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NTSB wants SMS, data recording; Court decides warbird case

AOPA ePilot
VOL 23, ISSUE 15 April 9, 2021
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Top Stories
NTSB would mandate aviation safety programs, some data recording
Advocacy
NTSB would mandate aviation safety programs, some data recording
The NTSB wants every operator who flies paying passengers to implement safety management systems. The AOPA Air Safety Institute said that recommendation goes too far. Read more >
Advocacy
Court upholds FAA order in warbird flight training case
A federal court declined to lift a cease-and-desist order issued by the FAA against a warbird flight training company in a case that could have implications for a wide variety of flight instruction provided to owners in their own aircraft. Read more >
AOPA Live This Week
NTSB's priorities; Utility of AOA indicators; Data retrofit
The NTSB updates its list of most-wanted safety improvements, CFI Laurence Balter explains the importance of angle-of-attack awareness, and a data recording retrofit for your airplane. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >
Technique and Safety
Login required
Spring weather
Warm fronts, cold fronts, sun, wind, rain, and even ice and snow: No other season has such wide meteorological mood swings as spring. Test your knowledge of ever-changing weather with this AOPA Air Safety Institute quiz.
Online resource
Upside down
Learn how spatial disorientation happens and how you can avoid its hazards, and examine accidents in this AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Spotlight.
Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce
Aircraft Maintenance: Tensiometers 101
How do you know the "true tension" that an aircraft cable is under? That might be anyone's guess, A&P IA Jeff Simon learned. Read more >
Video
Toddler overboard
The pilot was startled by a noise he thought was caused by a window blowing out. What followed was an emergency not covered in the pilot's operating handbook. Find out what happened in this AOPA Air Safety Institute Real Pilot Story.
Advocacy
Advocacy
New procedures for South-Central Florida Metroplex
More than 50 new air traffic procedures will be published April 22 when the FAA implements the first phase of its South-Central Florida Metroplex project, a NextGen-related modernization initiative. Read more >
Health
Pilot Protection Services
COVID-19 one year later
Dr. Kenneth Stahl reflects on the coronavirus pandemic. Read more >
Technology
Article
Virgin Galactic unveils new spacecraft
Virgin Galactic revealed its newest spaceship, the first in a series designed to maximize the number of flights and clear a backlog of passengers holding tickets for space. Read more >
Gear
Article
Garmin expands offerings in autopilot, device-charging, and app lines
Garmin announced several aviation product updates including additional aircraft certifications for its GFC 500 autopilot, new models of its GSB 15 USB charger, and features added to the Garmin Pilot aviation app. Read more >
Travel
Article
5 must-see attractions at Sun 'n Fun
After a year of canceled events because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo might be more anticipated than ever. Read more >
Article
Testing dropped for fully vaccinated domestic travelers
Travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can travel domestically without first getting tested unless their destination requires it. Read more >
Want more general aviation travel stories? Sign up for our AOPA Travel Pilot biweekly newsletter.
Financial
AOPA Foundation focus
New Legacy Society members take center stage
The AOPA Foundation's Legacy Society welcomed 30 new members April 7 during a hybrid live/virtual ceremony from the Legacy Court at AOPA's headquarters in Frederick, Maryland. Read more and watch the ceremony >
Member benefit
Purchasing an LSA for flight training
Have questions about purchasing a light sport aircraft for flight training? We can help. Read more >
News and Notes
Article
Piper names Calcagno acting CEO
Piper Aircraft announced April 6 that longtime Chief Financial Officer John Calcagno has taken over for retired CEO Simon Caldecott in an acting capacity. Read more >
Article
National Aeronautic Association honors Tuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Airmen are being honored for making "a significant and lasting contribution" to aviation and aerospace in the United States. Read more >
Article
Women Rock Wings
A growing platform seeks to "empower, support, promote, and connect women in aviation with each other and to needed resources," said Meagan S. Davis, founder and creator of Women Rock Wings. Read more and watch the video >
Career Opportunities
Aviation job board
Job of the week: A&P mechanic, Granite Air Center
Granite Air Center in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, is seeking an FAA-certificated A&P mechanic. Qualified candidates must be able to read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and specifications, and keep timely and accurate records. 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 an office coordinator and a web app developer. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >
Question of the Week
Question

Is there a subscription service available to assist me if my airplane breaks down at a field without a mechanic?
Answer
Mike Busch's Savvy Aviation offers a SavvyBreakdown service to provide assistance to its subscribers. Another option is to ask someone based at that field for a recommendation. 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. 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
Apr. 14, 1 p.m. EDT AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Apr. 24, 6 p.m. EDT AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Rensselaer, Indiana)
Apr. 28, 7 p.m. EDT AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
May 6, 3 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
Simon Caldecott on his retirement from Piper
AOPA General Aviation Town Hall
John Mohr, Piaggio Royal Gull
CST Flight Services COVID-19 travel guides
Earthrounder, crash survivor, and public speaker Ryan Campbell
George Antoniadis - PlaneSense
For a full list of Pilot Lounge videos, see AOPA Online.
AOPA podcasts
'Ask the A&Ps': 'I don't see anything that makes me want to attack the engine with tools'
'Hangar Talk': Airline captain Jenny Beatty on gender bias
'Hangar Talk' Flight Time series: Jamie Patterson-Simes
'Pilot Briefing': Week of Apr. 5, 2021
'There I was...': Doug Rozendaal
'Never Again': In the dark
'Pilot Protection Services Podcast': Predicting the future
To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.
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