March 24, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot: Flight Training Edition'


VOL 17, ISSUE 12	March 24, 2017

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Knowing when to jump

A student pilot is preparing for a brief flight from the nontowered airport in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to busy Boire Field in Nashua, New Hampshire, on the southern edge of Manchester Airport's Class C airspace. Part of the assignment is to research and note radio frequencies to monitor en route. The student's instructor calls attention to a frequency in the range of nontowered-airport common traffic advisory frequencies. Why? Read more >

Flight Training News

The right decision at the right time

Good decision making requires anticipation, recognition, and timely action to correct a problem. Easier said than done? The AOPA Air Safety Institute's recently updated Do the Right Thing: Decision Making for Pilots online course, optimized for tablets, can help you learn best practices and develop personal minimums. Take the course >

Redbird suggests sim for STEM topics

Joey Colleran, Redbird Flight Simulations Inc.'s business development and government education director, suggests four science, technology, engineering, and math topics that could be fun for flight students to learn on an advanced flight training device. The series of flight simulation exercises includes weather, human factors, physics, and weight-and-balance calculations.

Article

Pilot introduces girls, women to aviation

Accomplished professional pilot and air racing champion Dianna Stanger has introduced more than 2,100 girls and women to aviation through the Fly It Forward Challenge. A few teenagers she took flying in 2015 have started flight training. (Photo by Dianna Stanger.) Read more >

Video

Lost in the dark

An hour before sunrise, an Atlanta-bound regional jet received a taxi clearance at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky. The crew mistook their position and lined up for the wrong runway. This AOPA Air Safety Institute accident reenactment shows the importance of maintaining situational awareness. Watch the video animation >

AOPA Live

AOPA Live This Week

Vegas by helicopter; BasicMed FAQs

AOPA Editor in Chief Tom Haines takes a helicopter tour of the Hoover Dam. Also this week, answers to often-asked questions about BasicMed, including when you should visit your doctor. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, March 23 >

Training Products and Resources

Pilot training card combo released

Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co. bundled five training reference cards into a handy set of VFR, IFR, private pilot, and weather reference materials. The Pilot Mission Training Reference Card Combo keeps key concepts, procedures, and regulations within easy reach. The set also includes lists of required equipment, cockpit best practices, and more. The card combo is available online for $49.85; the cards can be purchased separately for $13.95 each.

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

Member benefit

Keep three tips in mind when planning a trip

AOPA Aviation Insurance Co. Vice President Jim Pinegar offers three tips to make sure your first trip of the spring flying season goes smoothly. Read more >

Pilot Protection Services

FAA requires wait periods for certain neurologic conditions

The FAA requires a wait period of two years before a pilot who has had a stroke or transient ischemic attack can apply for medical recertification. Read more >

Livestream

Learn the latest enhancements to AOPA Flight Planner

Get the ins and outs of the AOPA Flight Planner's new interactive graphical briefing feature powered by Leidos Flight Service, and grab a sneak peek at the beta version of the top member-requested feature—intermediate stops—during a livestream March 28 at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Register today >

Contest

Hidden gems galore

Pilots have been sharing their favorite destinations from across the country as part of the Hidden Gem contest, sponsored by Aviat Husky. Take a look at the breathtaking photos and descriptions of these treasures and share your own to enter the contest for a chance to win a backcountry flying experience in July. Learn more >

Blogs

Pilot reunites with sweeps 172

Did you ever train in or own an older aircraft and wonder what a makeover would do for it? Tom Johnson, the former owner of AOPA's Sweepstakes Cessna 172, got the opportunity to fly the aircraft again, this time with all the latest bells and whistles added. Read more >

Instrument Tip

Online resource

Tips to earn an instrument rating

Near the end of your private pilot flight training? Already have your pilot certificate? Continue the training process to become a better pilot by earning an instrument rating. AOPA's online resource explains requirements and training options. Learn more >

Plane Spotter

Forever fast

There's no more futuristic notion than a composite aircraft so speedy that its prototype shattered numerous records, inviting study of its aerodynamic qualities by NASA. No doubt that was the thinking in 1975, when the sleek prototype of the six-place, single-engine Bellanca Skyrocket II accomplished those very feats. Unfortunately, economic conditions forestalled certification and production of the aircraft, despite its capabilities. The good news is that the prototype was donated to the collection of the Delaware Aviation Museum in Georgetown, where it is slated to become the centerpiece of a featured exhibit.

Final Exam

Question

I am a student pilot and recently flew a solo cross-country to an airport 41 miles away. Can I log that flight as a cross-country and count it toward the five hours of cross-country time required for my private pilot certificate?

Answer

You can certainly log the flight as a cross-country because you flew from point A to point B (see 14 CFR 61.1(b)). However, you cannot count that flight toward the five-hour requirement because that same regulation specifically requires you to fly more than 50 miles from the original point of departure to meet aeronautical experience requirements.

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: Senior systems test/integration engineer-aerospace

Solidyn Solutions Inc. is a small business in Colorado looking for exceptional employees to join its rapidly growing team of aerospace professionals. The senior systems test/integration engineer will take part in all phases of integration and testing including assisting with requirement definition, defining the test approach and validation method, developing and executing test procedures, and troubleshooting and resolving technical issues. This position also will participate in test readiness reviews and design reviews, and conduct audits of test software and facilities. 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 airports and state advocacy vice president, flight training business support senior director, flight training technology senior director, design manager, aviation insurance sales director, graphic design intern, executive office manager, project manager, UI/front-end developer, public affairs and executive communications manager, communications coordinator, legal services plan attorney, aviation event operations senior manager, travel and destination products director, insurance program administration manager, donor relations director, lead aircraft maintenance and aviation technical specialist, and part-time administrative assistant. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

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
May 6-7	Albany, New York; Hollywood, Florida; and Pensacola, Florida
May 20-21	Conroe, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; and Sacramento, California

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

Mar 27	Northbrook, Illinois
Mar 28	Lisle, Illinois
Mar 29	East Peoria, Illinois
Mar 30	Rockford, Illinois

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Mar 25	Orlando, Florida; Kennesaw, Georgia; Spencer, Iowa; Burlington, Iowa; Sarasota, Florida; Belleville, Michigan; Van Nuys, California; Gaithersburg, Maryland; Bedford, Massachusetts; and Olathe, Kansas
Apr 1	Murphysboro, Illinois; College Station, Texas; Gulf Shores, Alabama; Aurora, Oregon; South Portland, Maine; Hayden, Idaho; Mansfield, Massachusetts; Watkins, Colorado; and Glencoe, Minnesota
Apr 5	Lakeland, Florida
Apr 8	Cleveland, Ohio; San Angelo, Texas; Green Bay, Wisconsin; Valparaiso, Indiana; Reno, Nevada; Chesterfield, Missouri; Washington Court House, Ohio; Pasco, Washington; and Worcester, Massachusetts

For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.

Aviation Calendar

Want something to do this weekend? Planning an aviation getaway? See AOPA's enhanced calendar of events. You can filter events by date range, airport ID, state, or region. Before you take off on an adventure, make sure you check our current aviation weather provided by Jeppesen.

To include an event or to search all events in the calendar, visit AOPA Online. 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 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
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