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News & Media epilot

Look back at 2020; Moderna vaccine OK'd for pilots

AOPA ePilot
VOL 22, ISSUE 52 December 25, 2020
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Top Stories
We rose to the challenges
Article
We rose to the challenges
In a year when the coronavirus pandemic and other disasters dominated attention, general aviation rallied. Here's a look back as we wave goodbye to 2020 and embrace a new year. Read more >
Article
Pilots mobilized for coronavirus relief
Aviators stepped up during the coronavirus pandemic to help manufacture or deliver medical supplies, transport patients, and honor front-line medical workers. Read more >
Technique and Safety
Article
Wings incentive launches
Complete a phase of the FAA Wings Pilot Proficiency program before December 31 for a chance at a sweet reward. Read more >
Login required
Winter is here
From stubborn engines to slick runways and icy clouds, winter's arrival brings plenty of ways to get into trouble. Warm up your brain with this AOPA Air Safety Institute quiz!
Video
Escape the ice
Weather expert and AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Tom Horne talks about the dangers of flight into "known icing" conditions and what you can do to escape in this AOPA Air Safety Institute video.
You Can Fly
Top 5 'Don't Get Rusty' webinars
If you haven't flown as much as you wanted in 2020, check out these popular Don't Get Rusty webinars to keep your head in the game. Read more >
Video
Traffic insight
In this episode of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Ask ATC video series, air traffic control specialist Sarah Patten explains VFR and IFR traffic separation.
Advocacy
Advocacy
FAA approves second COVID-19 vaccine
The FAA approved the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, requiring a 48-hour wait period before "conducting safety-sensitive aviation duties" as it did for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Read more >
Advocacy
AOPA joins industry effort to promote best charter practices
Increased FAA scrutiny of charter operations prompted aircraft owners to seek clarity about regulations that have landed some in legal peril. AOPA worked with industry experts to create a comprehensive regulatory briefing. Read more >
Advocacy
NTSB flags oil-filter adapter in Continental engine failures
The NTSB wants the FAA to issue an airworthiness directive mandating inspection of oil-filter adapters associated with loss-of-power occurrences in Continental engines. The adapters are manufactured by Stratus Tool Technologies, an affiliate company of Tempest Aero Group. Read more >
Health
Pilot Protection Services
What documents does the FAA need to see?
AOPA Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Director Gary Crump shares tips for identifying the correct medical documents to submit to the FAA. Read more >
Technology
Article
Kansas puts supersonic aircraft on new, fast track
A 770-mile-long racetrack in the sky above Kansas could become the proving ground for innovations that bring supersonic aircraft back into widespread civilian use. Read more >
Flying deep underground
A husband-wife team of remote pilots mapped a gold mine, much of it underwater, to help expand a historic facility turned tourist attraction. Read more >
Gear
Blog
AOPA staffers share their favorite Pilot Gear Store finds
The AOPA Pilot Gear Store is stocked with items to help you show your aviation pride. Staff members share a few of their favorite items. Read more >
Article
Garmin alerts select owners of possible fuel indication error
Garmin International Inc. issued a service alert December 22 advising of possible fuel quantity indication errors in certified aircraft that have G3X Touch or GI 275 displays connected to a GEA 24 engine monitor. Experimental and light sport aircraft installations are unaffected. Read more >
Travel
Article
Fly farther with VFR Unleashed series
VFR-only pilot Chris Eads, AOPA's senior director of outreach and events, shares advice for visiting fascinating destinations, making memories, and flying across the country in his 12-part VFR Unleashed series. Read more >
Want more general aviation travel stories? Sign up for our free AOPA Travel Pilot biweekly newsletter.
News and Notes
Article
2021 Air Race Classic canceled
The Air Race Classic, an all-women’s cross-country air race, will not take place in 2021, the organizers announced December 20. Read more >
Article
Mentorship from Aircraft Spruce inspired pilot-inventor
A teen's purchase from Fullerton Air Parts in 1957 led to a life in aviation and an invention that brought his story full circle. Read more >
Podcast
'Hangar Talk': iFlightPlanner founder Andy Matthews
Get to know former PGA tour competitor Andy Matthews, the brawn and the brains behind iFlightPlanner for AOPA, and learn what the flight planning software can do for you. Listen to the podcast >
Airworthiness advisories
Career Opportunities
Aviation job board
Job of the week: Aviation maintenance technician, Center for Aviation Services at Lewis LLC
The person in this position is primarily responsible for the maintenance, preventive maintenance, repair, or alteration of assigned aircraft, engine, propeller, or appliance as assigned. Read the full description and apply today >
Question of the Week
Question

I am on a trip and my pilot certificate was stolen, along with other things. How can I fly home legally?
Answer
You can access the FAA's Airmen Online Services website and sign up (if you don't already have an account). On this site, you can replace a lost or stolen certificate, update your address, and request "Temporary Authority to Exercise Certificate Privileges." This is a 60-day temporary certificate that can be emailed to you within minutes and that you can print and carry with you to fly. 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
Jan. 14, 12 p.m. EST 'Don't Get Rusty' series: Wait! Are we in balance?
Jan. 19, 12 p.m. EST AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Jan. 27, 7 p.m. EST AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Jan. 30, 6 p.m. EST 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
John Mohr, Piaggio Royal Gull
CST Flight Services COVID-19 travel guides
Earthrounder, crash survivor, and public speaker Ryan Campbell
George Antoniadis - PlaneSense
You Can Fly Champions
How a PPS panel attorney protects AOPA members
For a full list of Pilot Lounge videos, see AOPA Online.
AOPA podcasts
'Ask the A&Ps': 'I went to the church of lean of peak'
'Hangar Talk': iFlightPlanner founder Andy Matthews
'Hangar Talk' Flight Time series: Jamie Patterson-Simes
'Pilot Briefing': Week of Dec. 21, 2020
'There I was...': Doug Stewart
'Never Again': I knew I was rusty
'Pilot Protection Services Podcast': Predicting the future
To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.
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