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December 29, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot: Flight Training Edition'

AOPA
VOL 17, ISSUE 52 December 29, 2017
Training Tips
AOPA
Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce
Ready for 'the ride'
Whether you call it a flight test, a flight check, a checkride, a practical test, or the flight that finally grants you the privilege of being able to fly without that bossy instructor-person alongside, "the ride" is out there waiting for you, sooner or later. Read more >
Flight Training News
PDF download
Comprehensive college aviation directory available online
The 2018 Flight Training College Aviation Directory offers a wealth of information for those seeking an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in an aviation field. The directory of U.S. collegiate aviation programs is broken down by state and indicates which type of degree is offered, in which discipline(s). Read more >
Slideshow
Photographers' choice: Best pictures of 2017
AOPA's photographers bring the action and glamour of aviation to pilots through the association's magazines, online publications, and social media channels. They give their all to get the best photo, and have picked their favorites from 2017 for you to enjoy. Read more >
Article
Top 10 safety programs
From podcasts and quizzes to videos and courses, which AOPA Air Safety Institute safety programs released in 2017 made it to the top 10? Review the list >
Diamond DA42 simulator heads to Ontario
Alsim Flight Training Solutions announced the sale of an AL42 flight training device based on a Diamond Aircraft DA42 twin to Canadian flight school Journey Air. The Windsor International Airport-based training facility in Ontario is about 10 miles north of Detroit, and draws students in Canada and the United States.
Flamingo Air announces two initiatives
Flamingo Air has partnered with American Airlines subsidiary PSA Airlines as a training facility and a "first step" pathway for career pilots, according to a Dec. 18 news release. The deal includes hiring incentives and the promise of an opportunity to fly for American Airlines within six years. In other news, the Cincinnati-based training center announced Dec. 7 the addition of an accredited Aircraft Electrician Certificate program to train avionics technicians.
AOPA's ultimate aviation holiday wish list winner announced
AOPA member Anne Wright has won AOPA's ultimate aviation holiday wish list. More than 2,000 entries were submitted in the contest. Wright won a Garmin GDL 51 with SiriusXM subscription, a Bose A20 Aviation Headset, a BrightLine bag, a ForeFlight Scout ADS-B receiver, an X-naut with MGF mount, and an ACR ResQLink personal locator beacon.
Scholarships
Homer scholarship honors United Airlines Flight 93 hero
LeRoy W. Homer Jr. was piloting United Airlines Flight 93 Sept. 11, 2001, when hijackers burst into the cockpit in an attempt to aim the aircraft at the U.S. Capitol. The flight crew and passengers fought back, but the aircraft ultimately crashed into the Pennsylvania countryside. The application deadline for a scholarship named in Homer's honor is Jan. 31.
Training Products and Resources
Get a boost from Proflight cushions
Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co. offers several options for pilots seeking to improve their cockpit seating. Proflight's line of booster seats and flight cushions includes backless and full-seat versions in a variety of thicknesses. Cushions are available online from $24.95.
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Give your airplane some TLC
If you're not an authorized mechanic, what preventive maintenance can you perform on your aircraft? For example, are you allowed to replace the side window? The AOPA Air Safety Institute's "Preventive Maintenance" quiz can help you put some life back in your aircraft. Take the quiz >
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
Pilot Protection Services
Sales and use tax on aircraft purchases
Sales tax and use tax are effectively the same consumption tax, and aircraft owners should plan on paying one or the other when purchasing an aircraft. Read more >
Member benefit
Top insurance questions of 2017
Find out when it's important to purchase renter's insurance, how obtaining an instrument rating can help lower insurance rates, and what kind of insurance is recommended when borrowing an aircraft. Read more >
Blogs
Applying the news
With high-profile people losing their jobs after allegations of sexual harassment or sexual assault, airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright suggests airlines provide sexual assault/harassment training for employees. Read more >
Instrument Tip
Video
Emergency in IMC? Speak up
During an emergency in instrument meteorological conditions, an air traffic controller may be able to guide you to an airport or suitable landing spot. Learn more in this video, excerpted from the AOPA Air Safety Institute's IFR Insights: A Practical Approach online course. Watch the video >
Plane Spotter
AOPA
A quick study
Plane spotters who know their amateur-built aircraft history can tell you that 1987 was the year the Questair Venture debuted in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at the Experimental Aircraft Association's Fly-In Convention. Since then, pilots with a need for speed have savored the performance of the canopied, low-wing, two-place kitplane powered by a six-cylinder 280-horsepower Continental IO-550 engine that drives a 68-inch, two-blade, constant-speed propeller and cruises at 240 knots at 12,000 feet. In 2017, it was back at EAA AirVenture, as Questair LLC celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of the Venture's launch.
Final Exam
Question

My flight instructor, who also flies charter flights, once mentioned that regulations restrict him to eight hours of flying a day, or in a 24-hour period. Is there a similar requirement for student and private pilots?
Answer
No. Those regulations are intended to ensure that pilots who fly for a living get adequate rest and time off duty. When flying for fun, you must decide how much is enough for you.

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
Aviation job board
Job of the week: Aviation instructor/lecturer, Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University in Ohio is seeking a full-time aviation instructor, lecturer, or senior lecturer starting in August 2018. Primary duties include teaching and developing undergraduate courses in aviation safety, airline management and operations, and ground school, as well as serving as safety coordinator for the Flight Technology and Operations specialty. At least a master's degree in aviation or a related field is required. 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 medical certification specialist, writer/editorial long-term temp, insurance account executive, High School Aviation Initiative manager, High School Aviation Initiative coordinator, customer service representative, accounting clerk, administrative clerk, legislative affairs vice president, airports and state advocacy vice president, aviation program operations coordinator, and Salesforce developer. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >
Education & Seminars
Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Jan 6-7 Charlotte, North Carolina; and Santa Clara, California
Jan 13-14 Portland, Oregon; Costa Mesa, California; Alcoa, Tennessee; and Renton, Washington
Jan 20-21 Jackson, Mississippi; Frederick, Maryland; and Romulus, Michigan
Jan 27-28 San Antonio, Texas
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Online eFIRC.
Safety Seminars
Jan 10 Fairfax, Virginia
Jan 15 Reno, Nevada; and Houston, Texas
Jan 16 Sacramento, California; and Houston, Texas
Jan 17 Milpitas, California; and San Antonio, Texas
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
Rusty Pilots Seminars
Jan 13 Stevensville, Maryland
Jan 20 Bartow, Florida; and Fort Worth, Texas
Jan 26 Sebring, Florida
Jan 27 Waco, 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.
AOPA
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