September 27, 2019, issue of 'AOPA ePilot: Flight Training Edition'


VOL 19, ISSUE 39	September 27, 2019

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

The biggest bump

Two pilots with thousands of hours of flight time had never before been jostled like the shot they got passing a petite peak on a super-smooth night. Read more >

Flight Training News

Slideshow

Cirrus unveils trainer

A landing gear handle looks wholly out of place on a fixed-gear Cirrus SR20—but it's there for a very good reason. Read more >

Online resource

McSpadden: 'Ask me anything'

Ask Richard McSpadden of AOPA's Air Safety Institute (and a former U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds lead) anything you like on Oct. 2 via Twitter (3 p.m. Eastern time) and Instagram (6 p.m. Eastern time). Follow @flywithaopa on Instagram.

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Alaska bush pilot Leighan Falley

Alaska bush pilot, artist, and parent Leighan Falley talks about flying where runways are a luxury. Listen to the podcast >

Flight Training magazine

What now?

Simulated engine failure is arguably one of the most challenging maneuvers on a checkride. One examiner explains what they look for. Read more >

Scholarships

Several EAA scholarships available

Students who will begin their flight training between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2020, may apply for several Experimental Aircraft Association scholarships. The application deadline for the award period is Nov. 1.

AOPA Live

AOPA Live This Week

Rough River, nice runway; Space shots in sight

We visit the New Mexico spaceport preparing to launch paying customers, and a choice Kentucky destination for outdoor sports and scenery has a paved runway. Also, Cirrus crafts a pro pilot trainer. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Sept. 26 >

Training Products and Resources

Constant-wear life vest

Anyone flying over water can rest assured and skip the struggle with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Mustang Survival life vest, inflated as needed with a gas cartridge (there's a tube for backup). Sporty's Pilot Shop lists it at $139.99.

Podcast

Engine failure in an airshow

British warbird pilot Mark Levy shares what he learned after his P–51's engine failed to finish an airshow performance in this AOPA Air Safety Institute There I was... podcast.

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

Pilot Protection Services

Record, respond to maintain medical fitness

If the FAA requests additional medical information, be sure you keep detailed records and adhere to deadlines. Read more >

Article

Protect your credit on the road

If you're planning a trip, check out these six tips for enhancing credit card security. Read more >

Member benefit

Details drive the down payment

Lenders factor in an aircraft's intended use and the loan structure when calculating your required down payment. Read more >

Plane Spotter

A touch of (M) class

As the piston-powered member of Piper Aircraft's M-Class of single-engine airplanes that debuted in 2015, the 213-knot M350, formerly the Mirage, holds several distinctions. It's currently the only production pressurized piston-engine aircraft available. The six-seater can cruise at 25,000 feet, has a range of more than 1,300 nautical miles, and includes a hypoxia-spotting safety feature. Plane spotting hint: A three-bladed propeller driven by the 350-horsepower Lycoming engine is a visual clue to differentiating an M350 from its M500 and M600 turboprop relatives.

Final Exam

Question

I have a sport pilot certificate and own an Aeronca Champ 7AC. Am I permitted to perform preventive maintenance such as oil changes on this aircraft?

Answer

No. You have no preventive maintenance privileges with this airplane. Although the Champ meets the criteria of and can be flown as a light sport aircraft, it is not an LSA. And because you are not a private pilot, you cannot perform or approve for return to service any preventive maintenance (see 14 CFR 43.7).

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: CFI, Darcy Aviation

Darcy Aviation, a Part 91 flight school in beautiful Danbury, Connecticut, is hiring full-time certificated flight instructors to help students on their journey toward certification. 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 government affairs manager, member services representative, marketing coordinator, High School Aviation Initiative director, and front-end developer. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Oct. 5-6	Santa Clara, California
Oct. 19-20	Nashville, Tennessee
Nov. 9-10	Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Anchorage, Alaska
Nov. 16-17	Austin, Texas; Dulles, Virginia; and San Diego, California

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

Oct. 2	Dodge Center, Minnesota; and Columbus, Ohio
Oct. 3	Batavia, Ohio
Oct. 7	San Antonio, Texas
Oct. 14	Zionsville, Indiana; Garden City, New York; and Monroe, North Carolina

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

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Sep. 28	Santa Ana, California; College Park, Maryland; and Seattle, Washington
Oct. 5	Southbridge, Massachusetts; Palo Alto, California; and Roanoke, Virginia
Oct. 12	Hillsdale, Michigan; New Castle, Delaware; and Richmond, Virginia
Oct. 19	McKinney, Texas; and Statesboro, Georgia

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 Flight Training 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

Advertise in ePilot:
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Eastern and Central United States and International:
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Western United States:
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