August 25, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 19, ISSUE 34	August 25, 2017

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Top Stories

Slideshow

Total solar eclipse draws thousands of aviators

Aviation took center stage as a total solar eclipse swept over the United States Aug. 21, plunging parts of 14 states into daytime darkness for the first time in 99 years. Pilots observed the once-in-a-lifetime event from more than 240 general aviation airfields within the 70-mile band of totality. AOPA stationed staff across the country to bring the eclipse to you from unique angles that include a glider and an Eclipse 550. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Solar eclipse inspires awe; Safety trend steady

America raced to the middle (at least geographically) as the total solar eclipse crossed from Oregon to South Carolina Aug. 21, and general aviation proved to be the way to get to prime views. Also this week, the AOPA Air Safety Institute takes another deep dive into accident analysis. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Aug. 24 >

Article

Low accident rate maintained as GA activity grows

New general aviation safety data suggest that a key accident rate remained at historic lows even as activity increased, according to the AOPA Air Safety Institute's just-released 26th Joseph T. Nall Report. Read more >

AOPA Fly-Ins

Article

Texas STOL Roundup comes to Norman Fly-In

Watch as backcountry and national champion STOL pilots perform in the Texas STOL Roundup Flight Demonstration at the AOPA Fly-In at Norman, Oklahoma, Sept. 9. The competition, sponsored by Phillips 66 Aviation, will be sure to inspire you to practice short-field operations. Read more >

Video

Watch AOPA's Norman Fly-In procedures video

Expand your flying skills and deepen your aviation experience during the AOPA Fly-In at Norman, Oklahoma, Sept. 8 and 9. Before flying to the event at the University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport, watch the arrival procedures video for an eagle's-eye view of what to expect, and download the Pilot Information Packet for in-depth details. Watch the video >

Technique and Safety

See and avoid

When you approach a nontowered airport and don't hear other aircraft on the common traffic advisory frequency, can you safely conclude no one is flying in the traffic pattern? The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Collision Avoidance quiz offers insights and tips to help you develop effective collision-avoidance techniques. Take the quiz >

AOPA Premier Partner created content

Win this flight simulator

You have seconds to decide what a New York controller expects from you based on the clearance he just issued as you descend for one of the nation's most notorious airports. What will you do? Watch the video, learn some practical tips, and enter for a chance to win this highly capable, three-monitor flight simulator worth more than $2,000, plus "Getting Started With Flight Simulation," a video training program for pilots. Watch the video >

Pilot Protection Services

FAA re-examinations and pilot certificate deposits explained

The FAA seeks a pilot re-examination, often called a "709 ride," when it finds a reasonable basis to question a pilot's qualification to hold a certificate. If the pilot cannot promptly comply with an FAA re-examination (or if the pilot fails the first re-examination attempt), a certificate deposit might be an option. Read more >

Advocacy

Report: House working on FAA funding extension

According to an interview in the Washington-based publication CQ, Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Highways and Transit Subcommittee, said the House will need an extension of the FAA's funding instead of the controversial 21st Century AIRR Act (H.R. 2997), a bill that would remove air traffic control from the FAA. Without some sort of legislative action, the FAA will run out of spending authority Sept. 30. Read more >

Advocacy

Flight Standards Service reorganized

The FAA's Flight Standards Service has been reorganized, and now operates under a four-unit functional structure that replaces the former "geography-based regional structure." Read more >

Advocacy

Task force makes case to overhaul notam delivery

Knowing your notices to airmen can ensure the successful completion of a flight, or if ignored, potentially lead to a different outcome. Read more >

Article

Former Rep. Ehlers was a voice for general aviation

Former U.S. Rep. Vernon Ehlers, a nuclear physicist, pilot, and AOPA member who served nine terms in Congress and co-founded the House General Aviation Caucus, died Aug. 15 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was 83. Read more >

Technology

Article

Aviation Design Challenge registration opens

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association and Build A Plane observed National Aviation Day Aug. 19 by opening registration for the 2018 Aviation Design Challenge, an annual team competition promoting science, technology, engineering, and math skills through aviation among U.S. high school students. Read more >

Opinion

Blog

Flying, family, and fun at AirVenture seaplane base

AOPA Opinion Leaders blogger Jolie Lucas finds warm smiles, educational events, and a whole lot of fun on her first visit to the EAA Seaplane Base during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Read more >

Travel

Slideshow

West Coast beach airports: Gateways to relaxation

It's summer, and sometimes you just need to visit the beach. Explore, hit the waves, get a tan, or go beachcombing. Here are some West Coast airports near the beach—and one at which you can land on the beach. Read more >

Slideshow

Fly to Atlantic and Gulf Coast beach airports

From Maine to Florida, pilots have plenty of options when it comes to finding airports near beaches. Check out this list and plan your next beach adventure. Read more >

Financial

Article

Helicopter sales climb

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association noted improvement in the rotorcraft market for the first half of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, with deliveries and receipts both posting double-digit increases. Read more >

AOPA Aviation Finance

Lending differences: Fractional vs. co-ownership

Fractional ownership and co-ownership are frequently confused but have significant differences. Read more >

Video

Is an LLC right for you?

Learn the pros and cons of aircraft ownership in an LLC in this recorded AOPA livestream. Watch the video >

Article

Students, renters need insurance too

Students and renters often jump into the left seat of an aircraft expecting to be covered by the fixed-base operator's insurance policy in the event of an accident. That's not always the case. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

CAF announces leadership transition

Former Commemorative Air Force President Stephan C. Brown ended a 10-year run in his leadership post Aug. 17, when the organization announced his resignation, effective that day. Read more >

Article

Grand opening set for relocated Lone Star Flight Museum

The countdown is well underway for a long-planned grand opening of the Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Airport in Houston. Read more >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFI/CFII, Sky Safety

Sky Safety, an FAA Part 141 flight school, is seeking CFIs and CFIIs for immediate hire. These positions have an average billing of 100 to 140 hours per month, and the school's location in San Antonio allows for year-round training. Sky Safety instructors have the opportunity to progress in their careers while providing quality training among a goal-oriented team. 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 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, legal services plan attorney, and part-time administrative assistant. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Question of the Week

Question

You need a refresher regarding the rules and procedures in the Washington, D.C., Special Flight Rules Area before flying in that airspace. Where can you find this information?

Answer

The FAA's ALC-405: DC Special Flight Rules Area course explains the requirements for flying in that airspace. To review the regulations, see 14 CFR 93 subpart V. It is also important to note that completion of the course is required for VFR flight within 60 nautical miles of the DCA VOR (see 14 CFR 91.161).

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

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Sep 9-10	Elkridge, Maryland; and Sacramento, California
Sep 16-17	Sandston, Virginia
Sep 23-24	Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Tempe, Arizona
Oct 7-8	Indianapolis, Indiana

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 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
Sep 16	Lakeland, Florida; Gilford, New Hampshire; Chamblee, Georgia; San Diego, California; Burnet, Texas; and Pittsfield, Massachusetts

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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ePilot Editors:
Alyssa J. Cobb
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
David Tulis

Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Melissa Whitehouse

Contributors:
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Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Jill W. Tallman
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker

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