Training Tip: A merry good load


VOL 20, ISSUE 52	December 25, 2020

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

A merry good load

We can't all be Arctic aces like Santa Claus, but each year many pilots contemplate flying gift-delivery missions under tight time constraints. Read more >

Technique

Pilot magazine

New panel, new checklist

Aircraft modifications can necessitate a new checklist—but where to find one? Here are tips from a designated pilot examiner. Read more >

Coronavirus Impact

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 >

Flight Training News

What Am I?

Light the fires

Flying an aircraft is cool. Flying one with a jet engine? Even cooler. Here's a look inside a turbine engine. Read more >

Always learning

Not this time

AOPA Vice President of Publications Kollin Stagnito's Cessna 140 has a contentious relationship with carburetor icing. Read more >

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 >

Colorado high school set for Alsim Diamond DA40 sim

Aspen Flight Academy in Colorado, a public high school that introduces students to flight training, is rolling out an Alsim DA40 flight training device that replicates a Diamond DA40. The simulator augments a pair of DA40 NG aircraft on the Aspen-Pitkin County/Sardy Field flight line.

ERAU adds 17 aircraft, more expected in 2021

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Arizona campus recently took delivery of 12 Cessna 172s and three Diamond DA42 twins, while the Daytona campus added one of each. Record-setting enrollment at the Arizona campus led the university to order 19 additional Skyhawks for 2021 delivery. Officials said in a news release the ERAU fleet is "about the size of a regional airline" and is replenished every seven years.

West Michigan Aviation Academy teacher earns pilot certificate

Shannon VanZegeren became the first West Michigan Aviation Academy faculty member to earn a private pilot certificate, and her instructor, Matt Slobe, was a class of 2016 graduate.

Sporty's awards $7,500 through Flight Crew Scholarships

The Sporty's Foundation has awarded $7,500 in flight training scholarships that will help three pilots achieve their aviation goals. Cory Gordon of Phoenix will pursue an instrument rating; Justin Miller of Las Cruces, New Mexico, will pursue an A&P certificate and an instrument rating; and Tiffany Meredith of Louisville, Kentucky, will pursue the private pilot certificate.

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!

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 >

Career News

Advocacy

Experts to steer AOPA's proposals to improve DPE system

One of the goals of the six-member AOPA Designated Pilot Examiner Advisory Board will be to ensure transparency and fairness to designees and applicants throughout the examination process. Read more >

Delta joins effort to support increased workplace diversity

Delta Air Lines is a founding member of a coalition of 37 CEOs across a variety of industries creating 1 million jobs for Black Americans within the next 10 years. The OneTen initiative is a commitment to "recruit, hire, train, and advance" a more diverse workforce across the transportation, manufacturing, medical, retail, technology, and other industries.

Blog

Packing for more than just the trip

Commercial air travel is remarkably reliable, but sometimes unexpected delays happen. It's a good idea to pack an extra change of clothes and other essentials, writes airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright. Read more >

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 >

Training Products and Resources

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 >

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.

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

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 >

Instrument Tip

Article

Missed opportunity

You're on a vector to the ILS Runway 3 at Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport in central Virginia, briefing the approach, when you notice a box in the upper left corner of the plan view that mentions an alternate missed approach fix. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Christmas by air

AOPA eMedia Associate Editor and Photographer David Tulis captured this photograph of helicopter pilots in the Pacific Northwest performing an aerial ballet to harvest Noble fir trees from Oregon's steep hillsides. Revisit how aviation helps touch the lives of thousands during the Christmas holiday and follow @FlyWithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA staff and members.

Final Exam

Question

Can I fly with glasses?

Answer

Yes, pilots can wear prescription glasses. Your vision must be corrected to at least the minimum standards required for the grade of medical certificate you are seeking to obtain. 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. 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

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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