June 12, 2020, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 22, ISSUE 24	June 12, 2020

Click here for this week's custom content.

Top Stories

Image gallery

Pilot's tributes touch hearts

Dimitri Neonakis is using his Cirrus SR22 and GPS to create images of causes that are close to his heart, and the impact is far reaching. (Images courtesy of Dimitri Neonakis via ForeFlight and Google Earth.) Read more >

Article

Drone pilot filmed protest on assignment

An Oregon drone pilot helped The New York Times show the world a powerful visual moment in the social justice protest movement. Read more >

Article

More than words: Aviation industry professionals discuss racial injustice

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals brought a diverse group of aerospace leaders together for an online town hall discussion about race in America—specifically, to work together and create short- and long-term solutions to eliminate racial injustice within the aerospace industry. Read more >

AOPA Foundation focus

AOPA awards more than $1 million in scholarships

The AOPA Foundation has awarded more than 120 scholarships to high school students and teachers, student pilots pursuing primary training, and pilots working toward advanced ratings and certificates, thanks to donations from pilots and the Ray Foundation. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Handcrafted thunder; Helicopter rescue

Meet the Lycoming specialists who craft Thunderbolt engines to order, hear how a news helicopter crew rescued a missing person, and watch a Vietnam veteran pilot go up for a birthday ride. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Technique and Safety

Video

Stormy weather

Air traffic control can be a resource for pilots facing convective activity. Learn ATC's strengths and limitations when it comes to thunderstorms in this AOPA Air Safety Institute video.

Video

Learn to manage stress with 'The Mental Game'

Did you miss the AOPA Air Safety Institute's live webinar "The Mental Game"? Watch the recording to learn about managing stress in and out of the cockpit.

Pilot Protection Services

Keeping up with your EFB

As electronic flight bag manufacturers continue to add new features via updates to the popular apps, be sure you understand any new functionality before using one in flight. Read more >

Don't skip the preflight

How much thought have you given to your aircraft's preflight lately? See how a thorough preflight inspection is critical in this AOPA Air Safety Institute quiz.

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Aircraft Maintenance: Altimeter and transponder checks

Given advances in avionics reliability, what is the value of the required biennial transponder/altimeter check? Read more >

Advocacy

Article

Baker to participate in FAA virtual GA town hall

AOPA President Mark Baker will join FAA Administrator Steve Dickson and industry leaders for a virtual General Aviation Town Hall on June 18 to discuss GA's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Read more >

Advocacy

Noise level rising as FCC action awaited on Ligado petitions

The arguments for and against the Ligado 5G wireless network, which critics fear will disrupt GPS navigation, became more pointed as the parties filed new documents with the Federal Communications Commission. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA contacting private airport owners to update data

Almost 3,000 privately owned airports could be listed as "closed" in the FAA's online database and be removed from aeronautical charts if owners don't verify their airport records by June 30. Read more >

Advocacy

LOAs for ADS-B?

The FAA's ADS-B Out mandate presented a problem for John Morrissey, who runs a small aerobatic flight school just inside a Mode C veil, where ADS-B Out is required. Read more >

Advocacy

Most airports continue Customs service after rate hike

When U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced rate increases at 63 user-fee-funded airports in the United States in May, many airport operators were caught off guard. CBP has told AOPA that 49 of the affected airports will continue to offer services but could not release the names.

Technology

Article

Hilton Software customizes EFB for FAA flight check ops

Pilots who fly for the FAA to validate instrument procedures and navigation aid accuracy have a new electronic flight bag customized by Hilton Software for their specific needs. Read more >

Gear

AOPA Sweepstakes RV–10

Cold-weather ready

The AOPA 2020 Sweepstakes RV–10 features an overhauled prop and a full engine block heater, making it perfect for flying in colder climates. Read more >

Travel

Article

VFR Unleashed: Logbook confessions

Some pilot logbook entries for long cross-countries are more memorable—and instructive—than others. Read more >

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

Financial

Article

Continental offers break on engine core exchanges

Continental Aerospace Technologies announced a program offering purchasers of a new or rebuilt Continental factory engine credit for the full value of a returned engine core regardless of its condition. Read more >

AOPA Foundation focus

Ensure GA's future with the AOPA Foundation Legacy Society

Pilots can leave a legacy that helps general aviation remain vibrant and strong so that future generations can experience the joy of flying. Read more >

Member benefit

Term vs amortization

You'll need a thorough understanding of the loan's term and amortization when financing an aircraft purchase. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

ERAU alumnus confirmed as first black US Air Force chief of staff

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University master's graduate Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. became the first black U.S. Air Force chief of staff June 9. Read more >

Article

TV helicopter crew rescues lost rafter

An Oklahoma news helicopter crew dispatched to cover the story of a missing rafter wound up making the rescue. Read more >

Article

AirVenture goes virtual

Even though we can't gather at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, we can still get our aviation fix with the virtual EAA Spirit of Aviation Week. Read more >

Article

Gen Z takes the lead

Young professionals have a unique opportunity to get involved in an aerospace STEM project of a lifetime. Read more >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': A–10 'Warthog' pilot Nick Sand

Maryland Air National Guard Capt. Nick "Rock" Sand talks about flying a Fairchild Republic A–10 Thunderbolt II "Warthog," a commercial jetliner, and an aerobatic taildragger; and offers tips to those entering aviation. Listen to the podcast >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Fixed-wing instructor, Leading Edge Aviation

Leading Edge Aviation is seeking a fixed-wing flight instructor for its Bend, Oregon, location to instruct students from private through CFII, ensure student progress, and help solve student problems. 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 government affairs (regulatory) vice president, member experience senior manager, data analyst, and associate developer of safety programs. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Question of the Week

Question

If a Part 91 pilot completes an instrument proficiency check in January, the pilot is now current for six months (February to July 31). If on August 1 the pilot in command did not complete six approaches, a hold, and a track, the pilot is now unable to file and fly IFR. Here's my question: The PIC now has six months (August to January) to regain currency (flying with a safety pilot or CFII) before an IPC is required, correct?

Answer

For maintaining currency before having to fly with a safety pilot, look within the six calendar months preceding the month in which you want to file an IFR flight. In your example, you want to file IFR in August, so the six-month period you have to meet the FAR 61.57(c)(1) requirement is February through July. If the requirement is not met during that time you then have six months to fly with a safety pilot, August through January. After that time, you need an IPC. 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

June 13, 1 p.m. EDT	Flying Clubs Workshop: Is your club running at peak efficiency?
June 13, 3 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
June 16, 1 p.m. EDT	AOPA Flying Clubs Webinar: Maximum fun, minimum cost
June 18, 12 p.m. EDT	Don't Get Rusty Series: Keeping current with Mark Baker
June 20, 12 p.m. EDT	Flying Clubs Workshop: Grow your membership and engage your members
June 25, 12 p.m. EDT	Don't Get Rusty Series: Keeping little problems small
June 25, 7 p.m. EDT	Preparing for the Worst: Post-crash survival tips from a combat SAR pilot Part 2
June 26, 3 p.m. EDT	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

Flying to watch the SpaceX launch

Nick Hoffman

Supersonic ejection

Sean D. Tucker flies the GameBird GB1

AOPA Technical Editor Jill Tallman

Textron Aviation's Robert Scholl on the impact of COVID-19 on Cessna and Beechcraft

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

AOPA Podcasts

'Hangar Talk': A–10 Warthog pilot Capt. Nick 'Rock' Sand

'Hangar Talk' Flight Time series: Rod Machado

'Pilot Briefing': Week of June 8, 2020

'There I was...': Thomas Middleditch

'Never Again': Close call

'Pilot Protection Services Podcast': Predicting the future

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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