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September 14, 2018, issue of 'AOPA ePilot: Flight Training Edition'

AOPA
VOL 18, ISSUE 37 September 14, 2018
Training Tips
AOPA
Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce
The quick-turn quandary
The quick turn—getting the aircraft ready for its next flight leg as expeditiously as possible—is an aviation art form, but the hurry factor invites error. Read more >
Flight Training News
Flight Training magazine
Making graceful landings
A good landing begins well before touchdown. Find out how skills and consistency can lead to better landings. Read more >
Delta and Embry-Riddle announce career pathway
Delta Air Lines and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University announced Sept. 7 a professional pilot career partnership. The Delta Propel program gives students a chance to progress to the air carrier in 42 months or less.
Video
Take note of density altitude
High density altitude problems aren't limited to high altitudes. Learn more about density altitude with this new AOPA Air Safety Institute video and safety notice.
Podcast
'Hangar Talk': Cirrus Aircraft's Gary Black
Cirrus Aircraft regional sales director Gary Black, a former test pilot for the manufacturer, talks about general aviation's best-selling aircraft. Plus, stick around for the latest headlines. Listen to the podcast >
Scholarships
Helicopter Foundation scholarships now open
The Helicopter Foundation International offers up to 19 scholarships ranging from $1,600 to $5,000 for pilots or maintenance technicians pursuing aviation careers. Scholarship applications are open through Nov. 30.
AOPA Live
AOPA Live This Week
Kodiak splash; FBO relief
Fly along with AOPA Editor in Chief Tom Haines and see how Aerocet floats make for smooth sailing on the Quest Kodiak 100 Series II. A new fixed-base operator spells less trouble in Heber City, Utah, and we put the Unpanel to the test in a Zenith kitplane. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Sept. 13 >
Training Products and Resources
Flash-based; login required
Know what drives you
Troubleshooting engine problems begins with knowing how the engine works. Learn more with the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Engine and Propeller online course.
Spot X satellite messenger
The Spot X handheld communicator allows two-way satellite messaging so pilots can stay connected when outside of cellular range. In case of a life-threatening emergency, the impact-resistant and waterproof device can be used for direct communication with search-and-rescue services; it has a battery that can last up to 10 days in tracking mode. The messenger is available from Sporty's Pilot Shop for $249.99. Subscriptions start at $14.99 per month.
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
Member benefit
Top five factors that affect aircraft financing loan terms
When it's time to secure financing for your aircraft purchase, the lender will consider more than your income and credit history. Read more >
Pilot Protection Services
All's well if your end's well
Pilots spend a lot of time sitting, which can cause some uncomfortable problems with the derriere. Dr. Jonathan Sackier explains common medical issues and how a healthy diet can prevent many of these problems. Read more >
Blogs
Major life events
Tying the knot? Airline pilot Chip Wright offers advice about requesting time off. When Wright got married, his employer acted like his wedding "was going to cause the entire operation to shut down." Read more >
Plane Spotter
AOPA
Sentry duty
Plane spotters at airports with a military presence are often treated to sights of interesting visitors. One of the species spotted at such airports is the Boeing E–3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, a modified Boeing 707 prominently topped by a rotating radar dome with a range of about 250 miles. According to the U.S. Air Force, the dome is 30 feet in diameter, six feet thick, and positioned 11 feet above the fuselage by two struts. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Chris Massey.)
Final Exam
Question

What should I do if air traffic control gives me a clearance I don't understand or cannot comply with?
Answer
If you are uncertain about any part of a clearance, request clarification. If you determine that you are unable to comply with a clearance, you should advise ATC immediately and request an amended clearance. You may have to work with ATC to find a solution (see 14 CFR 91.123).

This question and answer were provided by the aviation experts in AOPA's Pilot Information Center. 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: Flight instructor, Griffith, Indiana
Griffith Aviation, a Part 141 flight school located in northwest Indiana, is seeking full- and part-time flight instructors. At this active school, many instructors are able to fly more than 100 hours per month and build time very quickly on their path to the airlines. 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 aviation finance sales manager/senior account executive, staff accountant, human resources director, publications senior director, insurance customer service representative, High School Initiative project manager, renewals insurance agent, regulatory affairs director, new business aviation insurance agent, aviation finance account executive, and marketing project manager. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >
Education & Seminars
Flight Instructor Refresher Courses
Sept. 15-16 Sandston, Virginia; and Tempe, Arizona
Sept. 22-23 Colorado Springs, Colorado
Oct. 6-7 Santa Clara, California
Oct. 13-14 Indianapolis, Indiana; and Dulles, Virginia
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
Sept. 24 King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; Northbrook, Illinois; and Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey
Sept. 25 East Peoria, Illinois; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and Hartford, Connecticut
Sept. 26 Waltham, Massachusetts; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Lisle, Illinois
Sept. 27 Butler, Pennsylvania; Poplar Grove, Illinois; and Nashua, New Hampshire
Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.
Rusty Pilots Seminars
Sept. 15 Santa Fe, New Mexico; Springfield, Kentucky; Rochester, New York; and Watford City, North Dakota
Sept. 22 Lawrenceville, Georgia; Stevensville, Maryland; and Columbus, Ohio
Sept. 29 Pottstown, Pennsylvania; and Santa Ana, California
Oct. 6 Murphysboro, Illinois; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Wichita, Kansas
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.
AOPA
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ePilot Flight Training Editors:
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Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
David Tulis

Production Team:
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Kristy O'Malley
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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