October 20, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 19, ISSUE 42	October 20, 2017

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Top Stories

You Can Fly

AOPA announces 2017 Flight Training Experience Awards

AOPA has announced its 2017 Flight Training Experience Awards, bestowing top honors on an Alaska flight school and a Colorado flight instructor. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Red Bull fun; Best in training honored

Experience high-speed flying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Japan's Yoshihide Muroya won the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship. Find out why Tampa, Florida, is the perfect location for a fly-in, and see who won the 2017 AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Oct. 19 >

AOPA Fly-Ins

Article

That Tampa vibe

Blue skies, ocean breezes, warm temperatures—that's what Tampa, Florida, promises for the final 2017 AOPA Fly-In, presented by Peter O. Knight Airport, Oct. 27 and 28. It's not too late to sign up for workshops, the Barnstormers Party, and other activities. The warm Florida sun is free—just like the Saturday fly-in! Read more >

Article

Tampa Fly-In procedures: Note nightly airport closure

Pilots planning to fly in to the AOPA Fly-In at Tampa, Florida, presented by Peter O. Knight Airport, should carefully read the arrival and departure procedures in the Pilot Information Packet and note that the airport will be closed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly Oct. 27 through 29. Read more >

Technique and Safety

Who turned off the lights?

When you're approaching an airport with pilot-controlled lighting, the runway lights activated by another pilot could turn off before you land unless you click the appropriate frequency to keep them on. How long will the lights stay illuminated after they are activated? The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Night Operations quiz has the answer. Take the quiz >

Video

A slight feeling something is wrong

Making an emergency landing is one thing; stepping out of the wreckage in a cemetery is another. In the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Real Pilot Story: Cemetery Crash, Gordon Webster shares what's at stake during an engine failure. Watch the video >

Online resource

Boost your instrument flying

Whether you are preparing for an instrument flight lesson or a proficiency check, the AOPA Air Safety Institute's IFR Procedures Safety Spotlight can help. Brush up on instrument flight rules and regulations, refresh your interpretation of IFR charts, and test your knowledge—all in one convenient place. Learn more >

Article

Tips from PIC: Transition training

Transitioning to an unfamiliar aircraft introduces new risks. Until you've mastered the performance characteristics, operating procedures, and avionics of that faster, bigger airplane, consider yourself a student pilot. Read more >

AOPA premier partner created content

Should you abort this takeoff?

What "before takeoff" checks do you perform between applying full throttle and pitching for rotation? If you pause to think about that, or wonder what checks are possible during the takeoff roll, it's time to review your takeoff procedures. A simple mnemonic can help you catch a problem before it becomes an emergency. Watch the video from AOPA Premier Partner PilotWorkshops >

Advocacy

AOPA applauds Cedar Rapids for promoting competition, access

Pilots refueling at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, have a cheaper option for avgas: A new self-service fueling option for 100LL is more than $2 per gallon cheaper than buying fuel through the airport's single fixed-base operator. The move is the latest positive development in AOPA's efforts to ensure airports are providing reasonable access. Read more >

Advocacy

Agencies brief AOPA on Mar-a-Lago TFR rules

The FAA and the U.S. Secret Service have briefed AOPA and other stakeholders on security and flight procedures that will be in effect over Palm Beach, Florida, during temporary flight restrictions for President Donald Trump's seasonal visits to his Mar-a-Lago resort. Read more >

Advocacy

Court removes restraining order in Santa Monica case

A temporary restraining order that halted work to shorten the runway at California's Santa Monica Municipal Airport has been lifted despite a legal brief that AOPA and the National Business Aviation Association filed supporting the delay. Read more >

Advocacy

Drone groups appeal to Trump

A group of 29 organizations, manufacturers, and drone users appealed to the White House for a pilot program to coordinate state, local, and tribal efforts to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into airspace without compromising federal control. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA seeks 'emergency' action on drones

The FAA has been swamped with requests from Part 107 drone pilots seeking to navigate controlled airspace, and reports of drone safety incidents have also surged. Because of that, the agency is seeking "emergency" clearance to implement electronic authorization. Read more >

Advocacy

Key winter airport information released

"Patchy" is making a comeback. The FAA will once again allow the capability to report patchy contaminants on taxiways and aprons. The agency also has released a new list of cold temperature restricted airports. Read more >

Advocacy

Aviation united against ATC 'privatization' at NBAA

Attendees, companies, and speakers at the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention in Las Vegas were overwhelmingly opposed to legislation being pushed in the House of Representatives that would privatize air traffic control. Read more >

Health

Online resource

Medications database a resource for pilots

AOPA offers a list of FAA-allowed/disallowed medications for pilots who hold FAA-issued medical certificates. Under BasicMed, pilots and their physicians can discuss any medications being taken and their potential to interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft. Learn more >

Technology

Article

Virgin Galactic nearing space shot

Billionaire Richard Branson might not reach space in the next six months, but it appears his spaceship will fly beyond the atmosphere in that time frame, albeit without a crew on board. Read more >

Gear

Article

Mobile sim app arrives on desktop

A flight simulator made for mobile devices has arrived on iOS and PC desktops, promising cheap thrills and aviation-themed challenges. Read more >

Article

Casting call for video gamer pilots

IBM and GameFly are looking for pilots around Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco to be featured in commercials, web videos, and print advertisements. Read more >

Travel

Slideshow

Canyon country treasure trove

Surrounded by some of Utah's most beautiful red rock canyons, Hidden Splendor is one of the state's least-forgiving airstrips, with a winding approach down a narrow canyon. Read more >

Slideshow

Seven sensational natural wonders

From towering mountains to deep canyons, America's beauty is nearly unlimited. Here's a list of flightseeing trips that showcase natural wonders such as Denali, Yellowstone, and Hells Canyon. Read more >

Slideshow

Fabulous flightseeing tours

Niagara Falls, New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco Bay offer special routes and procedures for pilots to enjoy these popular tourist destinations from the air. Read more >

Financial

Article

Evolution Aircraft Co. appears to have shuttered

Evolution Aircraft Co., the Redmond, Oregon-based kit-built aircraft manufacturer born out of Lancair assets in 2016, appears to have closed its doors. In recent weeks owners received written notice of the impending closure. Read more >

Article

Icon announces A5 improvements

Icon Aircraft announced Oct. 12 the delivery of the first Model Year 2018 A5, calling it the start of a "new production phase," with the pace of future deliveries expected to increase quickly, and soon. Read more >

Article

Co-ownership program for Mooney Ultras announced

Mooney International and aircraft co-ownership company Partners in Aviation have teamed up to expand the opportunities for aircraft buyers to own a new Mooney Ultra single-engine airplane. Read more >

Member benefit

Tips for buying commercial drone insurance

Drone insurance might be required by clients when an operator is flying an unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes. Find out what to look for in coverage. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Muroya takes Red Bull crown with 'perfect run'

Yoshihide Muroya of Japan flew a "perfect run" and beat a track record to cap off a historic year with a come-from-behind win to claim the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Indianapolis Oct 15. Read more >

Article

Balloon association develops commercial safety standards

The FAA applauded a commercial hot air balloon safety program that had been in the making for more than a year in the wake of a deadly 2016 crash that killed 16 in Lockhart, Texas. Read more >

You Can Fly

Flying clubs opening doors, realizing dreams

When flying clubs thrive, pilots soar. Six first solos, a private pilot checkride, memorable cross-countries, and fun flights with friends and family—those and other milestones mark the achievements of Nate Abel Flying Club's members in the one year since the club won AOPA's Flying Club 150 Giveaway. Read more >

Article

Remembering the Night Witches

Night witches were the most-decorated combat pilots in the Soviet Union's World War II armed forces, flying their missions in the dark, and cutting their engines to glide in and bomb the Nazi invaders below. Read more >

Article

'Angels' deliver relief to Puerto Rico

General aviation pilots are continuing to help in Puerto Rico nearly a month after Category 4 Hurricane Maria ravaged the U.S. territory. Read more >

Slideshow

Drone journalism students learn aviation basics, ethics

A series of drone journalism seminars held in four U.S. locations launched almost 100 reporters into the world of aviation, teaching them the latest in drone technology and best practices during ground school and providing flying sessions. Read more >

Pilot Protection Services

Weight of waivers

Passenger liability waivers are one tool pilots should have in their risk-management strategy when flying with others, according to AOPA Legal Services Plan panel attorney Ryan Seib. Read more >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: LeTourneau University assistant chief flight instructor

The College of Aviation and Aeronautical Science at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, is seeking an assistant chief flight instructor. This faculty position involves providing flight training that conforms to best practices including dual instruction, stage checks, participation in department meetings, supervision of flight instructors, and other responsibilities as assigned. 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 product marketing specialist, customer service representative, operations clerk, administrative clerk, survey analyst/survey researcher, marketing program coordinator, legislative affairs vice president, airports and state advocacy vice president, and part-time administrative assistant. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Question of the Week

Question

Can a private pilot get a ground instructor certificate, or does a pilot need to have a flight instructor or commercial certificate to provide ground instruction for compensation?

Answer

A pilot certificate (of any level) is not required for a ground instructor certificate. A ground instructor must pass two aeronautical knowledge tests; be at least 18 years old; and be able to read, write, speak, and understand English (see 14 CFR 61.213).

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

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Oct 21-22	Wichita, Kansas
Nov 4-5	Austin, Texas
Nov 11-12	Albuquerque, New Mexico; Anchorage, Alaska; and Atlanta, Georgia
Nov 18-19	Ashburn, Virginia; and San Diego, California

For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Online eFIRC.

Safety Seminars

Oct 23	Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Van Nuys, California
Oct 24	Zionsville, Indiana; West Des Moines, Iowa; and Ontario, California
Oct 25	West Lafayette, Indiana; Bellevue, Nebraska; and Costa Mesa, California
Oct 26	San Diego, California; and Olathe, Kansas

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Oct 21	Fremont, Ohio; West Palm Beach, Florida; and Burlington, Washington
Oct 27	Tampa, Florida
Oct 28	Tampa, Florida; Pacoima, California; and La Crosse, Wisconsin
Nov 4	Frederick, Maryland; Albert Lea, Minnesota; Richmond, Virginia; Punta Gorda, Florida; Midlothian, Texas; Fullerton, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Lakeland, Florida

AOPA Rusty Pilots Seminars are sponsored by Sporty's. 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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