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June 12, 2020, issue of 'Flight Training' weekly newsletter

AOPA Flight Training
VOL 20, ISSUE 24 June 12, 2020
Training Tips
Two more reasons to avoid thunderstorms
Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce
Two more reasons to avoid thunderstorms
Two pilots flying single-engine airplanes on summertime cross-countries made it onto the runways with convective activity lurking nearby—but the thunderstorms still "won" the race thanks to hazards that neither pilot was ready to handle. Read more >
Technique
Article
A new look at maneuvering speed
You don't need to worry about your airplane's wings failing in turbulence as long as you keep the airplane at or below its design maneuvering speed. Read more >
Flight Training News
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 >
Article
VFR Unleashed: Logbook confessions
Some pilot logbook entries for long cross-countries are more memorable—and instructive—than others. Read more >
How it works
Primer on primer
If you fly an aircraft with a carbureted engine, you've likely used a manual primer to push vaporized fuel directly into one or more of the engine's cylinders before engine start. Here's how the primer works. Read more >
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.
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® >
Career News
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
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 >
Alsim adds ALX to Belgium training center
Alsim Flight Training Solutions is delivering a reconfigurable ALX flight simulator device to the EuroPilot Center in Antwerp, Belgium, where the next class of professional pilots will begin training for airline careers July 13. The flight school also has a U.S. location in California, with future expansion plans.
Career Pilot
This too shall pass
Wayne Phillips, who manages the Airline Training Orientation Program, offers advice to aspiring airline pilots for weathering the downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Read more >
Blog
The smallest commercial airplanes are getting larger
Commuter aircraft are getting bigger, with 100-seat jets edging out smaller jets and turboprops, writes airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright. 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 >
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 >
Training Products and Resources
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.
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
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 >
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 >
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 >
Photo of the Week
Not-so-cute cumulonimbus clouds
Not-so-cute cumulonimbus clouds
Towering cumulonimbus clouds are impressive, as AOPA Senior Photographer Mike Fizer illustrates with this dramatic photo. But, if a cumulonimbus cloud becomes a thunderstorm, you don't want to fly anywhere near it—at least not within 20 miles. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.
Final Exam
Question

A friend proposes a formation flight to get some pictures of his recently painted aircraft. You don't have formation experience. Can this flight be done legally?
Answer
The short answer is yes, this flight can be done legally, but there are a few requirements, outlined in FAR 91.111. Whether or not this flight is safe is up to the pilot in command of each aircraft. Getting proper training would be wise.

For more information, see this discussion in 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
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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