January 13, 2017 - VOL 17, ISSUE 2

Flight Training News

Advocacy

AOPA details BasicMed rule

As news of the third class medical reform final rule was released Jan. 10, pilots started contacting AOPA's Pilot Information Center for more details pertaining to their specific flying situation. "Much of the general aviation community is ecstatic about BasicMed," AOPA President Mark Baker said of the new alternative to medical certification. "May 1 can't get here soon enough!" Many want to know how they can prepare in advance to take full advantage of the benefits of the rule May 1. AOPA has analyzed the rule and offers answers to the top 10 questions pilots are asking. Read more...  

Article

Combat training plateaus

Sometimes student pilots get frustrated with a training maneuver and hit a plateau that is difficult to overcome. Those who have become stuck in a rut and climbed out can relate to how that feels. Brenda Tibbs, the AOPA 2016 Flight Training Excellence Awards Best Flight Instructor and owner of Bravo Flight Training, shakes things up when she encounters students who have hit a plateau "to alleviate their frustration with the situation." Read more...  

Article

Piper to ship 50 new Archers to China

Piper Aircraft has received an order for 50 single-engine Archers that will be shipped to China and distributed to flight schools and general aviation companies to meet growing demand for pilot training. Read more...  

Allying for safety

The AOPA Air Safety Institute has launched a new industrywide initiative called the Safety Alliance. The initiative, which is the result of a collaboration between the institute and several general aviation companies and organizations, brings GA safety education resources together, and for the first time makes it easier for pilots to find a variety of content in one place. Read more...  

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Winter woes

As temperatures drop during the winter, be sure to get an updated weather briefing—including pireps—before launching in conditions that may be conducive to icing. The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Weather Wise: Precipitation and Icing online course provides a solid refresher about how to avoid taking Frosty for a ride. Take the course...

Scholarships

Article

GAMA accepting annual scholarship applications

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association is accepting applications for two student scholarships that recognize academic excellence and come with $2,000 awards. Read more...  

Plane Spotter

The Skyhawk's successor

Here and there a different-looking Cessna single is spottable among the Skyhawks and Cessna 150/152s that often dominate general aviation ramps. Slightly larger and heavier than a Cessna 172, the Cessna 177 Cardinal and its retractable-gear version, the 200-horsepower Cardinal RG, have "cantilever" wings (identifiable by the airplane's lack of wing struts) that provide great visibility. Constant-speed propellers drive most Cardinals, produced in the 1960s and 1970s as a replacement for the Skyhawk. Although they did not replace the Skyhawk, Cardinals remain a favorite, especially for instrument and complex training.

Training Products and Resources

YETI keeps beverages hot or cool

Pilots, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts rave about YETI's line of stainless steel double-wall insulated drinkware that keeps beverages hot or cold, depending on their contents. Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. now carries the entire line of Rambler drinkware, Tundra and Hopper coolers, Tank portable tubs, and other YETI accessories. The tumblers, bottles, and coolers are available online from Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co.; call 877/477-7823 for specifics.

Lightspeed offers free accessories with Tango headsets

Headset manufacturer Lightspeed Aviation announced a free promotion for wireless Tango active noise reduction headsets purchased before Jan. 31. Buyers receive two extra Tango rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and an accessory wall charger, a package the company values at over $100. The extra batteries will "double the flight time available" before pilots need to recharge the packs, and it makes them more convenient to use, according to Teresa De Mers, Lightspeed Aviation vice president of sales and marketing.

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

Online resource

Boost your aircraft-specific knowledge

Become a better plane spotter or learn about the performance of dozens of aircraft with AOPA's Aircraft Fact Sheets. From American Champion to Taylorcraft, AOPA details the performance, handling characteristics, and common missions for aircraft. The fact sheets are perfect for all levels of pilots, including students, prospective aircraft owners, and veteran plane spotters. Check out AOPA's Aircraft Fact Sheets...  

Final Exam

Question

Can a pilot volunteer to use his or her light sport aircraft (LSA) for activities with the police department if the police provide fuel?

Answer

No. According to 14 CFR 91.327(a), a special airworthiness certificated LSA can be operated for compensation or hire to tow a glider or unpowered ultralight or to conduct flight training. No other operations are listed. The FAA has long defined compensation to include reimbursement for fuel. If the pilot pays for everything, he or she will not be operating for compensation or hire. Keep in mind that many LSAs have a limitation prohibiting operation at night. An aircraft restricted to daytime operations may limit the value of the volunteer work. For more information, see AOPA's frequently asked questions about sport pilot and LSAs.

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 legal services plan attorney, accountant, graphic designer and digital asset manager, aviation event operations senior manager, flying clubs initiative director, travel and destination products director, insurance program administration manager, account executive, donor relations director, aviation technical specialist, aviation financial analyst, and production specialist. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.