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May 29, 2020, issue of 'Flight Training' weekly newsletter

AOPA Flight Training
VOL 20, ISSUE 22 May 29, 2020
Training Tips
See you in the pattern
Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce
See you in the pattern
A Piper Cherokee and a Beechcraft Bonanza were flying the downwind leg of a nontowered airport traffic pattern when a student pilot arriving on a solo cross-country in a Cessna 172 fell in behind the Bonanza—or so he thought. Read more >
Technique
Article
Challenge accepted
At early stages in pilothood, every new airport presents a unique and interesting challenge. Read more >
Flight Training News
Image gallery
AOPA celebrates the aviation class of 2020
Parents, flight instructors, and students from across the country share aviation-themed photos of graduating student aviators to celebrate the class of 2020. Read more >
Advocacy
Flight schools get more time to start foreign students' training
Flight schools that train security-vetted foreign nationals have temporarily been granted more time to begin some students' training. Read more >
ERAU to resume flight training June 30
With health precautions in place, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University plans to reopen residential campuses in Florida and Arizona for face-to-face instruction on June 30. Precautions include daily health checks, color-coded wristbands, "hold short" lines posted at common areas, thorough aircraft disinfecting, and a best practices guide.
Article
Airplane math that matters
The best measures for predicting and comparing aircraft performance aren't the obvious ones. (Illustration by Matthew Cooper.) Read more >
Online resource
Focused Flight Review for helicopters
The AOPA Air Safety Institute teamed up with the Helicopter Association International to help you improve your next helicopter flight review with this new Focused Flight Review profile designed to cover the essentials of helicopter safety.
Flight lesson
Another 10 minutes
An instrument student reported feeling dizzy during maneuvers under the hood in gusty winds and turbulence. But the cause of his dizziness was much more insidious. Read more >
Quiz
Final Exam
Can you correctly answer these 10 questions from retired TWA captain and 28,000-hour pilot Barry Schiff and staff members in the AOPA Pilot Information Center? Test your knowledge >
AOPA Live This Week
SpaceX countdown; Cool new airplanes
We are in Florida tracking the SpaceX launch; plus, we highlight the sporty Bristell 915, the new diesel-powered Tecnam P2010 TDI, a roomy Bearhawk, and a unique turbocharged Lockwood AirCam. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >
Career News
Article
Now is the time to restructure and learn
The aviation industry has taken a knock, but it is full of passionate people and it always recovers. Read more >
Career spotlight
Hot spots
Keeping your skills sharp and staying calm and cool in demanding conditions can help ensure success in the high-risk profession of aerial firefighting. Read more >
CAP logs over $2 million of donated services during coronavirus response
The Civil Air Patrol logged "10,000 volunteer days of support," the equivalent of more than $2 million of donated services, during operations in the first 70 days of response to the coronavirus pandemic, the organization announced. Cadets and volunteers delivered personal protective equipment and COVID-19 test kits, staffed emergency operation centers, and more.
Aviation job board
Job of the week: Chief technology officer, Panasonic Avionics Corp.
Panasonic Avionics Corp. in Lake Forest, California, is seeking a chief technology officer to redefine software best practices; continue to grow the cloud capability; drive the latest agile software development; drive application development for user experience; and implement the necessary tools, processes, and procedures for optimum efficiency. 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
Login required
The mountains are calling
Ever get the feeling you're not in Kansas anymore? Test your knowledge with the AOPA Air Safety Institute's "Mountain Flying" quiz.
Dual USB quick charger displays power draw
Sporty's Pilot Shop offers the Flight Gear Dual USB Quick Charger with two quick-charge USB ports that provide up to 6.0 amps. An integrated LED screen displays the voltage of the power receptacle; when a device is plugged into the charger, it displays the number of amps being drawn. The charger works in 12- and 24-volt aircraft and is available online for $18.95.
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
Member benefit
To float or not to float?
With interest rates falling, should you opt for an adjustable rate on your aircraft loan? It depends. Read more >
Pilot Protection Services
New guidance on cost sharing
The FAA has issued an advisory circular to help pilots understand the limits of cost sharing with passengers under the federal aviation regulations. Read more >
Instrument Tip
Article
I can't fly 55
How important is one word? In the federal aviation regulations and Aeronautical Information Manual one small word can make a big difference. Read more >
Photo of the Week
Summer fun
Summer fun
Who's ready for some summer flying? @pilotloren shares a shot from her flight on a gorgeous day! Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.
Final Exam
Question

I have a Piper PA–28-140 and am looking for an A&P for annuals and maintenance that has experience with my make and model.
Answer
AOPA receives this type of request on a regular basis. Unfortunately, there is no unique, searchable database of A&P mechanics. The best resource AOPA has is our online airport directory, where you can search for maintenance facilities on specific airports. Some other options include word of mouth for local recommendations, manufacturer service facilities for aircraft still in production, and type clubs for aircraft out of production. Read the full answer and 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. 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.
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Flight Training Editors:
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Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
Jill Tallman
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