July 21, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 19, ISSUE 29	July 21, 2017

Click here for this week's custom content.

Top Stories

Slideshow

Winners in Vegas

When Gary Walters entered the FBO at Henderson Executive Airport in Nevada, he thought he was meeting a potential real estate client. Instead, Walters found out he is the winner of the 2017 AOPA 172 Sweepstakes. "No way! Come on! You gotta be kidding me!" Walters exclaimed as AOPA President Mark Baker related the news. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Sweeps 172 gets new home; Family makes wind their business

AOPA's Sweepstakes 172 gets a new owner. Also this week, the fight against air traffic control privatization continues; meet the Nebraska family that produces windsocks; and a pair of British helicopter pilots stop by AOPA headquarters on their way around the world. As of publication deadline, AOPA Live This Week® producers were still finalizing the show. Watch the show July 21 >

EAA AirVenture Preview

Article

Super Legend Cub XP unveiled

American Legend Aircraft Co. has been steadily ratcheting up the power and performance of the classic Cub design, and now heads to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with a new model that boasts performance enhancements well suited for backcountry adventure. Read more >

Article

Van's Aircraft modernizes RV-12

Van's Aircraft is modernizing its RV-12 light sport aircraft with a fuel-injected Rotax 912 iS engine, electric flaperons, a new fuel tank, and beefed up landing gear attachments, the company announced. Read more >

Rally against ATC privatization

Make your voice heard against air traffic control privatization during an Anti-ATC Privatization Rally at EAA AirVenture. The heads of the leading general aviation associations will explain why this issue is such a threat to GA. The rally will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Central time on July 24 at the Theater in the Woods.

Article

Garmin debuts two autopilots

The long-languishing aftermarket digital autopilot segment got a big boost July 18 when Garmin announced not one, but two new autopilots, kicking off a slate of industry announcements for affordable autopilots. Garmin is targeting light general aviation aircraft with the GFC 500, and high-performance singles and light twins up through turbine aircraft with the GFC 600. Read more >

Article

Trio autopilot OK'd for certain Cessnas

The STC Group that has helped lead the way in bringing lower-cost equipment built for experimental aircraft into certified Part 23 aircraft secured the final nod from the FAA July 19 for the Trio Avionics Pro Pilot autopilot kit for Cessna 172, 175, and 182 aircraft. Read more >

Article

TruTrak autopilot STC'd for Skyhawks, Cardinals

TruTrak Flight Systems' Vizion autopilot system received supplemental type certificate approval July 19 for installation in Cessna 172s and 177s. Read more >

Article

Lower-cost ADS-B Out solution developed by Garmin

Garmin has announced the GDL 82 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast datalink, a small, lightweight Universal Access Transceiver with a built-in WAAS GPS receiver that integrates with the aircraft's existing transponder and transponder antenna—and costs less than $2,000. Read more >

Slideshow

Lake Erie escape

Eastern pilots: Looking for family fun on the way to or from EAA AirVenture? Sandusky, Ohio, on the southwest shores of Lake Erie, is best known for its amusement park, Cedar Point, which boasts the largest collection of roller coasters anywhere. The town features good restaurants, a quaint main street, B&Bs, museums, and wine tasting. Read more >

AOPA Fly-Ins

Article

Fun fly-outs, excursions highlight AOPA Fly-Ins

Fly out to the Bahamas; tour the Textron and Piper factories; visit the National Weather Service and MacDill Air Force Base; sail off the coast of Rhode Island; and learn about water survival. These exclusive fly-outs and tours are all part of the 2017 AOPA Regional Fly-Ins. Read more >

Technique and Safety

Video

'Fly the plane!'

Responding to a simulated engine-out during training is one thing. Responding to a real engine-out is another. The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Engine Out! From Trouble to Touchdown video reviews how to tackle an engine failure in a single-engine airplane. Learn what matters >

AOPA Premier Partner sponsored content

Could this help you fly better?

There's a function in many glass-cockpit airplanes that can help a pilot fly with the precision of an autopilot, yet few general aviation pilots bother to use it. This short video by AOPA Premier Partner PilotWorkshops explains how you can benefit from using it. Watch the video >

Flash-based; login required

Taking a trip with eAPIS

Do you plan to fly internationally to or from the United States via general aviation? Use the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Understanding eAPIS: A Pilot's Guide to Online Customs Reporting online course to refresh your knowledge on how to submit passenger and crew manifests using the electronic Advance Passenger Information System. Take the course >

Advocacy

Outcry increases against a private air traffic control monopoly

The House bill containing provisions that could remove air traffic control from the FAA's auspices and hand it over to an airline-controlled private monopoly may have lost some momentum, with an expected House vote delayed for now. But as opposition to the bill builds, it does so in the face of relentless efforts by powerful congressional leaders and the Trump administration. Read more >

Advocacy

Sully mobilizes pilots against ATC privatization

Former US Airways pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, made famous along with First Officer Jeffrey Skiles for their successful 2009 ditching of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River, is taking a very public stand against the legislative push for ATC privatization (H.R. 2997)—and he's asking pilots to join him. Read more >

Advocacy

Continental publishes revised camshaft gear bulletin

Continental Motors has published "far less onerous and costly" methods for owners of aircraft with Continental IO-520/550 and some IO-470 engines to deal with possibly faulty camshaft gear teeth compared to a controversial procedure the manufacturer put forward in a mandatory service bulletin published in March. Read more >

Advocacy

Pilots positive about switch to graphical weather data

The FAA's project to eliminate the text-heavy area forecast by October in favor of digital-age weather information is on schedule, and pilots like what they see of the new weather presentation, according to a June survey. Read more >

Advocacy

Focusing on drone safety

Members of the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team (including AOPA) are concerned that loss of control, injuries, and potential conflicts with manned aircraft remain too common for comfort, and are exploring ways to promote a safety culture and best practices appropriate and unique to the unmanned community. Read more >

Advocacy

AOPA backs unmanned system standards

AOPA has reviewed and supports a pair of draft technical standard orders that will apply to large, unmanned aircraft operating beyond visual line of sight in the National Airspace System. Read more >

Technology

Article

G5 adapter available for third-party autopilots

Garmin will offer an adapter that will enable its G5 electronic flight instrument to interface with several third-party autopilot systems, the company announced July 18. Read more >

Article

Garmin offers all-in-one receiver

As avionics makers compete to roll out more capability at a lower price, Garmin's GDL 52/51 portable receivers arrive to capture traffic, weather, and music, and feed data and entertainment to a range of displays and devices. Read more >

Opinion

Blog

Invitation for a different view

Find out what it takes to make airports in X-Plane flight simulator look realistic: Opinion Leaders blogger Jolie Lucas takes you behind the scenes as she documents Oceano Airport in California for the software developer. Read more >

Gear

Article

Inexpensive Scout brings weather, traffic into cockpit

ForeFlight, in partnership with uAvionix will begin selling a miniature, $199 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast receiver called the Scout that could dramatically increase the number of pilots flying with in-cockpit weather and traffic. Read more >

Article

Levil introduces ADS-B, instrument backup systems

Levil Aviation has introduced The Beacon, a "simpler, smarter" Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out system, and the Broadcasting Outer Module, a self-powered solution designed to help pilots overcome in-flight instrument malfunctions and related emergencies. Read more >

Travel

Article

Wyoming balloonists going up for solar eclipse

Aviation enthusiasts in the Mountain West who are up for a solar eclipse experience might consider viewing the Aug. 21 spectacle from Riverton, Wyoming. Balloonist Patricia Newlin is helping organize a weekend of hot air balloon rides above the scenic Wind River Range leading up to the once-in-a-lifetime event. Read more >

Answers for Pilots

Canada's beauty beckons

Have you had enough of summer's heat and humidity? Canada welcomes general aviation airplanes and offers some of most scenic landscapes in the world. Toronto, Ontario, has excellent restaurants, lodging, and cultural events. A couple of hours north is wooded, lake-studded Algonquin Provincial Park. Read more >

Financial

Article

Budget Buy: Piper Tri-Pacer

The PA–20 Piper Pacer made news in 1950 by adding a nosewheel to become the PA–22 Tri-Pacer. The Tri-Pacer's cost per hour is reasonable at an estimated $92 to $112 based on flying 100 hours annually. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Air Serv declares humanitarian mission a success

Humanitarian nonprofit organization Air Serv International announced the conclusion of its four-year program providing aviation services to help reduce chronic health issues in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Read more >

Article

Three journeys round

British helicopter pilots Peter Wilson and Matthew Gallagher stopped at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, in July as they entered the final quarter of a world-spanning flight in a Robinson R66. Read more >

Article

Sporty's founder awarded Scouting honor

Sporty's Pilot Shop founder Hal Shevers has quietly supported Cincinnati-area Boy Scouts of America for more than two decades. The Scouting community recently honored Shevers with the Silver Beaver Award for his "distinguished service to youth." Read more >

Pilot Protection Services

Support compatible land development near your airport

Proper land use around an airport can sustain both the local city and airport at the same time. Read more >

Career Opportunities

Aviation Job Board

Job of the Week: Sky Safety CFI

Sky Safety, an FAA Part 141 flight school in San Antonio, Texas, is seeking a CFI and CFII for immediate hire. This position offers instructors the opportunity to progress in their careers while providing quality training alongside 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 graphic designer, video producer, research and analysis director, operations clerk, copy editor, marketing project coordinator, legislative affairs vice president, customer service representative, 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

In preparation for a trip to Canada early next year, you are doing some cursory research on what is required. In years past you have purchased a customs decal at an airport of entry before you left; this procedure is no longer an option. Where can you find information about this decal?

Answer

You can purchase and find out details about the annual user fee decal on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. It may be a good idea to hold off on buying the decal until the year you plan to make the trip because the decal is valid only for the calendar year.

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

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Jul 22-23	Memphis, Tennessee; and Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
Aug 5-6	Fort Worth, Texas; and Reno, Nevada
Aug 12-13	Atlanta, Georgia; and Costa Mesa, California
Aug 19-20	Allentown, Pennsylvania

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

Jul 25-29

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Jul 22	Apopka, Florida
Jul 26	Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Jul 29	Snohomish, Washington
Aug 5	Bethany, Oklahoma; Aransas Pass, Texas;and Dothan, Alabama

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:
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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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Western United States:
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