Santa’s pilots; Grateful aviators; ATC zero impacts


VOL 22, ISSUE 48	November 27, 2020

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Top Stories

Multimedia

Santa is a GA pilot

Michigan pilots have a long tradition of providing logistical support to a certain jolly old elf. Read more, watch a video, and view elf photos >

Article

Thanks given, received

Thanksgiving came early for three young flight instructors treated to multiengine training by married CFIs in the couple's Twin Comanche. Read more >

Article

Eye on the sky

Breitling introduced its Aviation Pioneers Squad, three individuals from different aviation disciplines who define a new age of adventure in the air. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Costa Rica low, slow; Thankful pilots; Warbird for 'Rosie'

A tropical gyrocopter adventure over beaches and jungle; pilots pay it forward; and Betty Bishop gets her name on a warbird she had a hand in building during World War II. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Technique and Safety

New to you

Whether moving up to a high-performance, complex airplane or back to something more basic, flying any new-to-you airplane can be challenging. Smooth your transition with tips from this AOPA Air Safety Institute course.

Webinar

All about airspace

FAA Flight Check Pilot James Herrington unravels the mysteries of the national airspace system and reveals what you really need to know in an AOPA Air Safety Institute webinar on December 3 at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Register now >

Online resource

Fit to fly

Learn how aging, illness, and medication can affect your fitness to fly in this AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Center.

Advocacy

Aviation groups strive to protect warbird flight training

Aviation advocates briefed a federal judge seeking to limit the possible repercussions of a ruling to come that could have far-reaching impacts on pilot training. Read more >

Advocacy

ATC zero events in resurgence

Outbreaks of COVID-19 in some regions impacted a growing number of air traffic control facilities on November 25, heading into the holiday weekend. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA requires Piper wing inspections

Wing spar corrosion in a hard-to-reach area of certain Piper PA–28 and PA–32 models could cause a fatal failure, and inspections are due within 12 months or 100 hours. Read more >

Health

Pilot Protection Services

Understanding the HIMS program

Dr. Brent Blue explains the FAA program for pilots who have had issues with alcohol or drug use. Read more >

Technology

Article

Florida firm fires up hybrid powerplant

A certified Continental diesel aviation engine spins an electric generator in this hybrid aviation powertrain made by VerdeGo Aero with a wide range of aircraft in mind. Read more >

Article

Smart technology to help pilots

Connected devices allow you to monitor your aircraft, perform select preflight tasks, operate hangar doors, and even melt ice and snow remotely. Read more >

Opinion

Blog

A pair of wheels to go with your wings

Instrument-rated commercial pilot and Opinion Leaders blogger Jolie Lucas encourages airport communities to welcome transient pilots by providing bicycles to explore local attractions. Read more >

Gear

Article

Vacuum bags, bivy bags, baby wipes

Few pilots have more practice packing light than those who cross the country for aerobatic competition, so we asked them to reveal their secrets. Read more >

Article

PS Engineering offers audio upgrade

Owners of PS Engineering PAR200 and -200A model audio panel/com radio units can now slide the latest PAR200B audio panel upgrade into that same slot. Read more >

'Artful Flying' is now an audiobook

Michael Maya Charles, an aviation writer and retired airline pilot, reads the text of his 2005 book, Artful Flying, which suggests that pilots can raise their performance to the level of art by approaching flying with joy and wonderment in addition to technical expertise. The audiobook has a 10-hour run time, and it's available for download for $24.95.

Travel

Article

Beaches rule during December Pilot Passport challenge

If shorter days and gray skies have you down in December, consider the Beach Therapy Challenge with the AOPA app's Pilot Passport feature to change your attitude. Read more >

Slideshow

Tour 'Jimmy' Stewart's hometown

Visit the Pennsylvania home of World War II bombardier instructor, general aviation pilot, and actor James M. "Jimmy" Stewart to see his restored Cessna 310 and other memorabilia. Read more >

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

Financial

Article

Mahindra Aerospace to sell Airvan manufacturer GippsAero

GippsAero, manufacturer of the Airvan 8 and turboprop Airvan 10 utility aircraft, has halted production and has been put up for sale by its corporate parent, Mahindra Aerospace, of Mumbai, India. Read more >

Member benefit

Finding the best appraisals for your aircraft

AOPA Aviation Finance Co. President Adam Meredith compares three types of aircraft appraisals. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Santa to add a bow on Sun 'n Fun holiday show

Santa will accept letters from boys and girls in person during the upcoming flying festival and car show hosted by Sun 'n Fun. Read more >

You Can Fly

Join the 'Ask an Ambassador' live chat

An aeronautical engineer, a designated pilot examiner, and a CFI/A&P mechanic—AOPA's You Can Fly Ambassadors—take your questions live during a one-hour chat on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Read more >

Article

Man faces prison for allegedly flying drone into LAPD helicopter

A Los Angeles resident faces up to a year in prison if convicted of striking a police helicopter with a drone, and is believed to be the first person to face a criminal charge for doing so. Read more >

Article

WAI, NBAA continue virtual events into 2021

Women in Aviation International and the National Business Aviation Association announced virtual events for 2021. Read more >

Awards deadline extended

The General Aviation Awards Program has extended to December 31 the deadline to nominate outstanding individuals working in flight instruction or maintenance, and as FAA Safety Team representatives. Learn more and submit your nomination >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Aviation careers conversation highlights jobs

Learn how aviation can lead to a variety of career opportunities during a conversation with California Aeronautical University President Matt Johnston and JSfirm.com Executive Director Abbey Hutter. Listen to the podcast >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFI, Horizon Aviation

Horizon Aviation in Warwick, Rhode Island, is seeking those with a passion for teaching and a driving commitment to their students' success to join its team of professional aviation educators. Read the full description and apply today >

Question of the Week

Question

Where can I find information about aircraft type clubs?

Answer

The AOPA Pilot Information Center just updated its list of type clubs, which includes more than 100 clubs. Download the list (as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet) for holiday searching and winter technical planning. 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

Dec. 2, 7 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Dec. 3, 7 p.m. EST	What you don't know about the NAS but should: Secrets from an FAA flight check pilot
Dec. 4, 12 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Dec. 10, 12 p.m. EST	'Don't Get Rusty' series: Seven ways an instrument rating will make you a better pilot
Jan. 14, 12 p.m. EST	'Don't Get Rusty' series: Wait! Are we in balance?

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

John Mohr, Piaggio Royal Gull

CST Flight Services COVID-19 travel guides

Earthrounder, crash survivor, and public speaker Ryan Campbell

George Antoniadis - PlaneSense

You Can Fly Champions

How a PPS panel attorney protects AOPA members

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

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'You're not going to fall out of the sky because the camshaft wears'

'Hangar Talk': Aviation careers conversation highlights jobs

'Hangar Talk' Flight Time series: John Zimmerman

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Nov. 23, 2020

'There I was...': Todd Clark

'Never Again': Rental pilot reluctance

'Pilot Protection Services Podcast': Predicting the future

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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