February 9, 2018, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 20, ISSUE 6	February 9, 2018

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Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Aircraft Maintenance: Tips for examining aircraft seat belts

Aircraft seat belts tend to be extraordinarily simple compared to their automotive cousins, but it's important to inspect them regularly for safety. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA delays AD on PA–28 fuel selector cover placards

At AOPA's request the FAA has delayed from Feb. 7 until March 9 the effective date for an airworthiness directive that would have required inspections of 17,957 Piper PA–28-series single-engine aircraft. Read more >

Advocacy

Terminal procedures chart update highlights PBN requirements

The U.S. Terminal Procedures Publication and the digital-Terminal Procedures Publication have begun to display performance-based navigation and conventional-equipment requirements in separate standardized note boxes. Read more >

Health

Pilot Protection Services

Keep an eye out for stress

Dr. Jonathan Sackier explains why it's critically important to recognize when you, or someone you care about, may be struggling under the weight of added stress. Read more >

Technology

Article

GA companies vying for Collier Trophy

Here's a sure way to discover some of the most exciting projects striving to push back the horizons of aviation and aerospace: Check out the list of the nine nominees for the 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy. Read more >

Gear

Article

Low-cost autopilot approval list expands

The STC Group secured supplemental type certificate approval Feb. 6 that clears the way for Trio autopilot installations in Cessna 177, 180, and 185 models, adding to a growing list of lower-cost, modern autopilot retrofits for legacy aircraft. Read more >

Pilot magazine

ADS-B Out deadline less than two years away

According to FAA data, as of Dec. 1, 2017, 46,968 U.S.-registered general aviation and U.S. air carrier aircraft had been equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out. How many more will equip by the Jan. 1, 2020, deadline? Read more >

Travel

Slideshow

Hot spring hotspot

Hot springs are tangible evidence of geological activity, so it makes sense that they are often found in mountainous areas. Consequently, Colorado is loaded with great hot spring destinations. Read more >

Slideshow

Rejuvenate in sunny SoCal

Fly to Southern California, where you can thaw out and play golf or relax in the warm, sunny climate while enjoying hot spring spas. In mid-February, take in Modernism Week and tour classic mid-century modern homes and gardens. Read more >

Slideshow

Warm-water delights in the Intermountain West

Nothing beats a relaxing soak in a Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming hot spring. Read more >

Financial

Article

Piper wins record order for 152 training aircraft

Piper Aircraft Inc. scored a big win with firm orders for 152 training aircraft from Chinese flight training specialists Fanmei Aviation Technologies, the company announced Feb. 7. The transaction is the largest order for training aircraft in Piper's history. Read more >

Webinar

Top aviation-related income tax questions answered

Get answers to frequently asked income tax questions about aircraft expenses, flight training expenses, aircraft leasing, and aircraft sales during a Pilot Protection Services webinar on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Register now >

News and Notes

Article

Goulian breaks out on top in 2018 Red Bull air races

Michael Goulian flew his way into first place on Feb. 3 as the 2018 Red Bull Air Race World Championship's eight-stop racing season opened in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Read more >

Article

McFadzean named CEO of Diamond Canada

Diamond Aircraft announced recently that Scott McFadzean has been appointed CEO of the company's Canadian operations. McFadzean, who previously served as chief operations officer, replaces Peter Maurer, who is retiring. Read more >

Article

Love lures Louisianan to aviation

It was love at first sight for New Orleans resident Gerald Herbert. The only problem was that his love lived 330 miles away. Speeding tickets added up, so Herbert found a better way to commute. Read more >

Article

Valentine's Day aviation art becomes teaching tool

CFI Pete Aarsvold's 2017 aviation art project turned into a valuable teaching tool for his students. Read more >

Article

Young pilot plans aviation journey

Kyle Fosso vowed in high school that one day he would pursue aviation and share it with others. That day has come. Read more >

Podcast

Hangar Talk: AdventureAbove's Kyle Fosso

Pilot and A&P mechanic Kyle Fosso will soon embark on a 50-state journey in a 1954 Cessna 170B that he restored; plus, catch up on the latest aviation news in this week's Hangar Talk podcast. Listen to the podcast >

NBAA accepting nominations for aviation's 'Top 40 Under 40'

A new National Business Aviation Association program recognizes the youth movement in the aviation industry. NBAA is accepting nominations through June 30 for the first "Top 40 Under 40" of aviation's movers and shakers. The leadership recognition for young professionals comes at a time when the industry seeks to attract the next generation of pilots, mechanics, and support personnel.

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Assistant airport manager, College Park, Maryland

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission is seeking a full-time assistant airport manager to assist the airport manager with complex administrative, operational, and technical responsibilities. Potential candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree in business administration, aviation management, airport management, or a related field, and a valid driver's license and valid private pilot certificate. 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 facilities technician, insurance account executive, High School Aviation Initiative manager, aviation program operations coordinator, and Salesforce developer. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Question of the Week

Question

After starting a friend's airplane, you notice that the GPS database is about six months out of date. You don't plan to fly into instrument conditions. Is a GPS database update required for your VFR flight?

Answer

In most cases, no, although even in visual conditions, flying with a database in need of an update has risks. Typically, a current GPS database is only required for IFR operations, but you should review the aircraft flight manual/pilot's operating handbook supplement for the particular GPS. Also see the database-currency discussion in Section 1-1-17 of the Aeronautical Information Manual.

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

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Feb 10-11	Louisville, Kentucky; Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Fairfax, Virginia
Feb 17-18	Sacramento, California; and Nashua, New Hampshire
Feb 24-25	Fort Worth, Texas; and Kenner, Louisiana
Mar 3-4	Tempe, Arizona

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

Feb 20	Germantown, Tennessee; and Wichita, Kansas
Feb 21	Nashville, Tennessee; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Feb 22	Maryville, Tennessee; and Rogers, Arkansas
Feb 25	Puyallup, Washington

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Feb 10	Knoxville, Tennessee; and Morrisville, North Carolina
Feb 17	Carlsbad, California
Feb 24	Puyallup, Washington; and Homestead, Florida
Mar 3	Henderson, Nevada; Kissimmee, Florida; Houston, Texas; Scottsdale, Arizona; San Diego, California; and Valparaiso, Indiana

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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