Training Tip: I was just testing you


VOL 21, ISSUE 15	April 9, 2021

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

I was just testing you

Would a higher minimum passing grade on a knowledge test affect your plan for how and when to take the test? Read more >

Technique

Article

Back in the saddle

You check the calendar and realize it has been a few months since you last flew. What now? Read more >

Flight Training News

Advocacy

How to conduct a 'compliant' self-briefing

A new FAA advisory circular and video course guide do-it-yourselfers through the preflight weather briefing process. Read more >

Instructor report

The magic of lesson plans

Students learn best when they have a logical and easily understood process for earning their pilot certificate. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA can end ACS logjam, groups say

The FAA can get back to its long-stalled effort to publish new airman certification standards now that the Department of Transportation has removed obstacles that froze the project in 2019, aviation industry members said in a letter to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. 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 >

Flight lesson

Poor maintenance

A clogged fuel filter on a rented Beechcraft Bonanza created a dangerous situation for a father and son. Read more >

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.

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® >

Career News

Article

A confluence of time and money

Shortly after reopening from the coronavirus-pandemic lockdown last May, dozens of recreational flight schools and charter operators across the country experienced a major uptick in pilot training and sales. Read more >

Reports: United resumes pilot hiring

United Airlines made waves in the media recently with a memo to employees stating that it would hire about 300 pilots starting with those "who received conditional job offers or had a new class hire date that was canceled last year" because of the coronavirus pandemic, CBS Chicago reported. The move is in response to increased travel as more people are vaccinated.

Blog

Some bright spots

Travel is showing some signs of recovery, according to Flight Training blogger and airline pilot Chip Wright. Flights for spring break saw some of the highest load factors seen since early 2020, and Americans are itching to avoid another summer stuck at home. Read more >

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 >

Training Products and Resources

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.

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

Pilot Protection Services

COVID-19 one year later

Dr. Kenneth Stahl reflects on the coronavirus pandemic. Read more >

Member benefit

Purchasing an LSA for flight training

Have questions about purchasing a light sport aircraft for flight training? We can help. Read more >

Instrument Tip

Article

Simulated clouds in real aircraft

A National Guard helicopter pilot with a degree in aeronautical engineering created a device to simulate surprise entry into clouds, and it's now available to improve training. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Low wings, low clouds

A Cirrus SRV is a great choice for a scenic flight over Lake Superior. To see more of AOPA Senior Photographer Mike Fizer's photos, as well as photos from AOPA members and staff, follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram.

Final Exam

Question

How can I find information regarding the registration status of my aircraft or an aircraft I am considering buying?

Answer

This information is available on the FAA website. Type the N number in the "Look Up N-Numbers" search field at the top right of the page (without the N) and press "Go." A page will open that contains all the specifics on any aircraft associated with that N number, including registration status. On occasion, you might see a note indicating the registration status is in question with a phone number to call for more details. 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. 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

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.

421 Aviation Way Frederick, MD 21701
800-872-2672
301-695-2375 Fax

Flight Training Editors:
Alyssa Cobb
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
Jill Tallman
David Tulis

Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Kristy O'Malley
Melissa Whitehouse

Contributors:
Sarah Deener
Tom Haines
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Kollin Stagnito
Ian Twombly
Julie Summers Walker

Advertise in Flight Training:
Initial advertising inquiries:
Donna Stoner, 301-695-2336

Eastern and Central United States, Canada, and International:
Jeff Rockwood, 301-695-2089

Western United States:
Dan Justman, 301-695-2182

AOPA Advertising website