September 1, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 19, ISSUE 35	September 1, 2017

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Top Stories

Advocacy

AOPA files official complaints over FBO fees

AOPA filed official complaints with the FAA Aug. 28 regarding egregious fixed-base operation fees at three airports. The move launched the next phase of the association's effort to tackle excessive fees charged by certain FBOs around the country. See the top offenders >

Article

Hurricane Harvey deluges Texas, closes airfields

The robust Texas general aviation community was hit hard with airport closings, flooding, and storm damage from Hurricane Harvey as it pounded Gulf Coast communities, forcing mass evacuations extending through Houston. Read more >

Article

AERObridge leads GA volunteers in hurricane relief

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, which dumped more than four feet of rain in the Gulf Coast area, aviators volunteered their own aircraft, fuel, and other resources to assess damage and provide humanitarian relief during the recovery process. Read more >

Article

CAP emergency services training put to the test

Hurricane Harvey's aftermath will test the skills that Civil Air Patrol volunteers learned recently at the National Emergency Services Academy. Read more >

Article

Amid warnings, drones respond to Hurricane Harvey aftermath

Unmanned aircraft will certainly be part of the Hurricane Harvey recovery effort, but experts caution that a disaster zone is no place to learn the ropes, and worry that untrained drone pilots may cause more problems than they solve. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

AOPA battles egregious prices; Old parts, original art

AOPA has taken another step against egregious fixed-based operation pricing and filed Part 13 complaints naming operators at three airports. Also this week, watch as well-used aircraft parts are transformed into stunning, sought-after works of art, and get ready for AOPA's Norman, Oklahoma, Fly-In Sept. 8 and 9 with a look at things to see and do around town. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Aug. 31 >

AOPA Fly-Ins

Article

Inside the National Weather Center

Many pilots become fascinated with weather beyond simply learning about how the atmosphere will affect the next flight. If that flight will be to AOPA's Norman, Oklahoma, Fly-In Sept. 8 and 9, the destination includes a unique opportunity: an inside look at the National Weather Center. Read more >

Technique and Safety

Video

Where there's smoke...

Fire is one of the worst things that can go wrong in an airplane, as certificated flight instructor Jade Schiewe can attest after a routine training flight with a CFI candidate turned into a Mayday event. The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Real Pilot Story: Fire in the Cockpit shares Schiewe's experience and advice. Watch the video >

Flash-based; login required

Fostering a pleasant flight experience

If you have tense nonpilot passengers who frequently accompany you on trips, the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Pinch Hitter™ online course can help them overcome their apprehension. The course offers easy-to-comprehend aviation information that will allow them to relax and enjoy the flight—and maybe even participate as crewmembers. Introduce your passengers to the course >

IFR Fix

Make mine a MOCA

You are flying in the clouds at the minimum en route altitude when you notice a thin skin of ice forming on an exposed part of your single-engine, non-ice-protected airplane. What are your options? Read more >

Online resource

Follow the AOPA Air Safety Institute on Facebook

More than 182,000 people from all over the world connect with the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Facebook page. Join the conversation and hone your skills while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow pilots. Follow the institute on Facebook >

Advocacy

AOPA, GAMA file briefs over Santa Monica settlement

In the midst of the litigation over Santa Monica, California's embattled airport, AOPA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association filed separate friend-of-the-court briefs over the settlement between the FAA and the city. Read more >

Advocacy

New Jersey aviation coalition takes on TFR incursions

Too many pilots violated the temporary flight restrictions in effect during President Donald Trump's 17-day vacation in Bedminster, New Jersey, and a statewide aviation coalition wants to do something about it before the next TFR, expected for the Labor Day weekend. Read more >

Advocacy

Jackson Hole Airport delays request for proposal for second FBO

Following a mid-August meeting, the Jackson Hole Airport Board voted to postpone a request for proposal to establish a second fixed-base operation on the Wyoming field. The delay will allow time for the board to consider purchasing the current sole FBO instead of bringing in a second. Read more >

Advocacy

Aviation groups press FAA to share more weather reports

Hundreds of weather observation systems functioning in the United States are not available to pilots, and could save lives if they were added to the FAA's Weather Message Switching Center Replacement System, AOPA and 13 other aviation organizations wrote in a letter to the agency. Read more >

Health

Pilot Protection Services

Weigh the benefits and side effects of medications

Pilots often hesitate to take a medication, fearing that the FAA won't approve it for use while flying. Doctor of Pharmacy and CFII Larry Diamond explains how pilots should weigh a medication's benefits against its side effects. Read more >

Technology

Article

ADS-B rebate program ends soon

With less than a month before the FAA's Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast $500 rebate program is set to come to an end, now is the time to take advantage of the deal. Learn more about ASD-B Out and the rebate program's details. Read more >

Opinion

Blog

Mike Busch speaks out about Lycoming rod bushing affair

Opinion Leaders blogger Mike Busch writes that Lycoming's service bulletin and subsequent FAA airworthiness directive requiring owners of aircraft with affected Lycoming engines to remove all cylinders within 10 hours could cause more harm than good. Read more >

Travel

Slideshow

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum a highlight near New York's Finger Lakes

New York's Finger Lakes region is an area rich in history, culture, and beauty. Visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, which honors one of aviation's most important pioneers. Each September, the museum throws a big seaplane party on Keuka Lake to honor Curtiss, the inventor of the seaplane. Read more >

Slideshow

Splash in at Moosehead Lake

Every September, the weekend after Labor Day, seaplane pilots from all over the United States head for Maine's Moosehead Lake, site of the Greenville International Seaplane Fly-In. You can attend the fly-in even without a seaplane because a free shuttle runs to and from the Greenville airport a mile away. Read more >

Slideshow

Canadian floatplane fishing adventure

Many pilots dream of making the trip to Alaska, but let's not forget neighboring Canada. If you love fishing and have an amphibious floatplane, we have the adventure of a lifetime for you! Read more >

Financial

Member benefit

Borrowing an airplane? Check your insurance

Aircraft owners who want to borrow an airplane should check their owner's insurance policy first to see if it includes non-owned or renter's insurance. Read more >

Video

Tips for leasing to an FBO

Find out what's involved in leasing an aircraft to a fixed-base operation and determine if such a move might be beneficial for you. AOPA explains the ins and outs in this recorded livestream. Watch the video >

News and Notes

Article

Midwest LSA Expo set for September

Mount Vernon Outland Airport in Mount Vernon, Illinois, is gearing up for the ninth annual Midwest LSA Expo Sept. 7 through 9. Read more >

Podcast

Hangar Talk: NASA's Kristen Erickson on eclipse highlights

NASA's Kristen Erickson, who pulled together the agency's "Eclipse Across America" coverage, explains highlights of the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse; and catch up on the latest aviation news in this week's Hangar Talk podcast. Listen to the podcast >

AOPA Super Cub Sweepstakes

One artist to another

Montana saddle artist and leather craftsman Bill Allison used what will become AOPA's Super Cub Sweepstakes airplane as a ranching workhorse. Now, the PA-18 is in the hands of the aviation artists at Baker Air Service in Baker, Montana. Read more >

Slideshow

'Let 'Er Buck!'

If you have even the slightest cowboy in you, fly to Pendleton, Oregon, this September for the Pendleton Round-Up. You can find hundreds of rodeos around the West every summer, but Pendleton's Round-Up is closer to rodeo's real ranching roots than any other ProRodeo. Read more >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Airport operations supervisor

The city of Hayward, California, is seeking an airport operations supervisor. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, and evaluating the operation and maintenance of the airport's facilities and providing administrative and analytical staff assistance to the airport manager. Additional responsibilities include daily operations and supervision of staff within the airport division. 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 research and analysis director, copy editor, marketing project coordinator, legislative affairs vice president, airports and state advocacy vice president, flight training business support senior director, legal services plan attorney, and part-time administrative assistant. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Question of the Week

Question

You fly a quadcopter as a hobby and are considering flying it commercially. Is the registration you had for flying recreationally sufficient for commercial operations?

Answer

If you are planning to use a drone for purposes other than recreation, it must be registered individually with the FAA. With few exceptions, you can register your drone on the FAA's Small Unmanned Aircraft System Registration Service website (the same website that you used when registering as a hobbyist). Each UAS registered commercially will have a unique registration number, and the cost is $5 per drone.

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

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Sep 9-10	Elkridge, Maryland; and Sacramento, California
Sep 16-17	Sandston, Virginia
Sep 23-24	Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Tempe, Arizona
Oct 7-8	Indianapolis, Indiana

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

Sep 9	Norman, Oklahoma
Sep 11	Houston, Texas; Butler, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; and Jacksonville, Florida
Sep 12	Daytona Beach, Florida; Wichita, Kansas; Houston, Texas; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Washington
Sep 13	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; San Antonio, Texas; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; and Melbourne, Florida

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Sep 8	Norman, Oklahoma
Sep 9	Millville, New Jersey; Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin; Boulder, Colorado; Blaine, Minnesota; Norman, Oklahoma; Nashville, Tennessee; Washington, Pennsylvania; Downers Grove, Illinois; and Cleburne, Texas
Sep 16	Lakeland, Florida; Gilford, New Hampshire; Chamblee, Georgia; San Diego, California; Burnet, Texas; and Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Sep 23	Spring, Texas

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 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

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Western United States:
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