catch? Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

What is meant by "cleared for the option" at towered airports?

Answer

This is a common procedure used for pilots performing multiple landings or practicing instrument approaches. When air traffic control authorizes the "cleared for the option" procedure, the aircraft is permitted to make a touch‐and‐go, low approach, missed approach, stop‐and‐go, or full-stop landing. As a training aid, it enables an instructor or examiner to observe the reaction of a student or applicant under changing conditions. If you would like to utilize the flexibility this procedure provides, make your request before passing the final approach fix on an instrument approach or while downwind in the pattern. This procedure is used only at locations with an operational control tower and is subject to ATC approval. For answers to other questions involving ATC, check out the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Ask ATC video series.

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 AOPA Air Safety Institute and AOPA Foundation executive assistant, marketing specialist, communications director, pilot community development coordinator, Great Lakes "You Can Fly" ambassador, donor relations director, AOPA Foundation communications director, marketing copywriter, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.