December 27, 2019, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 21, ISSUE 52	December 27, 2019

Click here for this week's custom content.

Top Stories

Pilot magazine

Ugly outside, delightful inside

It's easy to recoil at the sight of the nosewheel NXCub, but after you fly it, you just might fall in love. We did. (Photo courtesy of CubCrafters.) Read more >

Article

FAA investigating BlackBird air transportation digital service

The FAA is investigating the operation of BlackBird Air, an online marketplace that brings together commercial pilots and aircraft with people seeking air transportation through an app—and the regulatory agency warned that pilots listed in the BlackBird database may face "jeopardy." Read more >

Technique and Safety

Cold weather ops

From stubborn engines to slick runways and icy clouds, the coming of winter brings plenty of ways to get into trouble. Warm up for cold weather ops with this safety quiz from the AOPA Air Safety Institute.

Video

Traffic insight

In this episode of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Ask ATC series, air traffic control specialist Sarah Patten explains VFR and IFR traffic separation.

Video

Flying the Weather: Ice

Hear from weather expert and AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Tom Horne on the dangers of flight into "known icing" conditions and what you can do to escape those conditions with your life. Watch the video >

AOPA Premier Partner created content

Try this IFR challenge

Few pilots catch this error when flying instrument approaches in cold weather. Watch the video from AOPA Premier Partner PilotWorkshops and enter to win a $2,000 flight simulator.

Advocacy

Mutual aerial awareness

If you're still on the fence about ADS-B equipage, consider the benefits of situational awareness for all. Read more >

Health

Pilot Protection Services

There will be blood

Dr. Jonathan Sackier explains several reasons why we might see blood in an unexpected place. Read more >

Technology

Article

Asking for ADS-B

A group of Texas pilots has petitioned the FAA seeking an exemption from the agency's ADS-B rules—but not for the reason you might think. Read more >

Travel

Pilot magazine

Once upon a time in Air Hollywood

Want to see where aviation scenes are filmed for movies and TV? Tour the world's largest aviation-themed studio. Read more >

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

Financial

Pilot magazine

Budget Buy: Land-o-matic

The venerable Cessna 172 is reliable, roomy, and a great trainer—and it's everywhere new and used. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Love is in the air

Washington, D.C., aerial photojournalist Brad Freitas films breaking news from a helicopter, so it was a fitting place for him to break some news of his own. Read more >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Assistant director of operations, Boutique Air

Boutique Air is seeking an enthusiastic individual with a passion for aviation who can make a significant contribution to the organization to serve as assistant director of operations. 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 coordinator (membership), You Can Fly coordinator, government affairs (regulatory) vice president, and High School Aviation Outreach director. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Question of the Week

Question

I just received my Customs Annual User Fee decal for a trip I'm taking to Canada in my aircraft. I'll be leaving in December and returning to the United States in January. Will this decal be good for my return trip?

Answer

Decals are good for the calendar year, so when you return in January you will need to have a 2020 decal affixed to your aircraft. You can find more information on U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System website.

This question and answer were provided by AOPA's Pilot Information Center. Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Jan. 4-5	Charlotte, NC; Spokane, WA; and Costa Mesa, CA
Jan. 11-12	San Antonio, TX; Portland, OR; and Alcoa, TN
Jan. 18-19	Bellevue, WA; and Elkridge, MD
Jan. 25-26	Jackson, MS; and Romulus, MI

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

Jan. 20	Houston, TX
Jan. 21	San Antonio, TX
Jan. 22	Austin, TX
Feb. 10	McKinney, TX

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Jan. 11	Gordonville, TX; Nashville, TN; and Inverness, FL
Jan. 18	Stevensville, MD; Bethany, OK; Eden Prairie, MN; and Woodland, CA
Jan. 25	Fredericksburg, TX; Gulf Shores, AL; Clinton, IA; and Carlsbad, CA
Feb. 8	Plant City, FL; California, MD; and Corpus Christi, TX

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 Cobb
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
David Tulis

Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Kristy O'Malley
Melissa Whitehouse

Contributors:
Mike Collins
Sarah Deener
Tom Haines
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Kollin Stagnito
Jill Tallman
Ian Twombly
Julie Summers Walker

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