August 18, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 19, ISSUE 33	August 18, 2017

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Top Stories

Advocacy

Get your ATC privatization checklist

Most pilots will never face a real in-flight emergency, but they still train for them. Today, the entire general aviation community is facing a new type of emergency: air traffic control privatization. AOPA has developed an emergency checklist for that. Read more >

Advocacy

ATC privatization would add almost $100 billion to deficit

The Congressional Budget Office now says the 21st Century AIRR Act (H.R. 2997), which would remove air traffic control from the FAA, would increase the deficit by almost $100 billion. The revised analysis increases the deficit impact by nearly $80 billion. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Inspiring kids at AOPA Fly-In; Flight honors WASP legacy

Bring kids to the AOPA Fly-In at Norman, Oklahoma, for some STEAM: special presentations and activities geared to inspire a love of learning science, technology, engineering, aviation, and math. Also this week, fly along with a Women Airforce Service Pilots veteran in a Vultee BT-13 Valiant restored to serve as a monument to the sacrifice of female pilots in World War II. As of publication deadline, AOPA Live® producers were still finalizing the show. It will be available Aug. 18. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

AOPA Fly-Ins

Online registration

Tour Textron, National Weather Center

Pilots flying to the AOPA Fly-In at Norman, Oklahoma, in September have a unique opportunity to tour the Textron Aviation facility in Independence, Kansas, on their way to the event. The tour, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 8, is open to 50 attendees. National Weather Center tours will run at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Sept. 8 for those staying close to Norman. Learn more and register today >

Technique and Safety

Safety seminar

Fly safely after sundown

Night flight offers smooth air, better engine performance, and stunning views—but also trickier landings, invisible terrain, and limited emergency options. The AOPA Air Safety Institute's new Fly by Night in-person seminar reviews flying after dark from a risk-management perspective. Find dates and locations near you >

Video

Small airplane, big difference

Tempting Fate, from the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Transitioning to Other Airplanes online course, explores why stepping down to a smaller aircraft can be more difficult than expected. A Cessna 172 pilot learned this lesson while flying a Cessna 162 Skycatcher without a checkout from a qualified flight instructor. Watch the video >

Online resource

What could go wrong?

Could you use help to make effective go/no-go decisions when the lines are blurry? Consult the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Do The Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots Safety Advisor, now optimized for mobile devices, for guidance before you get into a jam. View the safety advisor >

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Aircraft Maintenance: Understanding and maintaining flight control cables

Flight control cable failures are critical safety issues that can lead to accidents, so it's important to know how your flight control systems work, as well as how to inspect, maintain, and adjust them. A&P mechanic Jeff Simon offers some tips. Read more >

Pilot Protection Services

Are you required to call flight service for a briefing?

With the proliferation of electronic flight bags (EFBs), fewer pilots are calling flight service for a briefing. Are pilots required to call flight service to be compliant with 14 CFR 91.103? Find out what the FAA has decided. Read more >

Advocacy

Flight of the novelist

BasicMed, the FAA rule that gives eligible pilots an alternative to third class medical certification, has become the way for approximately 15,000 pilots so far to get back into or keep flying. Novelist Stephen Coonts is one of those returning pilots. Read more >

Advocacy

Medical reform: The lifeline for pilots Down Under

In a joint letter to Shane Carmody, CEO of Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority, AOPA and AOPA Australia requested that the agency undertake reforms similar to BasicMed to revitalize general aviation in that nation. Read more >

Advocacy

Pilots obtain NavWorx AMOCs

The FAA has approved several alternate methods of compliance for the airworthiness directive issued June 6 that affects certain NavWorx Inc. universal access transceivers (UATs). The UATs provide Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out and In on 978 MHz. By Jan. 11, 2018, owners of aircraft with the affected UATs must disable the unit; modify the software, which makes the unit noncompliant with the FAA's 2020 ADS-B Out mandate; or couple the UAT to an approved GPS position source. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA says online TFR map page errors fixed

A solution has been found for a problem that was causing the FAA's online temporary flight restriction (TFR) map page to display erroneous information about the location and status of TFRs, officials said. Read more >

Technology

Article

DJI to offer data privacy option

DJI announced Aug. 14 that it is working on an update of the software that controls its drones to increase user privacy protection. The software being updated also protects sensitive areas like airports from unauthorized drone intrusion. Read more >

Gear

'Engine Management 101' handbook available for free

Superior Air Parts announced Aug. 14 that its Engine Management 101 handbook released in July during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is now available as a free flip-book download. Superior Vice President of Product Support Bill Ross introduced the book to mark the company's fiftieth anniversary. Topics include alternative fuels, engine baffling, cylinder compression testing, ways to extend engine life, and more. For a free copy, email [email protected].

Travel

Slideshow

Explore south-central and southwestern Utah

Astounding geology, incredible beauty, and the Earth's history exposed: You'd have to go to Mars to see anything comparable. Americans are profoundly blessed to have these federal public lands in Utah, preserved and accessible to all. Read more >

Slideshow

Southeastern Utah boasts must-see National Parks

Some of the world's most amazing landscapes can be seen in these parks, along with human history, both ancient and recent. Visit southeastern Utah any time except summer, when everyone else does. Read more >

Slideshow

Visit northern California

Big trees, big views, big waterfalls, and a volcanic park with some of the same features you'll find at Yellowstone (but without the crowds) make up parts of northern California. Stargazing, birdwatching, hiking—do it all in these parks. Read more >

Slideshow

Intermountain West: Unrivaled beauty

Unrivaled beauty and abundant wildlife characterize the Intermountain West national parks. Read more >

Financial

Article

Funds sought to build hangar for 'Doc'

Doc's Friends Inc. is passing the hat to build a permanent home for Doc, the beloved B-29 Superfortress, in Wichita, Kansas. Read more >

Article

Pistons prop up airplane market

An uptick in piston airplane shipments (5.6 percent) drove a modest overall increase in world airplane sales despite flat or declining results in other segments. Overall, the first half of 2017 produced another period of "mixed" results, and General Aviation Manufacturers Association President and CEO Pete Bunce expressed hope that certification reform already accomplished, along with further action by Congress, will spur increases. Read more >

Article

jetAVIVA on a roll

On Aug. 1, jetAVIVA announced that it had acquired Jet Quest, a Cessna Citation sales firm based in Georgetown, Texas. This move makes jetAVIVA, which purchased Kansas Aircraft Corp. in 2016, one of the world's biggest firms specializing in used turbine sales. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Take someone flying during National Aviation Day celebration

There may not be a reminder about this when you check your Facebook feed the morning of Aug. 19, but be sure to wish Orville Wright a happy birthday when you get up and put on the coffee. Then take someone up for his or her first flight to celebrate. Read more >

Article

Pilots ready for solar eclipse

Pilots planning to view the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse as it tracks across the country from Oregon to South Carolina are in the final stages of preparation. For aviators without a plan—or an airplane—there is still hope. Read more >

Article

High storm winds slam Texas airport

Several aircraft and a hangar were destroyed and other damage was extensive at the Dalhart, Texas, Municipal Airport when a severe storm with winds up to an estimated 78 mph struck the area north of Amarillo on Aug. 13, according to local news reports. Read more >

Article

What it means to 'throw your hat in the ring'

Inspired by the history of the U.S. Army 94th Aero Squadron, also known as the Hat in the Ring Squadron, AOPA created the Hat in the Ring Society. As the 100th anniversary of the 94th Aero Squadron approaches Aug. 20, AOPA invites members to play a role in securing aviation's future. Read more >

Podcast

Hangar Talk: Phillips 66 Aerostars pilot Paul 'Rocket' Hornick

A lot goes into a precision aerobatic performance before anyone ever sees it. Find out how Phillips 66 Aerostars pilot Paul "Rocket" Hornick and his Yak-flying teammates perfected their signature "downward bomb blast" show opener and catch up on the latest aviation news with this week's Hangar Talk podcast. Listen to the podcast >

Article

Dealing with density altitude

Now that the dog days of summer have settled in, take some time to review the effects of density altitude on aircraft performance. Read more >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFI, Washington International Flight Academy

Washington International Flight Academy, a rapidly growing flight school located at Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is looking for an enthusiastic, professional FAA-certificated flight instructor who wants to build time and gain experience instructing. 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 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

What are the requirements for adding a multiengine rating to an existing commercial single-engine pilot certificate?

Answer

According to 14 CFR 61.63(c), you must have an endorsement for the practical test from your instructor, and you must pass the practical test. Because you are adding an aircraft rating rather than seeking a certificate, you do not have to meet the aeronautical experience requirements in 14 CFR 61.129, or take and pass another knowledge test. It is important to note that, while there is no minimum aeronautical experience requirement, it may take several hours of training before your instructor can sign you off as proficient.

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

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Aug 19-20	Allentown, Pennsylvania
Sep 9-10	Elkridge, Maryland; and Sacramento, California
Sep 16-17	Sandston, Virginia
Sep 23-24	Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Tempe, Arizona

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
Sep 11	Houston, Texas; Butler, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; and Jacksonville, Florida
Sep 12	Daytona Beach, Florida; Wichita, Kansas; Houston, Texas; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Washington
Sep 13	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; San Antonio, Texas; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; and Melbourne, Florida

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

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
Sep 8	Norman, Oklahoma
Sep 9	Millville, New Jersey; Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin; Boulder, Colorado; Blaine, Minnesota; Norman, Oklahoma; Nashville, Tennessee; Washington, Pennsylvania; Downers Grove, Illinois; and Cleburne, Texas

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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