September 8, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot: Flight Training Edition'


VOL 17, ISSUE 36	September 8, 2017

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

A stubborn statistic

An airline captain recited the truism that there are pilots who train until they get it right, and pilots who train "until they don't get it wrong." Which of those approaches to training do you think makes a pilot more capable of avoiding error? Read more >

Flight Training News

Slideshow

Pilots rush to aid storm victims

Pilots are playing key roles in relief efforts for thousands displaced by Hurricane Harvey. As Hurricane Irma ravaged the Caribbean and prompted frantic preparations in Florida, aircraft and flight crews swung into action. Read more >

Get to know the regulations

True or false? When flying at a cabin pressure altitude above 15,000 feet msl, both crew and passengers are required to use supplemental oxygen. For the answer, explore this AOPA Air Safety Institute safety quiz, which offers a great refresher on sometimes difficult-to-remember federal aviation regulations. Be safe and test your skills >

Redbird Migration speakers announced

A handful of featured speakers were announced for Redbird Migration, the free conference for flight training professionals in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Oct. 16 to 18. Airshow performer Sean D. Tucker, former Alaska Air Group Chairman Bill Ayer, and NTSB member Christopher Hart were announced as speakers for the event that is geared toward inspiring innovation and focusing on future aviators.

Scholarships

Clay Lacy mechanic scholarship applications open

Clay Lacy Aviation has awarded more than two dozen scholarships to local students learning aviation mechanic skills at the Los Angeles Unified School District's North Valley Occupational Center. Mechanic scholarship applications will be accepted through Oct. 30. The program's FAA-certified courses include theory, lectures, and hands-on projects designed to be completed in two years plus summer sessions when available.

AOPA Live

AOPA Live This Week

Passing hat to protect ATC; Gilded Age landmark

AOPA is among about 145 groups raising money to counter the lobbying push by airlines to privatize air traffic control. Also this week, visit an amazing landmark in Newport, Rhode Island, and tips on caring for oleo struts. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Sept. 7 >

Training Products and Resources

Online resource

Be safe and fly healthy

Feeling perfectly fine? You still should take stock of your health. The effect of illness and medication on flying is important, as is considering your overall well-being before any flight. Keep your health in check with the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Aeromedical Safety Spotlight. Explore the spotlight >

Survival vest pocket consolidates safety gear

The All-in-One Pocket from Switlik allows pilots to organize handheld safety equipment. The pocket can be attached to the company's X-Back Air Crew life vest and has two zipper pockets, interior straps and compartments, and an outside pen holder. The survival pocket is available online from Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co. in left- and right-side versions for $54.99.

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

Tips for flying as a safety pilot under BasicMed

AOPA Legal Services Plan Senior Staff Attorney Jared Allen explains the new BasicMed regulation and what it means for a pilot who wants to act as a safety pilot. Read more >

AOPA Aviation Finance

Time to refinance?

Interest rates are creeping up, and that trend is expected to continue. Now is a good time to look at refinancing your aircraft loan. Read more >

Blogs

Getting lucky

While many people traveled hundreds or thousands of miles and battled traffic jams to get a prime view of the total solar eclipse Aug. 21, Flight Training blogger Chip Wright needed only a short ground delay of his scheduled flight to line up a perfect view, one of many unique opportunities offered by an airline career. Read more >

Instrument Tip

Advocacy

FAA updating IFR chart formats

The FAA has begun to introduce changes designed to reduce clutter on government-produced standard instrument departure charts, and make it easier for pilots to ascertain the equipment requirements for instrument procedures. Read more >

Plane Spotter

How dreams come true

Everyone on the ramp has dropped what they were doing to watch an all-time-favorite airplane arrive. But it is the sharp-eyed plane spotter who first notices that this ship is a TF-51, the two-place variant of the P-51 Mustang that once trained military pilots for their combat assignments. Few original TF-51s or converted P-51s remain; one estimate puts the number at 16, including Crazy Horse, a two-seater that now has the delightful duty of helping make dreams of civilian aviators who always wished for some Mustang stick time come true.

Final Exam

Question

Is a pilot required to hold a second class medical certificate to take the commercial pilot practical test?

Answer

No. According to 14 CFR 61.23(a)(3)(iii), a pilot can take a commercial pilot practical test with a third class medical certificate. However, exercising the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate requires a second class medical 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: CFI, Norfolk Flight Center

Norfolk Flight Center is seeking certificated flight instructors who are enthusiastic and professional. The school's abundance of new and current students will allow instructors to fly as much as they want, ranging from 75 to 100 hours monthly. 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 marketing program 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 >

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; and Seattle, Washington
Sep 12	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 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

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