September 15, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot: Flight Training Edition'


VOL 17, ISSUE 37	September 15, 2017

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

First rules

A student pilot who can deal with critical tasks first and others only when workload permits has demonstrated the safety consciousness solo privileges demand. Learn the critical tasks for multiple scenarios including go-arounds and stalls. Read more >

Flight Training News

Video

Behind the Logbook: Communications

AOPA student pilots Brittany Krop and Emily Ramsay overcome their fears of talking on the radio and share what it's like to dive back into training after a two-month break. Watch the video >

Video

Ask ATC video series—fresh content, new look

The AOPA Air Safety Institute's popular Ask ATC video series is getting a makeover. In Ask ATC: Bothering ATC, the first installment in the updated series, air traffic control specialist Sarah Patten debunks the notion that talking to flights squawking 1200 is an inconvenience for controllers. Watch the new video, produced in partnership with NATCA and the FAA >

Article

Tips for flying disaster relief missions

In the wake of natural disasters such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, general aviation serves as a key link in delivering much-needed relief supplies to areas that have become inaccessible by road. Patient Airlift Services recently released disaster relief best practices. Read more >

You Can Fly

The AOPA High School Aviation STEM Symposium, presented by American Airlines, is scheduled for Nov. 6 and 7 in Fort Worth, Texas. The symposium, geared toward high school educators and administrators, will include breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and tours of American Airlines and the Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center. Register before Sept. 30 for a discount.

Slideshow

Norman sets new fly-in record

Near-perfect weather helped to draw more than 500 aircraft and 7,500 people to the University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport in Norman Sept. 9 for AOPA's regional fly-in. The airport hosted its eleventh annual Aviation Festival in conjunction with the fly-in. Read more >

Latest 'FAA Safety Briefing' issue dedicated to CFIs

The September/October issue of FAA Safety Briefing offers a wealth of information geared specifically toward flight instructors. Features include "Getting the Gouge: Ten Things Instructors Need to Know About Using the ACS," tackling transition training, continued education and CFI renewal, switching from military to civilian flight instructing, and more. The publication is downloadable in many formats from the FAA's website.

Scholarships

AOPA Foundation focus

Passing along the passion

Ceci Stratford's Flight Training Scholarship granted to Genevieve Anonsen through the AOPA Foundation not only helped Anonsen earn her private pilot certificate, but spurred her on to a career in aviation. Plus, Anonsen and her benefactor have developed a friendship. Read more >

AOPA Live

AOPA Live This Week

GA helps hurricane victims; Remembering Flight 93

Take a look back at the record-breaking AOPA Fly-In at Norman, Oklahoma, and reflect on the sixteenth anniversary of 9/11 during a visit to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. Also this week, general aviation brings critical supplies and tools to hurricane-ravaged regions, first in Texas and now in Florida. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Sept. 14 >

Training Products and Resources

Video

Avoid CFIT with a terrain avoidance plan

Have you been caught off guard flying too close for comfort near terrain or obstacles? The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Look Out! Avoiding Terrain and Obstructions video exposes potentially dangerous situations. Learn how heightened situational awareness and a terrain avoidance plan minimize risks. Watch the video >

Seat cushion boosts pilots in comfort

The 3.5-inch-thick RelaxFusion seat cushion from PilotMall.com is built with memory foam and gel fusion to provide hours of comfort while reducing heat buildup. A wickable mesh cover and breathable inner liner allow washing. The seat cushion, which can be used in an aircraft, automobile, or office, is available online for $34.99.

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

'Stop bugging me'

Dr. Jonathan Sackier explains 10 infections transmitted by bugs to beware during the summer and fall months when spending time outdoors. Read more >

Blogs

New regional first officer pay agreement emerges

Regional pilots who have left the industry for a while might be enticed to come back. Express Jet and Atlantic Southeast Airlines (both owned by Skywest) are hiring pilots with previous Part 121 experience and paying them based on previous years of service. Read more >

Plane Spotter

Power and grace

The red biplane is in a dive, upside down and trailing smoke—but not to worry. At the controls of the 1940 Boeing Stearman is aerobatic performer Vicky Benzing, who shares her "passion for everything airborne" by performing in either her "nimble and powerful" Extra 300S, in which she flies a series of high-energy maneuvers, or the Stearman, which renders "an aerial display of power and grace" in the barnstorming spirit. According to her website, Benzing regards her former military trainer and crop-dusting Stearman as "a timeless piece of history."

Final Exam

Question

I just acquired a presolo student who has a student pilot certificate and owns his own airplane. Before our first flight today, he taxied to the fuel pump. Can he legally operate an aircraft in this way with no endorsements?

Answer

Such an operation is acceptable. Mechanics regularly taxi aircraft as well, with no specific endorsement or credentials—only some training, which the student probably received from his last instructor. In each of these examples, there is no intention of flight, so a pilot flight crewmember (and associated credentials) would not be required; it is not regulated otherwise.

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: Chief pilot, Infinity Flight Group

Infinity Flight Group in New Jersey is seeking a chief pilot who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of all certificated flight instructors. A key aspect of this position is to hire, train, and lead all CFIs. The chief pilot also will monitor student progress and maintain training records. 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 associate project manager, 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 16-17	Sandston, Virginia
Sep 23-24	Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Tempe, Arizona
Oct 7-8	Indianapolis, Indiana
Oct 14-15	Nashville, Tennessee; Santa Clara, California; and Windsor Locks, Connecticut

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 18	Madison, Wisconsin; and Salt Lake City, Utah
Sep 19	Racine, Wisconsin
Sep 20	Green Bay, Wisconsin
Sep 25	Reno, Nevada; Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey; and Northbrook, Illinois

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Sep 16	Gilford, New Hampshire; Chamblee, Georgia; San Diego, California; Burnet, Texas; and Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Sep 23	Spring, Texas
Sep 30	Weslaco, Texas; Kissimmee, Florida; Millington, Tennessee; and San Juan, Puerto Rico
Oct 6	Groton, Connecticut

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:
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Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Jill W. Tallman
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker

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