Membership: Holiday wish list

For the pilot on your list—or for your list if you’re already a pilot—the AOPA Pilot Gear Store is a holiday treat. From hoodies to joggers, hats to socks, the AOPA Pilot Gear Store has your holiday gift list covered. Share your love of flying with classic T-shirts or show your support for AOPA with sweatshirts and jackets with swag. From AOPA’s high-end tactical jacket for cold-weather operations to bandanas for your favorite dog, there are gift ideas in every price range. You can outfit your favorite someone in tees, hats, shirts, and sweatshirts or you can grab some hardware such as mugs, tumblers, or umbrellas—all with the AOPA: Your Freedom to Fly logo. Recently added is an assortment of designs in neck gaiters, so mask wearing can be more fun (or stylish, at least). Also, for your holiday cheer, there is an assortment of aviation-themed holiday cards to send to friends and relatives, sharing your passion for flight.

pilotgear.aopa.org

Ask AOPA

Cart before the horse

What are the flight review requirements when pursuing a new ratinG?

By Craig Brown

Q: I give sport and private training to new student glider pilots. Recently, a private single-engine land pilot came to me and wanted to transition to gliders. He has been out of flying for four years. However, I think he needs a flight review before I can solo him. Is that correct?

A: Yes. Student pilots are exempt from a flight review provided they are actively training with an instructor. However, all other pilots must have a current flight review in order to solo or act as pilot in command of an aircraft. Since he has been inactive for four years, he likely does not have a current flight review. Before he solos, he must successfully accomplish a flight review in a single-engine airplane.

What? Wait a minute, did you say single-engine airplane? Yes, indeed. That is the kicker. A flight review, by requirements of FAR 61.56(c)(1), can only be accomplished in an aircraft for which a pilot is rated. Your new glider candidate holds a private pilot certificate with a single->engine land rating. That is the type aircraft in which he must successfully complete his flight review, since he is not yet glider rated. Because of this, you cannot endorse him for a flight review in your glider before he soloes the glider. Once he has the flight review, you may then give him the proper solo endorsement to fly the glider. I know it just sounds wrong, but that is how the regulation is written.

Upon successful completion of the glider flight test, your candidate will again “reset” his flight review clock as a passed flight test can be used in lieu of a flight review. He will then be able to accomplish future flight reviews in either category of aircraft.

Call AOPA’s Pilot Information Center for more information at 800-872-2672, visit pic.aopa.org, or email [email protected].

Craig Brown is a senior aviation technical specialist in the AOPA Pilot Information Center.