March 27, 2020, issue of 'Flight Training' weekly newsletter


VOL 20, ISSUE 13	March 27, 2020

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

When ATC goes to zero

The coronavirus has been impacting air traffic control, making several facilities, at least for a time, go to ATC zero. Find out how such situations could affect your flights. Read more >

Coronavirus Impact

Special message

AOPA President Mark Baker's message to members

AOPA is here for you and continues to advocate for you, AOPA President Mark Baker reassured members in a March 25 special message detailing our advocacy efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more >

Article

Fly informed, with caution

Pilots should continue essential flights, with caution. No specific restrictions on general aviation are expected, though it may be impossible to maintain social distancing in small aircraft. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA policy expected on extending compliance deadlines

An FAA policy statement is expected soon as AOPA works with the agency to extend the expiration dates pilots face for practical and knowledge test eligibility, currency and proficiency intervals, medical certificates, and other deadlines. Read more >

Article

Interpretations vary on flight training during pandemic

Whether flight training qualifies as an "essential" function that is excluded from stay-at-home advisories is subject to interpretation. Read more >

Article

Best practices for flight schools

The coronavirus pandemic is hitting small businesses hard, and it's critical for schools to put a crisis plan in place to help them weather the storm. Read more >

Article

PSI temporarily closes testing centers

FAA knowledge test provider PSI has closed its owned and operated testing centers until at least April 13. Some third-party operators are still open. Read more >

Article

Embry-Riddle offers free online courses

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is offering free online courses during the coronavirus pandemic. Topics include aeronautics, meteorology, computer applications, history, and more. Read more >

Article

AOPA Fly-In at Casper, Wyoming, postponed to 2021

AOPA is postponing our fly-in at Casper, Wyoming, originally scheduled for June 19 and 20, until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more >

Technique

Video

Push to safety

When your world starts to turn upside down in an aircraft, knowing exactly what to do is crucial. Read more and watch a video >

Flight Training News

Video

Low and slow

While maneuvering down low is not much different than doing so higher up, there is less room for error. In this AOPA Air Safety Institute video, learn how to safely control your aircraft at lower altitudes.

What Am I

All together now

Occasionally, things on a helicopter make sense. One example is the appropriately named collective, the control that changes each main rotor blade's pitch simultaneously. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

AOPA here for you; Sky King's trusty twin

AOPA briefs members on what we're doing to support and advocate for general aviation as we navigate an unprecedented crisis. Also, a fictional crime-fighting pilot inspired one expensive Cessna 310 restoration. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Ramp appeal

TBM 850

The French-built TBM single-engine, pressurized turboprop offers high speed, long range, excellent fuel economy, and Garmin avionics suites. Read more >

Article

Success story: Doubts aside

United Airlines captain Korry Franke compares his first flight as captain and his first solo. Read more >

Online resource

Learn from 'CFI to CFI'

Raise your game as a flight instructor (or future CFI) with insight from a designated pilot examiner, CFI tips, and the importance of backup plans in the latest edition of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's free CFI to CFI newsletter.

King Schools scholarship winner announced

Anna Stanphill is the winner of King Schools' 2020 Martha King Scholarship for Female Flight Instructors, valued at more than $18,000 to advance her aviation certificates and ratings. She received the award during the Women in Aviation International Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Manager of technical publications, Prescott Support Co.

Prescott Support Co. in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is seeking a manager of technical publications to oversee all aspects of the company's OMS including the currency, maintenance, distribution, and audit of all company paper and/or electronic publications aimed at ensuring flight safety and regulatory compliance as required by FAR Part 135 and other applicable standards. 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, government affairs (regulatory) vice president, and High School Aviation Outreach director. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Training Products and Resources

Sporty's releases new 'Commercial Pilot Test Prep Course'

Sporty's Pilot Shop's new Commercial Pilot Test Prep Course includes more than 800 test questions and answers, 420 oral exam prep flash cards, and 36 flight maneuver segments with animations and video tips. The course costs $149.99.

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

Online resource

Sport your AOPA gear

You might not be flying as much right now, but you can keep your aviation spirits up by sporting apparel from the AOPA Pilot Gear Store. Shop now >

Instrument Tip

Pilot Protection Services

Instrument currency

For instrument-rated pilots, it's important to meet instrument recency requirements and stay proficient. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Herculean traffic?

Pilots and motorists watch for traffic, but they might have done a double take if they were out for a recent early morning drive. AOPA Technical Editor Mike Collins photographed and documented this C–130 Hercules' road trip. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

The requirements for BasicMed include a "state-issued driver's license." I am a non-U.S. citizen and have an FAA pilot certificate and medical certificate, but my driver's license, which is valid, was issued by a European Union country. Is that enough?

Answer

No. To qualify to fly under BasicMed, you must have a valid U.S. driver's license and comply with any restrictions listed on the license, such as the use of corrective lenses or prosthetic aids, daylight driving only, or other limitations.

This question and answer were provided by the aviation experts in AOPA's Pilot Information Center. 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 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 June
Safety Seminars	Canceled indefinitely
Rusty Pilots Seminars	Canceled through June

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Flight Training Editors:
Alyssa Cobb
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
Jill Tallman
David Tulis

Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Kristy O'Malley
Melissa Whitehouse

Contributors:
Mike Collins
Sarah Deener
Tom Haines
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Kollin Stagnito
Ian Twombly
Julie Summers Walker

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Eastern and Central United States and International:
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Western United States:
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