Training Tip: Safety (almost) first


VOL 20, ISSUE 42	October 16, 2020

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Safety (almost) first

When a pilot flying a cross-country became anxious about fuel remaining at the trip's halfway point, it seemed prudent to make an unscheduled stop at a nontowered airport that was "in sight and readily available" up ahead. Read more >

Technique

Article

Drop and plop

The short-field landing isn't lovely—and it isn't supposed to be. Here are tips to help you master the technique. Read more >

Video

Take a brake

Learn how the reporting terms used to describe runway conditions can help you anticipate bad-weather braking performance in this AOPA Air Safety Institute video.

Flight Training News

Future flight

Electric trainer certified

Slovenian airplane maker Pipistrel has worked for several years to get an electric aircraft certified, and European regulators have signed off on the first such type certificate: the Pipistrel Velis Electro. Read more >

Advocacy

Knowledge testing almost back to pre-pandemic level

The FAA continues to roll out updated airman training and knowledge testing materials as an FAA working group noted an uptick in testing demand. Read more >

Advocacy

Proposed immigration rule could impact flight training

A federal rulemaking proposal could disrupt the flight training of some foreign students by imposing a deadline on visas that currently allow them to remain in the United States until their training and study are complete. Read more >

Flight lesson

Once bitten

Flight instructor Christopher Freeze shares lessons learned from his first flight to a private field. 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 >

After the checkride

Flying the national parks

Flying over and gazing down at the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park has to be one of the greatest reasons to enjoy the U.S. national parks from a general aviation aircraft. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Total transformation; Life after tragedy; Preserving history

The AOPA Sweepstakes RV–10 is ready for its new home—see its transformation. Also, Australian pilot Ryan Campbell shares his story of triumph over tragedy, and an unused aviation landmark gets a second chance. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Baker to participate in Redbird Migration

AOPA President Mark Baker will join representatives from the Experimental Aircraft Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association for presentations during the virtual tenth annual Redbird Migration Flight Training Conference October 21 and 22.

Blog

Lodging issues come with the territory

Noise, temperature control, and food top the list of overnight lodging issues that challenge professional pilots, writes airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright. Read more >

Article

OBAP events go virtual

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals' Aerospace Professionals in School Week and Girls LAUNCH are going virtual this year. Read more >

CBP augments King Air fleet

Two special-mission extended-range Beechcraft King Air 350CERs will join a fleet of 25 aircraft operated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations division, Textron Aviation said October 13.

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 >

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 >

Training Products and Resources

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.

Biplane art collection recalls early aviation

A four-piece series of mixed media artwork called Bygone Biplanes from PilotMall.com evokes memories of the early days of aviation by highlighting the smooth, contoured lines of vintage aircraft. The works are available individually for $29.99.

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

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.

Pilot Protection Services

Beware counterfeit medications

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

Instrument Tip

What Am I

View-limiting device

Whether it's a hood or an outsize pair of glasses, you'll use a view-limiting device during your primary and instrument training. The device blocks peripheral and forward vision, making you focus on the instruments. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Ramp appeal

Zlin Z 50

You've seen Zlin Z 50s in the viral Red Bull video of two airplanes flying side by side through an open hangar. Airshow spectators know these aircraft for the wild, tumbling, end-over-end gyroscopic maneuvers that have become popular among aerobatic performers around the world. AOPA Senior Photographer Chris Rose captured this photo of a right-side-up Zlin Z 50 while on assignment. Learn more about the Zlin Z 50 and follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

Departing Billy Mitchell Airport in Hatteras, North Carolina, on a calm day in my Cherokee 235, I took off after a Boeing V–22 Osprey departed. Wake turbulence flipped the left wing over to two o'clock. I pushed down elevator, full left rudder, then left aileron, before the airplane began to roll back over. I have over 1,000 hours—800 in this Cherokee—and still feel lucky to have lived through this. I'm telling this story to let other pilots know wake turbulence is a serious situation. Where can I find information on wake turbulence?

Answer

With calm wind conditions, it's best to give at least a three-minute wait for takeoff behind a "large" aircraft (over 12,500 pounds), especially a helicopter, which is essentially what a V–22 is when hovering and taking off (until the proprotors are translated to the horizontal mode). See Section 7-4 of the Aeronautical Information Manual for more on this subject, especially 7-4-7 regarding operating around helicopters. Vortices are invisible, but it is very important to "see" where they are and avoid them. If you have a wake encounter story, please share. Join the discussion to read about another encounter with wake turbulence >

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. 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

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

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

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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