March 10, 2017 - VOL 17, ISSUE 10

Flight Training News

Article

Colorado instructor is 2017 CFI of the year

Charles Orville Gensler of Parker, Colorado, has been named flight instructor of the year in the 2017 National General Aviation Awards. Read more...  

Video

Getting there with fuel to spare

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...  

Air Evac Lifeteam adds seven helicopter sims

Medical evacuation ambulance provider Air Evac Lifeteam has purchased seven Garmin glass-panel Frasca Bell 206/407 helicopter advanced aviation training devices, according to a March 2 news release. Pilots will use the simulators for recurrent training with emphasis on operating procedures and inadvertent encounters with instrument meteorological conditions. The air medical service currently operates 132 bases in 15 states.

Fulcrum Labs debuts adaptive A&P course

Aviation mechanics preparing for their FAA airframe and powerplant certification exam can use Fulcrum Labs' adaptive test prep software to hammer home concepts that stump them and spend less time on subject matter that comes easily. A news release describing the personalized adaptive learning system said the approach replaces the "one-size-fits-all test prep environment" with analytics that measure "the exact depth and degree to which each concept has been mastered." The company said the software can reduce test prep times by 20 to 50 percent.

Online resource

AOPA webinar schedule available

AOPA's 2017 webinar schedule is now online. Check out the wide variety of aviation-related topics the association has lined up for the year. The first webinar, "BasicMed: What it means for you," will be held Wednesday, March 22, and you can register for it now. This webinar is brought to you by AOPA Pilot Protection Services. View the webinar schedule...  

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.

Scholarships

Article

Bonanza Society opens unique internship

Students and recent graduates seeking a professional aviation career path connected to a storied brand of aircraft may apply for a paid internship that could shape the future of the American Bonanza Society. Young aviation professionals can expect total immersion into the Wichita, Kansas-based society's safety, communications, and outreach functions with an "unparalleled introduction and access to industry" said ABS Executive Director Tom Turner. Read more...  

Plane Spotter

Frugally fast flier

One plane spotter is at the airport hoping to find the perfect cross-country machine for four-person outings. Another plane spotter is there seeking a fast, homebuilt aircraft that is high on horsepower but frugal with fuel. Who will hit the jackpot first? It will be a tie if a low-winged composite aircraft with distinctive gull-wing doors turns up. The Van's Aircraft RV-10, the first four-place member of the RV family, gets speed from a "clean, light airframe," allowing reduced power settings and economical fuel consumption from its 230- to 260-hp six-cylinder Lycoming engine.

Training Products and Resources

Survival kit in a bottle

A handy all-in-one survival kit packed into a bottle could help pilots facing an emergency off-airport landing. The kit contains a multifunction tool, whistle, compass, survival blanket, waterproof matches, and more—all packed securely inside a wide-mouth water bottle. The Survival Kit in a Bottle is available online for $24.95 from Sporty's Pilot Shop.

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

Contest

Where's your hidden gem?

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. Learn more...

Blogs

Honesty is the best policy

Pilots completing online job applications should be honest about everything, including work history, background, and education. "Make sure you get it right the first time," writes Flight Training blogger Chip Wright. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

I am building my solo cross-country hours as a student pilot and am planning a flight from Rochester, New York, to Saint Catharines, Ontario, in Canada. What do I need to know to fly to Canada and back?

Answer

There is a lot involved in planning a flight to a foreign country, but the most important thing for you is that you cannot make that flight as pilot in command. Unfortunately, 14 CFR 61.89(a) prohibits international flights by student pilots, with the exception of flights from specific locations in Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, in Canada. For more information about flying to Canada, see AOPA's online guide; however, you cannot make the flight as PIC until you have received your private pilot certificate.

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: Assistant chief CFI

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

Join the AOPA team

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.