August 7, 2020, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 22, ISSUE 32	August 7, 2020

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Top Stories

Article

New King Air 360 soars to 'the next level'

Textron Aviation's new King Air 360 and King Air 360ER, more capable and refined successors to the King Air 350 and King Air 350ER, will take the company's flagship King Airs "to the next level," said Ron Draper, Textron Aviation's president and CEO. Read more >

AOPA Sweepstakes RV–10

Sweeps RV–10 nails low IFR approach

AOPA Editor at Large Dave Hirschman shows off your AOPA Sweepstakes RV–10's glass cockpit capabilities during three approaches to minimums in low instrument conditions. Read more and watch a video >

AOPA Live This Week

Aspen changes hands; Sirius sound; New King Air; Prop tips

Aspen Avionics has new owners; AOPA Editor in Chief Tom Haines gives the SiriusXM Tour a serious listen; new King Airs arrive; a safety expert offers hand-propping tips; and a young co-pilot gives safety advice to Dad. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Technique and Safety

IFR Fix

An obscure operation

When a Cessna 172 pilot flying in deteriorating conditions observed that the forecast mountain obscuration was concealing the entire ridgeline ahead, it was a prudent call to turn back, land, and take another look at the weather. Read more >

Sponsored by California Aeronautical University

Know your systems

Aircraft are extremely reliable when properly cared for and can deliver years of safe flight, but not all pilots know as much as they should. Brush up on aircraft systems with this AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Spotlight. Learn more >

Feeling off balance

Spatial disorientation can occur when your senses and instruments do not agree on what is happening. Reorient yourself with this AOPA Air Safety Institute quiz. Test your knowledge >

Video

In too deep

On November 26, 2011, a VFR-only private pilot took off from Indiana in a Cirrus SR20, headed for the Chicago area. This AOPA Air Safety Institute Accident Case Study examines how deteriorating weather and a series of decisions led to tragedy. Watch the video >

Advocacy

Dickson: SFAR extensions to continue as needed

The FAA is working to provide predictability without degrading safety as it shapes the special rules that are helping keep general and business aviation operating during the coronavirus pandemic, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. Read more >

Airworthiness advisories

Aspen E1000 shutdowns prompt AD
AD calls for Queen Air, King Air wing inspections
FAA imposes AD on Pacific Aerospace XTOL turboprop

Health

Pilot Protection Services

FAA monitors pilots with history of substance abuse

Pilots should be aware that the FAA conducts lifetime monitoring of aviators who have a history of substance abuse or dependence issues. Read more >

Technology

Article

Virgin Galactic unveils supersonic airliner

Virgin Galactic revealed a supersonic airliner concept as its commercial spacecraft closes in on FAA approval. Read more >

Gear

Article

Beringer releases new shock wheel, ultralight tailwheel

Beringer is offering its Shock Wheel HL for experimental airplanes weighing up to 3,000 pounds after its success with a similar wheel in the ultralight and light sport markets. The company plans to certify it for Cessna taildraggers. Read more >

Travel

Article

VFR Unleashed: Did I chicken out?

After we make a decision that eliminates or reduces risk and it costs us something, we inevitably wonder if we played it too safe. Read more >

Article

Pearl Harbor events to honor World War II veterans

Honor the Greatest Generation and tour historic sites while celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War II in Hawaii. Read more >

Article

Arsenal of Democracy set to fly over DC in September

More than 50 World War II-era aircraft will fly over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on September 25 in honor of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War II. Here's how to get a prime viewing spot. Read more >

Article

Bahamas under national lockdown

After a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the Bahamas, government officials announced a two-week national lockdown on August 4. The lockdown does not prohibit general aviation travel to the islands, but pilots should carefully consider whether to go there during the pandemic. A health visa is still required. Read more >

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

Financial

Article

Cirrus launches Vision Jet ownership program

A new program makes the Cirrus Vision Jet easier to own, operate, and manage—particularly for nonpilots in the market for a personal jet. Read more >

Article

Aspen Avionics under new ownership

Aspen Avionics will gain access to new markets and keep existing staff in place under new ownership by an aerospace holding company that has been on a buying spree. Read more >

AOPA Foundation focus

You can make a difference in the 2020 You Can Fly Challenge

You have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of thousands of high school students across the country by donating to the AOPA Foundation for the 2020 You Can Fly Challenge before August 31. Read more >

Member Benefit

Getting financing for an aircraft on leaseback can be difficult

Financing an aircraft that you plan to lease back to a flight school or flying club poses a challenge to lenders because of the higher-than-normal usage on the aircraft. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

'Waco Taco' in the works

Waco Aircraft Corp. is delivering YMF–5F amphibians following the biplane's certification in May, and that's not all the company has cooking. Read more >

Article

Helicopter association mourns death of James Wisecup

The helicopter community mourned longtime air ambulance pilot, safety advocate, and past Helicopter Association International chairman James Wisecup, 71, who died of cancer July 30 in Cedar City, Utah. Read more >

OBAP 2020 Virtual Conference includes industry giants

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals is hosting a virtual conference on August 13 and 14. The event will include small group roundtables with the FAA; Lockheed Martin; Netflix; and airline and cargo operators such as American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, FedEx, and UPS. Learn more and register online >

Public Benefit Flying Awards nominations open

The Air Care Alliance and the National Aeronautic Association are reminding volunteer pilots that nominations for the annual Public Benefit Flying Awards are open until August 31. Five award categories recognize the "significant contributions" and "outstanding work" of those engaged in humanitarian activity.

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Maintenance/flight technician, Northrop Grumman

The Northrop Grumman corporate flight department is accepting applications for an experienced aircraft technician at Washington-Dulles International Airport in Virginia. This is primarily a senior aircraft maintenance technician position, with additional duty serving as a flight technician and cabin attendant on board Gulfstream 550 aircraft. 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 HR generalist and an airspace, air traffic, and security lead. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Question of the Week

Question

While practicing ground reference maneuvers or preparing for an emergency landing, we need to quickly determine the direction and strength of the wind. If there are no visual clues like smoke or trees, what is the best way to determine the wind?

Answer

Being prepared and checking the local weather or onboard sources is your best/easiest source of wind information (outside of visual indicators). For ground reference maneuvers, with no other source of wind indication available, you could also do a wind drift circle—a constant-bank, 360-degree turn done over a fixed point (think turns around a point, without varying bank or trying to hold a ground track). After completing your 360-degree turn, you will be able to tell if you've been pushed by the wind, and if so, what direction it's coming from and its relative strength. In a pinch, a wind drift circle will help you determine the wind direction for ground reference maneuvers. It can also help confirm whether the winds you looked up before your flight are still accurate. Read the full answer and join the discussion >

This discussion is from our online Pilot Information Center, where you can ask questions, contribute answers, earn badges, and join our growing pilot community online. Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

AOPA's in-person educational courses and seminars have been canceled or postponed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Stay sharp with our webinars, podcasts, and videos.

Upcoming AOPA webinars

Aug. 13, 12 p.m. EDT	'Don't Get Rusty' series: Shtick and rudder
Aug. 13, 3 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Aug. 19, 9 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Aug. 21, 12 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition

See the full webinar schedule in our online Pilot Information Center. (Log in to our online Pilot Information Center using your AOPA website username and password to view these events.) View our recently recorded webinars (registration required).

Latest AOPA Pilot Lounge videos

How a PPS panel attorney protects AOPA members

'Bachelor' star Peter Weber

DK's Top 5: Everything you've always wanted to ask a controller

Kellee Edwards

High school scholarship recipient Tristan Dawson

Flying to watch the SpaceX launch

For a full list of Pilot Lounge videos, see AOPA Online.

AOPA Podcasts

'Hangar Talk': Armless pilot Jessica Cox

'Hangar Talk' Flight Time series: John and Martha King

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Aug. 3, 2020

'There I was...': Robert Clark

'Never Again': In a pickle

'Pilot Protection Services Podcast': Predicting the future

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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