April 3, 2020, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 22, ISSUE 14	April 3, 2020

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Top Stories

Advocacy

GA fights for public benefit exemptions, accommodations

AOPA and seven other industry groups urged the FAA to empower general aviation pilots to contribute to the coronavirus pandemic response and economic recovery by extending certification deadlines. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA suspends enforcement; insurance questions remain

Because of the pandemic, the FAA suspended enforcement of airman medical certificate expirations from March 31 through June 30 for required crewmembers. However, insurance policy requirements are not affected. Read more >

AOPA Sweepstakes RV–10

Fly-off: Sweeps RV–10 takes on Cirrus SR22

Your AOPA 2020 Sweepstakes RV–10 is often mistaken for a Cirrus. The similarity does not end on the ramp. Read more and watch a video >

Article

Sun 'n Fun canceled

After initially postponing the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo because of the coronavirus pandemic, show organizers announced April 1 that they were canceling the event for 2020 but pledged to release a "Sun 'n Fun at Home" series. Read more >

Article

Piper joins fight for coronavirus relief

Piper Aircraft prototyped a clear plastic face shield to help protect hospital staff from the coronavirus, and the new product exceeded expectations. Read more >

Article

Aircraft market reacts to the coronavirus

The aviation industry's response to the spread of the coronavirus in March was swift and dramatic. Read more >

Online resource

Safety notice: Beware ATC zero events

The coronavirus is affecting air traffic control personnel, resulting in reduced staffing and even sudden facility closures. This AOPA Air Safety Institute safety notice details preflight planning pilots need to conduct as well as steps to take if flying to an airport with an unplanned tower closure.

AOPA Live This Week

Sweeps fly-off; GA steps up

We have tips to cope with stay-at-home stress! Also, pilots and Piper pitch in to protect hospital staff, and a sweet diversion watching your AOPA Sweepstakes RV–10 fly head-to-head against a Cirrus SR22. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Technique and Safety

Podcast

Five ways to maximize your online aviation learning

King Schools CEO Barry Knuttila joins us for a Hangar Talk podcast about flight training during the pandemic, including tips for aviation distance learning. Read more >

IFR Fix

When Houston had a (coronavirus) problem

When an employee in an air traffic control facility tests positive for coronavirus, it can set in motion a chain of airspace-management responses extending far beyond the affected individual's work area. Read more >

Online resource

Help protect GA airports!

More than 1,600 AOPA Airport Support Network members are the first line of defense for general aviation's community airports—and you can join. Learn how to protect your local airfield >

Online resource

Flight planning for the future

Quick hops and epic voyages both require proper preflight planning. This AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Spotlight includes courses, videos, and quizzes to prepare for your next adventure.

Video

Time lapse

Come along as we examine a tragic accident that highlights an important and often-overlooked limitation of datalink radar in this AOPA Air Safety Institute Accident Case Study. Watch the video >

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Aircraft Maintenance: Black lights aren't just for parties

A simple black light can be a useful tool when checking your aircraft's engine for leaks. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA developing examiner system fixes, extends some deadlines

A working group studying the FAA's designated pilot examiner system plans to hear recommendations in June to help make pilot practical testing more efficient and delay-free. Read more >

Health

Pilot Protection Services

The day the music died

Dr. Kenneth Stahl shares lessons from the 1959 airplane crash that claimed the lives of musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson (also known as the "Big Bopper"), as well as pilot Roger Peterson. Read more >

Technology

Advocacy

Bad ADS-B? More info

We are three months into the FAA's ADS-B Out mandate, and everyone's ADS-B Out is working properly—right? Wrong. Read more >

Article

eFlyer gets Garmin glass

The Bye Aerospace electric two-seat eFlyer 2 will come equipped with a full complement of Garmin's G3X Touch avionics. Read more >

Gear

Article

Appareo ups EFB game

Leveraging its innovative efforts in artificial intelligence and its purchase last summer of Aerovie, maker of the Aerovie electronic flight bag, Appareo has introduced Stratus Insight, its new flight app. Read more >

Article

Great aviation books to weather the virus

If you're looking to get your aviation fix during the coronavirus pandemic, here are some of our editors' favorite books. Read more >

Article

'Virtual airshows' bring deals to you

Aviation vendors know you're jonesing for something to take your mind off the coronavirus pandemic, and they've stepped up with aviation webinars, "virtual airshows," and other special promotions. Read more >

Travel

Article

Share your social distancing flight photos

Pilots not under orders to stay home can share social distancing solo flight photos with the rest of us—and get a leg up on the Pilot Passport challenge. Read more >

Article

SocialFlight promotes 'Take-Offs for Take-Out'

SocialFlight's new Take-Offs for Take-Out campaign encourages pilots who are able to fly during the coronavirus pandemic to patronize airport restaurants, FBOs, and pilot shops that are observing safe social distancing business practices. Read more >

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

Financial

AOPA Foundation Focus

Committed to the aviation community

During this unusual time, the AOPA Foundation is committed to building a stronger, safer pilot community. Read more >

Article

Tips for older pilots to manage insurance costs

A third class medical certificate (or higher) can help older pilots keep their insurance costs down. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Joe Clark, noted winglet designer, has died

Joe Clark, the entrepreneurial aeronautical engineer whose innovative blended winglets are used on many business and commercial aircraft, died March 30. He was 78. Read more >

Article

Arkansas airport takes 'direct hit' from tornado

A tornado landed "a direct hit" on Jonesboro Municipal Airport in Arkansas on March 28, damaging hangars and dozens of aircraft. Read more >

Video

Pilot Lounge: Being an airline pilot in the time of COVID-19

What's it like to be an airline pilot while the whole country is locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic? AOPA Editor in Chief Tom Haines talks with JetBlue captain Adrian Eichhorn in the Pilot Lounge. Watch the video >

Article

Delaware Aviation Museum awards SIC type rating course

The Delaware Aviation Museum awarded one lucky pilot a second-in-command type rating package in the North American B–25 Mitchell bomber Panchito as part of its fifth anniversary celebration. Read more >

Article

Your chance to fly a P–51

Mercy Flight Southeast coordinates volunteer pilots to fly passengers to medical appointments and raises its funds through donations and a program that culminates in a North American P–51 Mustang flight for a lucky supporter. Read more >

Online resource

More pandemic impacts on GA

Get the very latest news we have on event disruptions, late-breaking announcements, and other general aviation-related pandemic updates here >

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 to serve as assistant director of operations. This job may be based at Denver, Dallas, Portland, or Pittsburgh, though other locations will be considered for the right candidate. 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 medical certification specialist, membership experience senior manager, major gifts officer, data analyst, associate developer of safety programs, government affairs (regulatory) vice president, and High School Aviation Outreach director. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Question of the Week

Question

Many sources define different types of airspace. Where are the airspace types legally defined by the FAA?

Answer

Chapter 1, Subchapter E of the federal aviation regulations contains these definitions. It also covers topics like alterations to airspace and obstacles.

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

Education & Seminars

AOPA's educational courses and seminars have been canceled or postponed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

AOPA Courses and Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses	Canceled through June
Safety Seminars	Canceled indefinitely
Rusty Pilots Seminars	Canceled through June

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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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