GA key to mine safety; BasicMed tops 60K


VOL 22, ISSUE 42	October 16, 2020

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Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Aircraft Maintenance: Do your homework

It pays to do your homework before making changes to engine accessories to improve performance. Read more >

Video

Ask ATC: Am I cleared for Class B?

In this AOPA Air Safety Institute video, air traffic controllers explain when and how you can enter Class B airspace.

AOPA Premier Partner created content

Accident Report: Botched go-around

How could a proficient pilot botch a go-around with tragic consequences? This video shows a normal situation escalating out of control. Watch the accident analysis for valuable insights in this video from PilotWorkshops.

Advocacy

From 0 to 60K: BasicMed means business

More than three years after its launch, BasicMed is a resounding success. More than 60,000 aviators are flying safely under the program. Read more >

Advocacy

Drone rules on final approach

Regulations that would allow drone delivery and other advanced operations to scale up are in the final stages of federal review. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA calls new attention to older Piper PA–28 fuel selector valves

Pilots who fly older models of Piper PA–28 Cherokees should be on the alert to prevent inadvertently switching off the fuel selector valve or binding it when changing from one fuel tank to another in flight. Read more >

Health

Pilot Protection Services

Beware counterfeit medications

Dr. Jonathan Sackier offers tips to help you avoid questionable online pharmacies. Read more >

Technology

Article

Ampaire notes milestone flight for hybrid twin

Ampaire's hybrid-propulsion Electric EEL flew between two California airports on the "longest flight to date" for an aircraft with commercial potential that uses electric propulsion. Read more >

Opinion

Blog

Transcendence in the Alps

Europe-based Opinion Leaders blogger Garrett Fisher writes that his relationship with aviation has grown complicated even as he explores the majesty of the Alps from his Piper PA–11 Cub Special. Read more >

Gear

Pilot magazine

Headset TLC

If your Lightspeed Zulu headset needs refurbishment, you can do it yourself with a refresher kit. Read more >

Travel

Article

COVID-19 travel guide details certain international procedures

For pilots interested in flying to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Central or South America, CST Flight Services is providing free coronavirus-related travel restrictions, procedures, and notams on its website. Read more >

Article

VFR Unleashed: What's next for you?

Building your pilot skills creates opportunities for many new experiences you can enjoy with those who fly with you. Read more >

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

Financial

Article

Bonus depreciation rules for business aircraft released

Final regulations have been released that allow businesses to take a 100-percent tax-depreciation deduction for the cost of assets including new or used business aircraft in the year the property enters service. Read more >

Member benefit

What options are available to finance kit aircraft?

AOPA Aviation Finance Co. President Adam Meredith explains options and requirements for financing an aircraft kit or a completed kit aircraft. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Boeing's 20-year job predictions lowered

Boeing's Pilot and Technician Outlook 2020–2039 cites a drop in demand for pilots and technicians from the 2019 forecast because of the COVID-19 pandemic but predicts "the long-term need remains robust." Read more >

Article

STOL the show!

A 17-year-old showed up seasoned STOL competitors after earning her tailwheel endorsement earlier this year. Read more >

Article

AOPA's Tom Horne receives weather-education award

The Friends and Partners in Aviation Weather organization honored AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Tom Horne with its 2020 Service Award for his work educating pilots about aviation weather. Read more >

Article

G'Day Mate: Meet Ryan Campbell

Few in aviation can say they've experienced such extreme triumph and tragedy as Australian pilot Ryan Campbell. Read more and watch a video >

Article

Citation Jet Pilots founding member Tracy Forrest dies

President of the Bob Hoover Legacy Foundation, past president of the Citation Jet Pilots Association, and Winter Park Construction founder Tracy Forrest, 70, died October 12. Read more >

Article

OBAP events go virtual

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals is making its Aerospace Professionals in School Week and Girls LAUNCH virtual this year. Read more >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Aviation career specialist Louis Smith

Future and Active Pilot Advisors founder and career coach Louis Smith has weathered the aviation industry's cycles and advises career pilots to stay the course. Listen to the podcast >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Avionics technician, Lone Mountain Aviation Inc.

Lone Mountain Aviation Inc. is seeking avionics technicians of all skill levels for its North Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, locations. Avionics technicians are responsible for installation, repair, modification, and routine maintenance on aircraft. Read the full description and apply today >

Question of the Week

Question

A commercial pilot certificate applicant's long solo cross-country has a total distance of 510 nautical miles, with two of the four legs measuring 119 nm, and two measuring 136 nm. The straight-line distance between the departure airport and the most outlying airport is 255 nm. Does this flight fulfill the cross-country requirement according to FAR 61.129(a)(4)(i)?

Answer

A plain reading of the regulation says it's fine. The regulation does not address the length of any individual flight leg. 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

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
Oct. 27, 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

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

'Bachelor' star Peter Weber

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': Aviation career specialist Louis Smith

'Hangar Talk' Flight Time series: Max Trescott

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Oct. 12, 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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