August 4, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 19, ISSUE 31	August 4, 2017

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Top Stories

Article

Blue Origin wows

What would you pay for an 11-minute experience that launches you into suborbital space for about four minutes of weightlessness followed by a landing under canopy about two miles from where you took off? The folks at Blue Origin hope your answer is "A lot!" Read more >

Article

Kitty Hawk electric ultralight debuts

The Kitty Hawk electric prototype ultralight demonstrated at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in July looks more like a flying king-size mattress than an aircraft. Regardless of its aesthetics, the vehicle was flown to the sound of great cheers from dozens of spectators at a time during multiple tests at the show. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

'Spirit' replica; Redbird upgrades instruction

New York's Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome has added another reason to visit: Check out the replica of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. Also this week, see what Redbird has done to bring artificial intelligence to flight training, and AOPA gets a first look at the Kitty Hawk, which is no ordinary ultralight. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Aug. 3 >

EAA AirVenture

Article

Unusual prototype lands at Oshkosh

One of the most unusual warbirds at EAA AirVenture took one of the most circuitous paths to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Keith and Kathy Brunquist of Wasilla, Alaska, brought the Boeing YL-15 Scout prototype. Read more >

Slideshow

AirVenture Blues

A record-setting EAA AirVenture crowd topped 600,000 for the week of July 24 through 30, and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels returned to wow them. View the slideshow >

Article

Light sport Eagle Viper SD4 costs less than $90,000

Eagle International Aircrafts introduced the light sport Eagle Viper SD4 to European pilots 10 years ago as a side product for its heavy machinery parent company. The $89,900 low-wing aircraft, now available in the United States, has since evolved into one of the "most attractive aircraft" in the sector, said general manager Adrian Lecky. Read more >

Article

Merlin aircraft making gains

Pilot Chip Erwin described progress on the Merlin aircraft designed to lower the cost of flying. The Merlin cruises at 110 mph with higher wing loading and a higher power-to-weight ratio than a typical light sport aircraft, and it costs $100,000 less than a traditional LSA. Read more >

Article

Vulcanair single expected to battle Cessna 172

Vulcanair introduced a four-place, high-wing, entry-level Cessna 172 lookalike to the U.S. market at EAA AirVenture, and boasted that the aircraft could do everything a Skyhawk could do—plus a little bit more—for about $100,000 less. Read more >

Article

Tecnam announces series of product updates

Tecnam announced several updates to new and existing models during EAA AirVenture. Read more >

Article

Super Cub Sweepstakes excites at AirVenture

Place a bright yellow-and-black Super Cub on amphibious floats opposite EAA AirVenture's iconic brown arch, and you have an attention grabber that draws thousands of pilots. Read more >

You Can Fly

AviationWorks4U provides road map to aviation career

Representatives from the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Air Line Pilots Association, and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association said their organizations are supporting AOPA's You Can Fly High School Initiative, which teaches high school students aviation concepts with a fun and interactive science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum. Read more >

Article

Amazon delivers drone integration pitch

One of more than a dozen drone models Amazon is developing to facilitate half-hour delivery by Prime Air made an appearance at EAA AirVenture in the company's first effort to win the support of general aviation one pilot at a time. Read more >

AOPA Fly-Ins

Online resource

Get hands-on training at Norman Fly-In workshops

Gain a better understanding of the weather and tour the National Weather Center; participate in a ground school to help you prepare for your next instrument proficiency check; learn how to make your airplane a centerpiece of your relationships; and get your hands dirty as you learn aircraft maintenance during all-day workshops on Friday, Sept. 8, at the Norman, Oklahoma, AOPA Fly-In. Seminars will continue during the fly-in on Saturday, Sept. 9. Learn more and register today >

Technique and Safety

PDF

Leverage lift, appreciate angle of attack

Aerobatic training can help with unusual attitude recovery but won't enable recovery from an inadvertent spin in the traffic pattern. The new AOPA Air Safety Institute Stall and Spin Accidents: Keep the Wings Flying study explores causes of, and misconceptions about, stalls and spins in general aviation aircraft. The report also recommends improvements in stall recognition training. Read the report >

Podcast

Gear trouble

Lee Lauderback, formerly the late Arnold Palmer's chief pilot, is owner and chief pilot of Stallion 51, a North American P-51 Mustang operation in Orlando, Florida. In this installment of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's There I was... podcast, Lauderback recalls a landing gear emergency in a TF-51 Mustang. Learn how he evaluated the situation and took action. Listen to the podcast >

Article

King Schools updates training course

The benefits of being a Cessna Pilot Center just got better. King Schools, which creates exclusive materials for the manufacturer-sponsored training network, announced at EAA AirVenture that it is rolling out a host of new student management and tracking features. Read more >

Article

AOPA members get King drone discount

King Schools is now offering its Part 107 remote pilot knowledge test prep course at a discount exclusively for AOPA members. Read more >

IFR Fix

'It was all too much'

There are many ways to learn the new avionics installed in your aircraft—but while flying might not be the best time to start. Read more >

Video

Engine emergency at night

"Cleveland Center, N613JM, do you copy? I'm declaring an emergency!" In the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Real Pilot Story: Engine Failure at Night, pilot Emanuel Kanal recounts how he, his passenger/wife, and air traffic control secured a positive outcome. Watch the video >

Advocacy

ATC privatization threat takes no holiday

Although the U.S. House of Representatives is on a five-week recess, the threat of a privatized air traffic control system has not faded. "Pilots must remain diligent in contacting their members of Congress to oppose the proposed bill," said AOPA President Mark Baker. Read more >

Advocacy

Inhofe credits GA pilots with delaying ATC privatization movement

Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.) credits general aviation pilots with slowing the momentum of air traffic control privatization in the House—but he said more must be done to protect the freedom to fly. Read more >

Advocacy

Huerta exits AirVenture

FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, making his final appearance at EAA AirVenture in that official capacity, reflected on his tenure in the post and offered some advice for aviators, and his successor, during public remarks July 27. Read more >

Advocacy

Flight restrictions set during presidential vacation

The FAA has set temporary flight restrictions from Aug. 4 to 21 in the Bedminster, New Jersey, area for President Donald Trump's vacation at his Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Read more >

Advocacy

Bad bushings prompt Lycoming mandatory service bulletin

AOPA has reached out to the FAA, engine manufacturer Lycoming, and owners of some Lycoming-powered aircraft to better understand the risk, explore methods of compliance, and consider costs associated with a mandatory service bulletin issued to identify connecting rods with non-conforming small end bushings. Read more >

Survey

Leidos seeks flight service feedback from pilots

Leidos Flight Service is seeking feedback from pilots on ways to improve its self-service briefing options. Specifically, the company wants to "understand pilot perspectives on self-service and what additional self-service capabilities would be valuable." The anonymous survey includes 26 questions and takes about five minutes to complete. Take the survey >

Advocacy

AOPA supports ATP applicant's exemption request

A U.S. Air Force pilot who was deployed overseas when stringent new rules for knowledge testing of airline transport pilot (ATP) applicants took effect in 2014 is seeking an exemption from the new requirement to take an FAA-approved ATP pilot certification training program before he can take the ATP knowledge exam. Read more >

Technology

Article

SureFly melds helicopter, drone for manned flight

Now that you're feeling comfortable with your drone piloting skills, perhaps it's time to step up to the next level—flying yourself in a "drone." It doesn't quite fold into George Jetson's briefcase, but the SureFly personal helicopter is of a similar concept. Read more >

Article

Perlan team soars to new height

An Airbus-sponsored team of volunteers striving to set a new glider altitude record while collecting data for science has logged another milestone over Argentina. The Airbus Perlan Mission II reports the Perlan 2 glider recently reached a peak altitude of 32,500 feet. Read more >

Article

Heavy-hauling drone reaches market

With an empty weight of 54 pounds, the quadcopter made by Indiana's VertiPod, a division of AirBuoyant (which also builds the Bede Aircraft BD-28), will require an exemption for almost any payload, but the payoff is a "pickup truck" that can fly on lithium-polymer battery power at 200 pounds. Read more >

Gear

Article

Turn an iPad into an MFD

Guardian Avionics recently unveiled a line of products designed to stream data from an airplane's navigational or engine management equipment to an iPad or iPhone. Read more >

Travel

Article

Total solar eclipse longest at Illinois airport

Sun gazers at Southern Illinois Airport in Carbondale will have an advantage over total solar eclipse viewers elsewhere when the moon slides in front of the sun for two minutes, 40 seconds. Read more >

Slideshow

Authentic Western town

Gallup, New Mexico, is an authentic Western town: Lots of people actually ride horses as transportation, not just a hobby. If you're looking to buy Western art, especially Native American jewelry, Gallup is where business gets done. Read more >

Slideshow

Fly to the national parks: Southern route

From tropical reefs and mangrove-lined waterways to giant trees and caves, and heroes of World War II—National Park units in the South celebrate diversity in multiple ways. Read more >

Financial

Article

Icon resumes A5 deliveries

Icon Aircraft, a year removed from layoffs, a production halt, and retooling a controversial purchase agreement, announced at EAA AirVenture that deliveries of the A5 light sport amphibian have resumed, with six customers receiving their aircraft in June and July. Read more >

Article

Vision Jet delivery slot auction nets $687,000 for charity

The decision by Sporty's Founder Hal Shevers to auction off his early delivery spot for a new Cirrus Vision Jet has generated more than $687,000 to be divided among charities selected by Sporty's and Cirrus Aircraft. Read more >

News and Notes

California Aeronautical University created content

CAU, airshow performer Vicky Benzing team up

California Aeronautical University and celebrated airshow performer Vicky Benzing are working together to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals. Appearing together at airshows and through social media, the duo is opening the eyes of young people to the possibility of starting careers as professional pilots, as aircraft mechanics, and in other aviation professions. Read more >

Survey

Flight Training Experience survey closes Aug. 14

Pilots who have taken any kind of flight training in the past 12 months have less than two weeks to share what the experience was like through the AOPA Flight Training Experience Survey. Results will be used to honor the best flight schools and instructors in five regions and name the top national winners in each of the two categories. Take the survey >

Pilot Protection Services

FAA compliance philosophy benefits pilots

The FAA's compliance philosophy is working as intended and has benefited pilots, according to AOPA Legal Services Plan attorney Chad Mayer. Many cases that might have previously resulted in an enforcement action such as a certificate action or a civil penalty are being resolved through a compliance action consisting of education, training, or counseling. Read more >

Livestream

Aircraft ownership livestream: Leasing to an FBO

Learn about the legal and tax implications of leasing an aircraft to a fixed-base operator or flight school, and find out how the arrangement can be advantageous for some owners but not for others. The free livestream, brought to you by AOPA Pilot Protection Services, will take place Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Register now >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Chief flight instructor, Cochise College

The Cochise College aviation program is well-respected and widely recognized throughout the industry. In more than 40 years of aviation training, it has placed graduates with major commercial airlines, government agencies, air freight services, and corporate aviation companies. This position is responsible for serving as the instructor of record for all flight training courses, ensuring compliance with federal aviation regulations in the training of students and supervision of flight instructors, serving as a faculty member, and performing instructional duties. Read the full description and apply today >

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a Flying Clubs Initiative manager, graphic designer, video producer, research and analysis director, operations clerk, copy editor, marketing project coordinator, legislative affairs vice president, airports and state advocacy vice president, flight training business support senior director, and legal services plan attorney. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Question of the Week

Question

A friend has asked you to fly second in command on his aircraft that requires two crewmembers. In addition to meeting all other requirements, must you have a high-altitude endorsement if this aircraft meets that definition?

Answer

No. According to 14 CFR 61.31(g), a high-altitude endorsement is required to act as pilot in command of a pressurized aircraft that is capable of operating above 25,000 feet msl. Because you will not be acting as PIC, no endorsement is required; however, it would be a good idea to review the knowledge areas covered.

Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Aug 5-6	Fort Worth, Texas; and Reno, Nevada
Aug 12-13	Atlanta, Georgia; and Costa Mesa, California
Aug 19-20	Allentown, Pennsylvania
Sep 9-10	Elkridge, Maryland; and Sacramento, California

For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the Air Safety Institute's Online eFIRC.

Safety Seminars

Sep 9

Norman, Oklahoma

Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Aug 5	Bethany, Oklahoma; Aransas Pass, Texas; and Dothan, Alabama
Aug 12	Atlanta, Georgia; Ronkonkoma, New York; Medford, New Jersey; Huntingburg, Indiana; Greeley, Colorado; Novato, California; Waterford, Michigan; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Bennington, Vermont; and Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
Aug 19	San Antonio, Texas; Marion, Iowa; Renton, Washington; and Plant City, Florida
Aug 26	Jacksonville, Florida; Albany, Oregon; Lawrenceville, Georgia; Muskegon, Michigan; and Allentown, Pennsylvania

AOPA Rusty Pilots Seminars are sponsored by Sporty's. For a complete schedule, visit the AOPA Hangar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to view these events.)

Aviation Calendar

Want something to do this weekend? Planning an aviation getaway? See AOPA's enhanced calendar of events. You can filter events, add an event, or search all events in the calendar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to search the events or to add an event.) Before you take off on an adventure, make sure you check our current aviation weather provided by Jeppesen.

For airport details, including FBO fuel prices, see AOPA Airports. AOPA does not endorse or assume responsibility for the events submitted and listed in the calendar.

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Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
David Tulis

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Tom Horne
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Ian J. Twombly
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