July 6, 2018, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 20, ISSUE 27	July 6, 2018

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Top Stories

Adovcacy

FAA insists on self-service in Key West

The FAA backs self-service fuel availability for pilots in Key West, Florida, siding with AOPA. However, the agency misses the big picture on airport access and fixed-base operators that charge pilots for services not requested. (Photo courtesy of Monroe County.) Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Helicopters for volcano victims; Electric training

As Hawaii's Kilauea volcano continues to devastate, a helicopter tour operator is flying to help. Also this week, see what an electric aircraft flight lesson looks like, and a change in charting standards might save you a few bucks. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, July 5 >

Technique and Safety

Video

Activate Plan B with ATC

You're flying an assigned altitude and heading. Is ATC responsible for providing weather deviations? The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Ask ATC: Weather deviating video clarifies. Watch the video >

Going to the boardwalk

True or false: After a static system blockage, your airspeed indicator will be accurate at all altitudes. Fly the AOPA Air Safety Institute's "IFR Quiz: Boardwalk approach" to find out. Take the quiz >

Video

One bad apple

The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Accident Case Study: Everyone's problem is a tale of recklessness and irresponsibility, with lessons for pilots and instructors alike. Watch the video >

IFR Fix

Early turn to IPIHO

A pilot takes off from California's Van Nuys Airport on an IFR clearance that includes flying the Canoga Two Departure. Unfortunately, the pilot skips a key step when flying the standard instrument departure. What happens next? Read more >

Advocacy

TSA program gets the AOPA pat-down

Now it's the Transportation Security Administration's turn for a pat-down. AOPA cited cost-prohibitive training requirements and other issues with the TSA’s Alien Flight Student Program. Read more >

Article

FAA approves alternative for grounded Bonanzas

Now there's a solution for Bonanza A36TC and B36TC models with certain exhaust clamps that have been grounded by an airworthiness directive because replacements were unavailable. Read more >

Help general aviation: Complete the GA, Part 135 survey

If you received an invitation via email or mail to participate in the General Aviation and Part 135 Activity survey, please complete the form to help give the FAA an accurate measure of GA activity. The survey can also be completed online and is confidential.

Health

Pilot Protection Services

Stress can affect a pilot's performance

Repeated wear and tear can stress an airplane, and chronic stress can affect a pilot's performance, writes Dr. Kenneth Stahl. Read more >

Technology

Article

Boeing entertains hypersonic dreams

Add Boeing to the list of aircraft makers eyeing a future in which passengers are whisked across the planet at amazing speed, but don’t hold your breath waiting on a Mach 5 ride. Read more >

Opinion

Article

'Zen Pilot' joins AOPA Opinion Leaders

Who wouldn't dream of flying to the ends of the earth for worthy causes? New Opinion Leaders blogger Robert DeLaurentis takes you behind the scenes while preparing for a polar circumnavigation. Read more >

Blog

Preparing 'Citizen of the World' for polar circumnavigation

A 1983 Gulfstream Turbine Commander 900 gets tricked out for a polar circumnavigation. Opinion Leaders blogger Robert DeLaurentis details the modifications to boost the aircraft's performance and safety margin. Read more >

Gear

Product Brief

Flight Outfitters iPad Mini Kneeboard put to the test

Find out how Flight Outfitters' iPad Mini Kneeboard performs when put to the test in a Cessna 182. Read more >

Article

ForeFlight packs in new features

ForeFlight version 10.1 boasts new features and capabilities designed to enhance safety and convenience. Read more >

Travel

Slideshow

Idaho's premier backcountry base

The "Cadillac" of Idaho backcountry flying, Johnson Creek, beckons pilots from around the world. Read more >

Want more general aviation travel stories? Sign up for our free AOPA Travel Pilot biweekly newsletter.

Financial

Member benefit

'Buy and fly'

AOPA member Sean Keehner has bought and sold several aircraft since he learned to fly in 2013, including a Piper Mirage. Keehner turned to the AOPA Aviation Finance Co. for each of his purchases. Read more >

News and Notes

AOPA Foundation focus

Living the dream(s)

The AOPA Foundation's Richard Santori Memorial Flight Training Scholarship helped Zachary Huffman launch his dreams. Now he's combining aviation, business, and communications into a career. Read more >

AOPA Super Cub Sweepstakes

Comfy ride

On a flight from frigid Montana to steamy Florida, the AOPA Sweepstakes Super Cub's ergonomics, rigging, and creature comforts make the long days of flying enjoyable (kind to the behind) and stave off fatigue. Read more >

Career Opportunities

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a regulatory affairs director, renewals insurance account executive, new business insurance account executive, foundation communication director, aviation finance account executive, web application developer, aviation writer, receptionist, marketing manager, medical certification specialist, and High School Aviation Initiative curriculum specialist. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Question of the Week

Question

Holding short of the runway, waiting for an intersection departure, I heard the pilot of the aircraft ahead of me waive a wake turbulence hold from air traffic control. I didn't know that you could waive wake turbulence holds from ATC. Where can I learn more?

Answer

You can waive wake turbulence holds from ATC when utilizing intersection takeoffs by making a specific request (see section 4-3-10(f) of the Aeronautical Information Manual). However, wake turbulence from heavier aircraft and helicopters can be fatal. Wingtip vortices have flipped aircraft close to the ground, which is usually unrecoverable. You also can request a longer delay if conditions are conducive to making wake turbulence worse (for example, a slight quartering tailwind). Waiting a few minutes isn't as bad as the alternative.

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

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Jul 14-15	Jacksonville, Florida; and Frederick, Maryland
Aug 4-5	Reno, Nevada
Aug 18-19	Atlanta, Georgia
Aug 25-26	Fort Worth, Texas

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

Jul 23-27	Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Sep 4	Green Bay, Wisconsin; Reno, Nevada; and Wichita, Kansas
Sep 5	Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Sacramento, California; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sep 6	Madison, Wisconsin; Milpitas, California; and Rogers, Arkansas

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Jul 7	Madisonville, Kentucky
Jul 14	Broomfield, Colorado; Jacksonville, Florida; Kennesaw, Georgia; Ogden, Utah; Atmore, Alabama; Hayward, California; and Big Bear, California
Jul 21	Wadsworth, Ohio; Santa Barbara, California; Gaithersburg, Maryland; New Century, Kansas; and Carlsbad, California
Jul 25	Oshkosh, Wisconsin

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:
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Kristy O'Malley
Melissa Whitehouse

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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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