Training Tip: Opening a door to trouble


VOL 20, ISSUE 41	October 9, 2020

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Opening a door to trouble

How should you cope with a door opening in flight in your training aircraft? Read more >

Technique

Video

Any attitude

Airplane wings can stall at any airspeed and any pitch attitude—even pointing straight down. Watch the video >

Flight Training News

Podcast

'There I was...': Night fright

In the latest episode of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's There I was... podcast, Mirek Fatyga recounts flying a Tecnam light sport aircraft through a tree at night while on approach to a Virginia airport.

Five questions

Seaplane storyteller Deon Mitton

Are you missing travel while under COVID-19 restrictions? Deon Mitton's YouTube channel showcases awesome views and stories of flying seaplanes in Alaska, Africa, the Arctic, and Europe. Read more >

Article

Meet Laura Humphries, aka 'The Flying Princess'

While working as a flight attendant, Laura Humphries saw a Black female airline captain on the same flight. That's all it took for her to know that she could one day sit in that same seat. Read more >

Podcast

'Ask the A&Ps': Don't let the IA hold you hostage

A&Ps Mike Busch, Paul New, and Colleen Sterling answer questions about corroded control cables, the right oil for engine break-in, pesky fouled plugs, and just how far you can push back your annual during this month's aviation maintenance podcast. Listen to the podcast >

Avfuel announces 2020 scholarship winners

Avfuel awarded flight training scholarships to Cassandra Gultom, Lyndse Costabile, and Brentin Wilson, and business aviation scholarships to Philip Kost and Megan Stumbo. The awards ranged from $500 to $2,000.

AOPA Live This Week

She built this; Dan's early Christmas; New Garmin watch

Watch our colleague Dan Justman unbox AOPA's 2020 Pilot Gear Guide, while another staff pilot gets his hot hands on Garmin's new watch. Also, a visit with Boeing B–29 Superfortress builder Connie Palacioz. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Career Pilot

UAS opportunities

Airplane pilots may shudder at the thought of guiding a winged machine through the atmosphere while perched in a land-based office, van, tent, or foxhole. Read more >

Article

Redbird Migration going online

The tenth annual Redbird Migration Flight Training Conference is going online October 21 and 22 because of coronavirus pandemic travel restrictions and safety concerns. Read more >

Coronavirus might limit AWAM scholarships

The Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance awarded 49 scholarships in 2020, but leaders said there could be fewer opportunities in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The application deadline is November 1 for those pursuing jobs in avionics installation or repair.

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFI, Cardinal Wings Aviation

Cardinal Wings Aviation in Louisville, Kentucky, is looking for full-time flight instructors. Cardinal Wings Aviation is a busy Part 61 school, which helps build time fast. Read the full description and apply today >

Training Products and Resources

Video

Surviving the backcountry

Watch as delays, poor decisions, and lack of preparation turn a four-hour cross-country flight into a 30-hour survival crisis in the unforgiving Idaho backcountry in this AOPA Air Safety Institute Real Pilot Story.

Kneeboard clip works on multiple tablets

The MyClip Multi Tablet Kneeboard strap secures a variety of electronic tablets and select smartphones to a pilot's thigh using adjustable plastic clips affixed to an elastic band. Pilots praise the strap for its simplicity and efficiency. It is available from Sporty's Pilot Shop for $33.95.

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

Article

AOPA Day at Sporty's set for October 21

Members will receive free shipping from Sporty's Pilot Shop on October 21 in honor of more than 50 years of support the aviation retailer has given AOPA. Read more >

Pilot Protection Services

BasicMed refresher

AOPA Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Director Gary Crump reviews BasicMed requirements. Read more >

Member benefit

Ready to buy but can't find your airplane?

If you are looking to buy but haven't found your dream aircraft, these tips might help. Read more >

Instrument Tip

IFR Fix

Holiday flying in 2020

Consider checking your basic skills before reaching for instrument currency when taking on proficiency training for a holiday flight. Read more >

Photo of the Week

P–51 practice

A North American P–51 Mustang pilot practices for the Arsenal of Democracy flyover of Washington, D.C. Nearly 70 World War II warbirds came together in September in recognition of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War II. Read the story and follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

I am pursuing my sport pilot certificate, and I think it might be more cost-effective to purchase my own airplane to train in rather than to rent. What should I consider in my cost-benefit analysis between purchasing a new or an older aircraft?

Answer

The number of hours you fly per year will determine whether it is more cost-effective to rent or to own. A newer airplane might have a higher monthly payment than an older airplane. Also, you do need to factor in an engine overhaul and any planned, or desired, upgrades down the road. Hangar space can come at a premium, if it comes at all. Check all surrounding airports and inquire early on to avoid surprises. 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. Stay sharp with our webinars, podcasts, and videos.

Upcoming AOPA webinars

Oct. 15, 12 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Oct. 21, 7 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Oct. 22, 7 p.m. EDT	Seasons of Safety: Managing risks during cool season flying
Oct. 23, 4 p.m. EDT	AOPA 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

George Antoniadis - PlaneSense

You Can Fly Champions

How a PPS panel attorney protects AOPA members

'Bachelor' star Peter Weber

DK's Top 5: Everything you've always wanted to ask a controller

Kellee Edwards

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

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'You're never in a situation where the IA can hold you hostage'

'Hangar Talk': Reno Air Races pilot Dennis Sanders

'Hangar Talk' Flight Time series: Max Trescott

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Oct. 5, 2020

'There I was...': Mirek Fatyga

'Never Again': Whispers of trouble

'Pilot Protection Services Podcast': Predicting the future

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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