November 18, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 47

Flight Training News

Article

New stabilized approach studied

On the heels of the NTSB's Nov. 14 release of its Most Wanted list of transportation safety improvements that included general aviation loss of control, the University of North Dakota, in partnership with the AOPA Air Safety Institute, announced that it is studying the use of a continuous turning approach or "circular pattern" as an alternative to the traditional rectangular traffic pattern. Read more...  

Video

'Three Seconds, Three Choices'

Is it ever a good idea to relinquish pilot-in-command authority? The AOPA Air Safety Institute doesn't recommend it, and neither does pilot Tom Berge after a frightful flight when the airplane he was following disappeared into the fog. Berge's Real Pilot Story holds many lessons about what it means to be PIC. Watch the video...  

Webinar

Beyond stick-and-rudder skills

Enjoying the freedom of flight is just as much about learning how to think as it is about learning how to fly. In "Mind Over Matter: Strengthening the Weakest Link," AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President George Perry discusses simple techniques that can increase pilot performance and reduce pilot error. Join the webinar Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. Eastern and explore time-tested ways pilots in the safest sectors of aviation are "trained to think" about safety to decrease decision-based human error. Register now...  

Flying Musicians opens internships

Juniors or seniors in college can apply for internships through the Flying Musicians Association. The music- and aviation-based nonprofit will provide students the opportunity to earn college credit while they "develop a personal network of contacts within the aviation and music industries." Positions include social media, website, and communications duties as well as technical and data-entry functions. Tennessee-based board member and Volunteer State College associate professor Leonard Assante said interns will gain practical experience, industry knowledge, and networking opportunities.

Scholarships

AOPA Foundation focus

Ceci Stratford Flight Training scholarships awarded

Two young women who are working toward their private pilot certificates have each been awarded a 2016 Ceci Stratford Flight Training Scholarship under the AOPA Foundation's Flight Training Scholarship program. Read more...  

Plane Spotter

When bathtubs flew

If a crowd is gathering at the terminal's picture window because someone said a C-3 has arrived, don't look past the rows of parked light airplanes for a large machine bristling with engines. It's that two-place single that resembles a not-so-gorgeous cross between an Aeronca Champ and, well, a bathtub that you should inspect. The 1930s-era 36-horsepower Aeronca C-3 gave rise to the numerous familiar Aeronca models. Note the lack of wing struts, the tiny landing gear, and the single control stick of this descendant of the single-place 1920s-vintage Aeronca C-2.

Training Products and Resources

Pilot magazine

Gear for the mission: GA pilot

From headsets to portable navigation equipment and video cameras to handheld radios, general aviation pilots love high-tech gadgets. Get gift ideas for pilots this holiday season from AOPA Pilot. Read more...  

Versatile winter flight jacket

The Alpha Injector X flight jacket combines classic military bomber jacket styling with modern touches that are equally at home in the cockpit or on the town. A removable faux fur collar, multiple interior and exterior pockets, and rugged construction propel the warm Injector X to new heights. The flight jacket is designed to military standards by a Tennessee firm and is available for $162 in a variety of colors from PilotMall.com.

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

AOPA Aviation Finance

Five reasons to get a pre-approval for an aircraft loan

When you receive a pre-approval for an aircraft loan, lenders will provide a specific dollar limit they are willing to lend you based on your unique financial situation. With most pre-approved loans, you can lock in the rates for a specific period. For example, AOPA Aviation Finance lenders can lock in your rates for 30 to 60 days. Read more...  

Pilot Protection Services

Wrenching decision: Pilot prep for preventive maintenance

If you are interested in hands-on maintenance, be sure to become familiar with 14 CFR Part 43 because you will be held to the same standard as a certificated mechanic when performing preventive maintenance. Read more...  

Blogs

Tailwind trouble

Pilots are always hoping for tailwinds on cross-country flights, "but they are very bad in three places: takeoff, landing, and base leg," cautions AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Safety Advisor Bruce Landsberg. Learn more about the effects of tailwinds in the traffic pattern and low to the ground. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

I would love to fly over the Grand Canyon after earning my private pilot certificate. Where can I find out about the restrictions for flying in the area?

Answer

Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 50-2 is the controlling document for operations in this area. The FAA also issued a Grand Canyon VFR chart. Unfortunately, the chart, which was last updated in 2001, may be in conflict with the special flight rules area (see the National Park Service chart showing the covered area). If you are planning to fly into this area, you should use the rule to decide your authorized routings. AOPA is working to rectify this discrepancy.

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 government affairs federal and state vice president, Central Southwest regional manager, Great Lakes regional manager, account executive, annual giving manager, donor relations director, high school aviation initiative manager, New York You Can Fly ambassador, aviation technical specialist, UI/front-end developer, and marketing specialist. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.