Get extra lift from AOPA. Start your free membership trial today! Click here

June 16, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot: Flight Training Edition'

AOPA
VOL 17, ISSUE 24 June 16, 2017
Training Tips
AOPA
Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce
Patterns of confusion
You have been cleared to land on Runway 26R from a right traffic pattern and told to follow an aircraft on a three-mile final. You spot the other aircraft, then when the traffic has almost reached the runway you turn base to maintain safe separation. After you roll out on final, you realize you have actually spotted and followed an aircraft landing on parallel Runway 26L. How did this error occur? Read more >
Flight Training News
Advocacy
FAA explains revisions to slow flight, stall tasks
The FAA has issued a Safety Alert for Operators to explain the most recent changes to certification standards for the performance of slow flight and stall tasks in airplanes by private and commercial pilot applicants. Read more >
Article
Philly STEM students pursue aviation
Encouragement from aviation enthusiasts and hands-on mentorship in science, technology, engineering, and math concepts help propel Philadelphia high school students toward aviation careers they might not otherwise consider, explained Stratus Aviation Foundation leaders Dimitri Vassiliou and Michael Schultz. Read more >
Article
Lufthansa US training center selects Cirrus SR20
Lufthansa Aviation Training has selected Cirrus Aircraft's technologically advanced SR20 single-engine aircraft for its Goodyear, Arizona, airline pilot flight training program. Read more >
You Can Fly
Share your training experience with AOPA
Students and pilots who have undertaken any kind of flight training in the past 12 months are encouraged to complete AOPA's 2017 Flight Training Experience Survey. Read more >
Login required
Test your knowledge on the go
The AOPA Air Safety Institute is updating and converting its more than 70 quizzes to a mobile-friendly platform. For example, take the Flight Review quiz on your phone or tablet and answer this question: Does a pilot need a current flight review before an instrument rating checkride? Take the quiz >
AOPA Live
AOPA Live This Week
Remarkable Beech bonded father, son; Wings 'n Wheels
Michael "Rocket" Blackstone followed his father's footsteps into aviation to the point where the pair shared airline duty in the same cockpit. But a meticulously restored Twin Beech created an even more profound memory. Also this week, classic cars, motorcycles, and airplanes draw big crowds at AOPA headquarters, and get a first look at your AOPA Sweepstakes 172's new paint scheme. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, June 15 >
Training Products and Resources
Fight training wizard helps choose instruction
Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co.'s free flight training wizard assists students in choosing from a variety of courses and programs. Dialog boxes guide students pursuing private pilot, instrument, commercial, maintenance, airline transport pilot, helicopter, seaplane, and other avenues of study. The wizard then displays publications suited to the particular topic.
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
AOPA Aviation Finance
New financing options available for flying clubs
Flying clubs offer an affordable way for pilots to get back into aircraft ownership, and AOPA is working to make it even easier. Flying clubs will have the opportunity to finance up to 70 percent of the value of the aircraft with no personal guarantee at amounts as low as $25,000. Read more >
AOPA Aviation Finance
Tips to find the best appraisal for your aircraft
Three levels of appraisals offer options to help you find the value of your aircraft. AOPA Aviation Finance Co. President Adam Meredith explains a pricing digest valuation, a desktop appraisal, and a physical appraisal. Read more >
Pilot Protection Services
FAA catchall: Careless or reckless operation
Although there isn't a specific regulation that prohibits gear-up landings, the FAA can pursue action against a pilot through the catchall provision about careless or reckless operation. Read more >
Instrument Tip
Online resource
No VFR into IMC with plan B
Marginal, gradually deteriorating weather can lure VFR pilots into instrument conditions. The AOPA Air Safety Institute's new VFR into IMC safety syllabus tackles this dangerous situation and recommends escape procedures. Instructors are encouraged to use the new syllabus during flight reviews and aircraft checkouts. Download the syllabus >
Plane Spotter
AOPA
Still raising eyebrows
"Eyebrow" cockpit windows on a low-winged business jet with engines mounted to the rear fuselage are a strong sign that a plane spotter has sighted a North American Sabreliner. The aircraft line originated with both military and civilian missions in mind and proceeded through several developments from the late 1950s until production ended in 1982. The Sabreliner 60 was a 12-passenger airplane that followed the 11-passenger model 40. One such airplane continues its service as a jet pilot upset recovery trainer at California's Flight Research Inc.
Final Exam
Question

In most of the airspace in which I fly, there are distance-from-cloud requirements according to 14 CFR 91.155. But in busy Class B areas, there are none listed, except to remain "clear of clouds." Why?
Answer
In Class B airspace with its large radar coverage area, air traffic control provides separation for all aircraft through a mandatory communication requirement. The increase in radar coverage and mandatory participation by all aircraft allow reduction of cloud clearances to "clear of clouds" with three miles visibility.

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: Flight instructor, Charles City Aeronautics Inc.
Charles City Aeronautics is seeking a chief flight instructor and/or director of operations. Located at Central Iowa Air Services in Ames, Iowa, this individual will contact, meet, and interact with potential new clients; train clients in ground school and flight environments; and provide recurrent and proficiency training to current pilots in the community, among other duties. 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 copy editor, IT systems administrator, product marketing specialist, legislative affairs vice president, customer service representative, airports and state advocacy vice president, flight training business support senior director, project manager, UI/front-end developer, and legal services plan attorney. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >
Education & Seminars
Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Jun 24-25 Ashburn, Virginia; and Bloomington, Minnesota
Jul 15-16 Englewood, New Jersey; and Jacksonville, Florida
Jul 22-23 Memphis, Tennessee; and Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
Aug 5-6 Fort Worth, Texas; and Reno, Nevada
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 26-29 Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
Rusty Pilots Seminars
Jun 17 Spokane, Washington; Moraine, Ohio; Northampton, Massachusetts; Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Forty Fort, Pennsylvania; Princeton, New Jersey; and Portage, Michigan
Jun 24 Manhattan, Kansas; Bartow, Florida; Mankato, Minnesota; Ankeny, Iowa; and Lacon, Illinois
Jun 25 Hillsboro, Oregon
Jul 1 Fort Meade, Maryland; and Broomfield, Colorado
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
© 2017 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
421 Aviation Way Frederick, MD 21701
800/872-2672
301/695-2375 Fax
Facebook Twitter Instagram Google+
ePilot Flight Training Editors:
Alyssa Miller
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
David Tulis

Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Melissa Whitehouse
Contributors:
Mike Collins
Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Jill W. Tallman
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker
Advertise in ePilot:
Gary Brennan, 301/695-2052

Eastern and Central United States and International:
Jeff Rockwood, 301/695-2089

Western United States:
Tom Linton, 301/695-2055

AOPA Advertising website