December 27, 2019, issue of 'Flight Training' weekly newsletter


VOL 19, ISSUE 52	December 27, 2019

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Got stress?

A certain amount of stress can help your flying, but if stress increases beyond your ability to cope, it can have negative repercussions. Read more >

Technique

Cold weather ops

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

Flight Training News

Article

Success story: Dreaming big

It's time to start thinking about those New Year's resolutions. Consider setting some training-related goals. Read more >

Advocacy

AOPA helps shape recreational drone test

AOPA will pitch in on a collaborative effort to create a knowledge test for recreational drone users, aiming to keep the skies safe as newcomers arrive in droves. Read more >

ERAU student earns Dreams Soar scholarship

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student Lauren Abernathy has received the first ERAU academic scholarship from Dreams Soar, a nonprofit founded by Shaesta Waiz, who flew a Beechcraft Bonanza around the world. Abernathy is pursuing a bachelor's degree in aeronautical science and is working on her instrument rating.

What Am I

Smarty pants: Why some aircraft sport spats

Reduced drag, more speed—what's not to like about wheel pants? Some pilots like to argue the point. Read more >

Career News

Alsim acquires $2.34 million for future development

Alsim recently acquired investment capital of $2.34 million to pursue future product development. The simulator company, founded in 1994, counts more than 400 certified simulators installed in 50 countries and is accelerating development in the United States and in Asia.

Video

How to start a Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprop engine

If you are on a professional pilot track, chances are flying turboprops will be in your future. This video covers the basics of starting the popular Pratt & Whitney PT6.

Video

Day in the life of an ag pilot

If you like flying low and are up for a challenge, check out what it's like to be an ag pilot. We follow Isaac Wilde, owner of Wilde Air Service in South Dakota, as he makes a living flying a Thrush Aircraft S2R. Watch the video >

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 >

Training Products and Resources

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.

Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by Flight Training 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

There will be blood

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

Instrument Tip

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.

Photo of the Week

Piper Comanche

AOPA Senior Photographer Chris Rose took this photo of a Piper Comanche on assignment in the Bahamas. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

Am I required to sign my pilot certificate for it to be valid? I cannot find any reference to this in the regulations.

Answer

Yes. Pilot certificates are not valid unless they are signed. The guidance is not in the regulations, but on the Flight Standards Information Management System website.

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.

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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Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
Jill Tallman
David Tulis

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Melissa Whitehouse

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Tom Haines
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Ian Twombly
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