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Top Stories
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Article
The greatest showman-pilot of his generation was rendered speechless for several seconds when the bronze visage of his late friend and mentor, R.A. "Bob" Hoover, was placed in his hands. When the words returned, Sean D. Tucker spoke of a conversation with Hoover decades before that reminded him of the responsibility carried by those whose mission includes inspiring aviation's next generation. Read more...
 
AOPA Live This Week
German designer and aerobatic pilot Philipp Steinbach (once an employee of aircraft designer Walter Extra) set up shop in Arkansas to bring his latest creation to life: a fun-flying aerobat that claims to have a practical side. Also this week, astronaut John Glenn's Beechcraft Baron is painted in a beautiful tribute to its former owner, and AOPA Live® recorded this week's episode at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, site of the 2017 AOPA R.A. "Bob" Hoover Trophy presentation to airshow legend Sean D. Tucker. As of publication deadline, producers were still finalizing the March 9 edition of AOPA Live This Week. Watch the show on March 10...
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Technique and Safety
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Article
As far as the Helicopter Association International is concerned, when it comes to integrating unmanned aerial systems into the National Airspace System, safety is the objective, HAI President Matt Zuccaro said as he kicked off an HAI safety symposium on the topic. The presentation opened the first day of the 2017 HAI Heli-Expo, held March 6 through 9 in Dallas. Read more...
Video
Pilots often worry they'll be punished for declaring an emergency, and thus hesitate to say the "E" word. In Declaring an Emergency, an air traffic controller explains how ATC can help. Whether you fly VFR or IFR, learn more in this video excerpt from the AOPA Air Safety Institute's IFR Insights: A Practical Approach online course. Watch the video...
Video
Tapping the fuel indicator will not feed the engine, but a healthy fuel reserve will—yet, pilots and their airplanes still come up short of their intended destinations. Sit back, relax, and watch the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Would You Fly This Airline? Pilot Safety Announcement—a witty reminder to pay attention to fueling and in-flight fuel. Watch the video...
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Advocacy
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Advocacy
The FAA has proposed issuing an airworthiness directive applicable to numerous Piper Aircraft twin-engine airplanes, including Apaches, Aztecs, and Twin Comanches, superseding an existing AD that requires inspection of the heater exhaust extension, replacement of the extension as necessary, and overhaul of the combustion heater assembly because of a risk of carbon monoxide entering the cabin. Read more...
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Technology
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Article
George Bye, creator of the Sun Flyer electric trainer prototype, has teamed up with XTI Aircraft Co. to accelerate development of a vertical takeoff and landing design that aims to seat six and cruise at business-jet speed. Read more...
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Opinion
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Blog
A forced landing, along with the cost and bureaucratic obstacles endemic to aviation in Europe, left Opinion Leaders blogger Garrett Fisher with an aversion to venturing far from home. Introspection, and a pilot's natural desire to spread his wings, led to an interesting adventure. Read more...
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Gear
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Article
Safe Flight Instrument Corp. announced that its Angle of Attack Stall Protection System has been selected by Textron Aviation for the Cessna Denali single-engine turboprop, which is expected to make its first flight in 2018. Read more...
Article
Panel-mounted avionics manufacturer Avidyne announced that it has received two key FAA approvals for a new software release and a new navigation system. Read more...
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Travel
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Destinations
A polar bear looks up at a passing Piper Super Cub with curiosity, its long neck bending to follow the yellow airplane's path. This solitary adult male is hip deep in seawater at a rock-strewn beach on the western edge of Canada's Hudson Bay. At about 1,500 pounds, the bear outweighs the 1953 PA-18 that's made this 1,000-nautical-mile northward trek from Minnesota for just this kind of encounter. Learn about Arctic Canada and fly along with AOPA Editor at Large Dave Hirschman on this exciting adventure. Read more...
Contest
Do you have a place you love to fly to, with breathtaking scenery or a multitude of activities to explore? Share your favorite spot and submit some photos of it to AOPA to enter the Hidden Gem contest, sponsored by Aviat Aircraft. You will be entered for a chance to win a backcountry experience in Wyoming and Idaho, flying an Aviat Husky along the world-famous Salmon River. Enter today!
Podcast
Every pilot dreams of getting a seaplane rating. For many who actually get one, it's a great weekend experience but nothing else. For a lucky few, it translates to a life of incredible adventures. Brian Schanche of Adventure Seaplanes talks about his guided seaplane trips, including one to see polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. Listen to the podcast...
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Financial
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Article
Impacted by slow global economic growth and volatile oil and gas-related markets, the helicopter industry is reacting with a cautious outlook for near-term new purchases. In its nineteenth annual "Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook," Honeywell forecasts that 3,900 to 4,400 civilian-use helicopters will be delivered between 2017 and 2021—approximately 400 fewer helicopters than called for in the 2016 five-year forecast. Read more...
Pilot Protection Services
Very few people would buy a house without researching the title, but a surprising number close deals on airplanes without first checking for liens or encumbrances. Due diligence prevents unwelcome surprises, and is usually left to professionals. Read more...
AOPA Aircraft Finance
It may surprise many pilots to know that lenders will pre-approve an aircraft loan without a specific aircraft in mind. AOPA Aviation Finance Co. President Adam Meredith writes that this holds true for pistons, and even some turbines, and for buyers it means locking in a low rate and shopping with confidence. Read more...
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News and Notes
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Article
Bell Helicopter delivered the first Bell 505 Jet Ranger X and revealed a concept design fit for an augmented-reality future of flight at the 2017 HAI Heli-Expo in Dallas. Read more...
Article
AOPA was a proud participant in the twenty-eighth International Women in Aviation Conference, which brought an estimated 4,500 participants from 19 countries together in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, March 2 through 4 to share their passion for aviation and reach out to the next generation of female aviation professionals. Read more...
Article
Women of Aviation Worldwide Week is the celebration of women in aviation, past, present, and future held annually in March. The week is designed to raise awareness of aviation opportunities available to girls of all ages. In honor of this special week, AOPA reached out to female members and staff to find out what advice they would offer future female pilots. Read more...
Article
What's the secret to keeping a flying club airborne a long, long time? A group of pilots has been upholding a longstanding tradition of flying for fun in the heart of West Virginia coal country, and they evidently have some answers. Read more...
Online resource
AOPA's 2017 webinar schedule is now online with a wide variety of aviation-related topics the association has lined up for the year. Pilots can register now for the March 22 webinar, "BasicMed: What it means for you," brought to you by AOPA Pilot Protection Services. View the webinar schedule...
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Article
The National Aviation Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for its thirty-first annual A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year Award, which will honor a teacher in grades kindergarten through 12 for quality aerospace education. Read more...
Article
Charles Orville Gensler of Parker, Colorado, has been named flight instructor of the year in the 2017 National General Aviation Awards, one of three standouts receiving national aviation recognition by the FAA. Read more...
Standard time ends March 12
If you live in an area that observes daylight saving time, don't forget to move your clocks forward one hour March 12. Remember that the conversion to Coordinated Universal Time will change, too. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a useful time conversion chart.
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Career Opportunities
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Aviation job board
Vermont Flight Academy is looking for an assistant chief flight instructor for its program in Burlington. Qualified applicants must meet the requirements of 14 CFR 141.36. The successful candidate will provide flight, simulator, and ground instruction under Part 61 and Part 141. This position also is responsible for students' flights; records; and ensuring that each lesson meets course objectives, standards, and requirements. Management experience and seaplane flight instruction is highly desirable. Read the full description and apply today!
AOPA career opportunities
Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for an aviation insurance sales director, graphic design intern, executive office manager, IT project manager, UI/front-end developer, public affairs and executive communications manager, communications coordinator, legal services plan attorney, digital asset manager and graphic designer, aviation event operations senior manager, travel and destination products director, insurance program administration manager, donor relations director, flying clubs initiative director, and part-time administrative assistant. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.
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Question of the Week
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Question
Pilots know that a 30-minute fuel reserve is required for day VFR flights. What is the basis for this requirement?
Answer
According to 14 CFR 91.151, a pilot must have the fuel to be able to fly to the point of landing and then for at least 30 minutes after, assuming normal cruising speed. This FAA letter of interpretation states that pilots should consider weather reports and forecasts, as well as factors such as the aircraft's normal cruise-speed fuel consumption. For more information, see "Pilot Counsel: Running on empty" from AOPA Online.
Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.
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 Education and Seminars
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Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Mar 11-12 - Elkridge, Maryland; and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Mar 18-19 - Ontario, California; and Santa Clara, California
Apr 1-2 - Atlanta, Georgia; Dedham, Massachusetts; Dulles, Virginia; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Tampa, Florida
Apr 8-9 - Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; and San Diego, California
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the Air Safety Institute's Online eFIRC.
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Air Safety Institute Safety Seminars
Mar 13 - Monroe, North Carolina
Mar 14 - Fletcher, North Carolina
Mar 15 - Greensboro, North Carolina
Mar 16 - Morrisville, North Carolina
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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Rusty Pilots Seminars
Mar 11 - Potsdam, New York; Ashland, Virginia; Gainesville, Florida; Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Renton, Washington; and Albany, Oregon
Mar 14 - Fort Myers, Florida
Mar 18 - Galveston, Texas; Torrance, California; Lima, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; Berkley Township, New Jersey; and Homestead, Florida
Mar 25 - Orlando, Florida; Kennesaw, Georgia; Spencer, Iowa; Burlington, Iowa; Sarasota, Florida; Belleville, Michigan; Van Nuys, California; Gaithersburg, Maryland; Bedford, Massachusetts; and Olathe, Kansas
For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
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ePilot Editors:
Alyssa Miller
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
David Tulis
Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Melissa Whitehouse
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Contributors:
Mike Collins
Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Jill W. Tallman
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker
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