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March 20, 2020, issue of 'Flight Training' weekly newsletter

AOPA Flight Training
VOL 20, ISSUE 12 March 20, 2020
Training Tips
Assessing risk
Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce
Assessing risk
Your pilot training gives you a head start on applying the skill of assessing and mitigating risk to nonflying life. Read more >
Coronavirus Impact
Advocacy
Baker urges FAA to lift 'impossible' compliance barriers
With life on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, AOPA President Mark Baker urged the FAA to grant a "maximum amount of flexibility" to pilots facing currency or eligibility deadlines. Read more >
Article
Flight schools work to coronavirus-proof training
Flight training providers face special challenges ensuring a safe learning environment for pilots during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more >
Article
Prospective pilots advised to stay the course
Keep pursuing your aviation goals, pilot and career counselor Carl Valeri advises in AOPA's Hangar Talk podcast. Read more and listen to the podcast >
Online resource
Latest news: Coronavirus impacts on GA
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting the general aviation community, and we're providing daily updates on flight operations, changes to scheduled events, and more. Read more >
Here's what you need to know about the status of aviation events:
Technique
Article
Calling flight service
Although weather forecasts are readily available by computer, calling a flight service briefer is a great idea to help confirm that what you're seeing is what's going on in the atmosphere. Read more >
Flight Training News
Podcast
'There I was...': Parking lot landing
Pilot Jeff King shares how he landed in a Walmart parking lot after an engine failure in his Piper Cherokee Six. Listen to the podcast >
How it works
Total energy variometer
The variometer in a glider works much like the vertical speed indicator in a powered airplane, but has a different purpose. Read more >
Blog
On second thought: Make decisions based on wisdom, not fear
Quick decisions are more likely to come from a primitive part of the brain, while second thoughts can include wisdom from the more cognitive side, writes Opinion Leaders blogger Jolie Lucas. Read more >
AOPA Live This Week
Hunkering down; Seaplane fun; Big move
We're working remotely to keep you up to speed on the coronavirus. Then we take a break from all that to enjoy some seaplane fun in Canada and capture what it took to tow a C–130 to a new home. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >
Career News
Blog
Travel tips from a pro
Leave a shoe in a motel refrigerator as a reminder not to forget your valuables. That's one of many travel tips from airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright. Read more >
CAE expands scholarships
CAE opened its second Women in Flight scholarship program for five women pilots, and established a partnership with Southwest Airlines.
Aviation job board
Job of the week: Flight instructor, AeroVenture
AeroVenture in Mansfield, Massachusetts, is seeking talented CFI candidates to lead its incoming classes of Zero-to-Hero Airline Track students. AeroVenture students are eager professionals-in-training who will grow and challenge your skills. 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 medical certification specialist, membership experience senior manager, major gifts officer, data analyst, associate developer of safety programs, communications senior director, government affairs (regulatory) vice president, High School Aviation Outreach director, and several interns. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >
Training Products and Resources
Online resource
Staying sharp during social distancing
Looking for some safety-minded entertainment to keep your aviation skills sharp? Check out the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Safety Tip videos in this YouTube playlist.
Dual-color LED headlamp has dedicated switches
A dual-color, dual-button headlamp enables pilots to use a dedicated switch for subdued red lighting and a separate switch for two variations of white lighting during nighttime flights. The headlamp is available from FlightOutfitters.com for $29.95.
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
An unwelcome crown: Coronavirus
Dr. Jonathan Sackier takes the long view on the coronavirus pandemic. Read more >
Member benefit
Aircraft purchases during stock market swings
The current low interest rates make this an excellent time to buy an aircraft. Read more >
AOPA Premier Partner created content
Engine failure on takeoff
How would you handle an engine failure on takeoff? Do you have a plan? Get advice from a flight instructor who has done extensive training on this topic. Visit PilotWorkshops to learn more >
Instrument Tip
Article
Taking a risky turn
Although it provides a lot of flexibility on an approach, circling to land can be a risky maneuver. Read more >
Photo of the Week
Frigid formation
Frigid formation
AOPA eMedia Editor Jim Moore caught this wintry shot with the Yankee Clippers formation team over Connecticut. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.
Final Exam
Question

Are you aware of any restrictions or impacts the coronavirus pandemic is having on personal general aviation travel?
Answer
Yes. The federal government has advised against international travel and imposed additional screening and arrival procedures for international flights carrying persons who have visited certain countries in the preceding 14 days. As of March 19, there were no specific restrictions to domestic travel. If you plan to use services such as FBOs for fuel, it would be prudent to call ahead to verify their status. Additionally, the $100 hamburger may have to wait as many restaurants are closed or closing for in-house dining. This AOPA article offers tips for keeping your cockpit coronavirus-free.
Education & Seminars
AOPA's educational courses and seminars have been canceled or postponed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
AOPA Courses and Seminars
Flight Instructor Refresher Courses Canceled through May
Safety Seminars Canceled indefinitely
Rusty Pilots Seminars Canceled through May 15
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Flight Training Editors:
Alyssa Cobb
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
Jill Tallman
David Tulis

Production Team:
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Kristy O'Malley
Melissa Whitehouse
Contributors:
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Sarah Deener
Tom Haines
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Kollin Stagnito
Ian Twombly
Julie Summers Walker
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