October 27, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot: Flight Training Edition'


VOL 17, ISSUE 43	October 27, 2017

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Safeguards that didn't

A student pilot observes something strange while walking across the airport ramp: A line attendant is fueling a Skyhawk from the fixed-base operator's jet fuel truck. Is this the beginning of an engine-failure-after-takeoff scenario, caused by misfueling? Read more >

Flight Training News

You Can Fly

AOPA high school aviation program expands

Educators will have more time than ever before to share strategies that inspire students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics when the AOPA High School Aviation STEM Symposium, presented by American Airlines, convenes Nov. 6 and 7 in Fort Worth, Texas. The symposium, now in its third year, has been expanded to a two-day event. Read more >

Article

Free career seminars for future pilots

Since June 2016, more than 1,200 students and young professionals seeking aviation careers have attended free Future Pilot Forums hosted monthly by Future & Active Pilot Advisors. Read more >

Video

Where are we?

The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Runway Safety: Untimely Distraction video examines how a night training flight almost ended in disaster at takeoff. Although darkness can complicate night operations, a healthy dose of situational awareness would have helped the pilot and instructor avoid the incident. Watch the video >

Article

Nonprofit college aviation program grows

When Southern New Hampshire University stepped in to help aviation students of Daniel Webster College finish the 2016-17 school year after the abrupt bankruptcy of the college's parent, ITT, it was part of a larger vision: SNHU wants to put professional pilot careers back within reach of middle-class families. Read more >

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 >

Podcast

Hangar Talk: NOAA Hurricane Hunter pilot

Pilots are supposed to avoid thunderstorms by 20 miles or more, right? For some brave pilots, the goal is to seek out storms. Hear National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Hunter Lt. Kevin Doremus describe how flying into the eye of the storm can save lives, and catch up on the latest aviation news with this week's Hangar Talk podcast. Listen to the podcast >

Scholarships

Apply through Nov. 13 for WAI scholarships

The deadline for dozens of Women in Aviation International scholarships is Nov. 13; however, applicants must be members of the organization by Nov. 1. WAI has awarded more than $10 million in scholarships to its members who are pursuing aviation and aerospace careers.

AOPA Live

AOPA Live This Week

On location in Tampa; High Sierra fun

AOPA Live® was on location in Tampa, Florida, during preparations for the final AOPA Fly-In of 2017, presented by Peter O. Knight Airport, and also in Nevada to capture views of a massive backcountry flying event held annually on a dry lakebed. Hundreds of airplanes converged for off-airport fun, including a STOL Drag race you simply must see. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Oct. 26 >

Training Products and Resources

Video

You snooze, you lose

Does a lecture on aerodynamic principles make you sleepy? Wake up to the consequences of dozing off. The AOPA Air Safety Institute's School Daze Pilot Safety Announcement provides a short, amusing demonstration. Watch the video >

Flight computer performs aviation functions

The CX-3 Flight Computer from Aviation Supplies and Academics provides accurate flight computations for ground school lessons, preflight planning, or en route navigation, and can be used on FAA knowledge exams. The flight computer can solve time, distance, and speed calculations; tabulate weight-and-balance information; and store aircraft profile data. The device is available online for $99.95.

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

Pilot Protection Services

Nailed it

Take a good look at your hands—Dr. Jonathan Sackier lists 20 visible characteristics of nails that could be signs of health problems. Read more >

Member benefit

Financing rates explained

Find out what factors influence aircraft financing rates. Read more >

Blogs

Last chance to dance

With fall leaves changing and winter weather approaching, many pilots are planning visits to the last fly-ins of the year. Opinion Leaders blogger Jolie Lucas notes some highlights to consider for October through December. Read more >

Plane Spotter

The witching hour

The Polikarpov PO-2 may be the most common airplane most plane spotters have never heard of. Although it was built for scouting and training missions, its main mark on history may be that it served the most decorated group of combat pilots you also have perhaps never heard about. Reputed to be the most-produced biplane of all time, the Soviet two-place, wood-and-fabric, radial-engine-powered PO-2 dates to 1928, but earned its fame on thousands of World War II night bombing runs flown by the women pilots called the Night Witches. (Photo courtesy of the Military Aviation Museum.)

Final Exam

Question

The federal aviation regulations include many references to solo flight time. Can you log solo flight time when you are the only pilot on board the aircraft while flying, or must you be the only person on board while flying to log this time?

Answer

You must be the only person on board to log solo flight time. Carrying passengers is not solo flight time. According to 14 CFR 61.51(d), "a pilot may log as solo flight time only that flight time when the pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft."

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: Captain Cessna pilot

The Hilliard Companies LLC is seeking a Captain Cessna pilot for its Midland, Texas, operations. Requirements include a current FAA first class medical certificate, ATP certificate, and a minimum of 2,000 hours (with at least 1,000 hours in turboprops and 250 hours in multiengine turboprops). 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, legislative affairs vice president, airports and state advocacy vice president, and part-time administrative assistant. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

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
Dec 2-3	Denver, Colorado; and Northbrook, Illinois

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 30	Greenville, South Carolina; and Monroe, North Carolina
Oct 31	Atlanta, Georgia; and Fletcher, North Carolina
Nov 1	Huntsville, Alabama; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Concord, California
Nov 2	Morrisville, North Carolina

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

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
Nov 11	Costa Mesa, California; Berwyn, Illinois; Lawton, Oklahoma; and Batavia, Ohio

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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ePilot Flight Training Editors:
Alyssa J. Cobb
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:
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Western United States:
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