New Accident Case Study; AOPA Annual Report released


VOL 23, ISSUE 18	April 30, 2021

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Top Stories

Pilot Magazine

AOPA Annual Report 2020

AOPA's leaders answer your questions about the state of general aviation and share plans for a future that will inspire us all to fly. Read more >

Video

Faulty assumptions

In 2019, a Beechcraft Baron 58 pilot's mistaken assessment of available fuel proved disastrous. Learn more in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's new Accident Case Study.

AOPA Live This Week

Passion for precision; New 'Panchito' pilot

Daher TBM pilots parse data seeking consistently perfect landings, one of North American B–25 Mitchell bomber Panchito's newest pilots is a veteran with military roots, and space achievements pile up. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Technique and Safety

Article

B–25 connects father, son 75 years later

Vietnam War veteran Homer "Tom" Womack thought of his late father, who served in World War II, as he trained to fly the B–25 Panchito. Read more and watch the video >

Special-use airspace

Busting special-use airspace has special consequences. If you prefer to remain clear, refresh your knowledge with this AOPA Air Safety Institute quiz.

Online resource

Volunteering safely

Explore this AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Spotlight, which provides a brief overview of public benefit flying and how safety plays a critical role in the success of volunteer flight operations. Learn more >

Advocacy

AOPA opens 2021 Weather Survey

AOPA has launched the national 2021 Weather Survey that seeks information from a sampling of pilots about the aviation weather sources they use for briefings, and the kinds of meteorological data they rely on the most. Read more >

Advocacy

Speaking up on drone integration

Two online surveys of pilots and other stakeholders seek perspectives on unmanned aircraft traffic management. AOPA maintains that broad participation by general aviation must remain voluntary. Read more and voice your own views >

Advocacy

Participation in GA Survey encouraged

The FAA and AOPA urge aircraft owners and operators who received invitations to participate in the forty-third General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey to respond to the annual survey that helps assess aviation infrastructure needs and safety initiatives. Completing the survey takes about 15 minutes, and responses are confidential.

Advocacy

FAA to publish domestic and international notices on demand

The publication schedule for items on the domestic notices website and international notices website will change from a 28-day cycle to on-demand publication effective May 20. Read more >

Health

Pilot Protection Services

Medications and flying

AOPA Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Director Gary Crump discusses some factors that determine whether a medication is safe for pilots to take while flying. Read more >

Technology

Article

ADS-B for drones broadcasts conditionally

Most drones are barred from broadcasting ADS-B Out to avoid overwhelming the infrastructure, but uAvionix has patented a solution that preserves the safety benefits and eliminates extraneous broadcasts. Read more >

Opinion

Blog

Pilots discuss personal minimums and safety nets

In the third installment of a series about personal minimums, Opinion Leaders blogger and Mooney owner Jolie Lucas adds real-world experience to the discussion. Read more >

Gear

Article

Garmin unveils more discriminating weather radar

Garmin International Inc. spent five years optimizing the new GWX 8000 StormOptix weather radar to decrease clutter and provide a clearer view of precipitation and wind shear while reducing pilot workload. Read more >

Travel

Article

Fly to the Bluegrass State during May

The thundering of hooves at Churchill Downs and the sipping of mint juleps amid a sea of hats mean the Kentucky Derby has arrived—and so has the May AOPA Pilot Passport challenge. Read more >

Article

Bahamas to ease restrictions for international travelers

Pilots who have been fully vaccinated can fly to the Bahamas without getting a coronavirus test and enjoy indoor activities in addition to the islands' beautiful outdoor attractions. Read more >

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

Financial

Member benefit

How do I make my aircraft transaction go smoothly?

When selling an aircraft, transparency, good communication, and preparation are crucial. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Astronaut Michael Collins mourned

Apollo 11 astronaut, founding Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum director, and National Aviation Hall of Fame member Michael Collins has died at age 90. Read more >

Article

Former flight service specialists settle claims against DOT, FAA

The federal government will pay millions to settle age discrimination claims by hundreds of former FAA flight service specialists who lost their jobs to privatization in 2005. Read more >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Apache helicopter pilot Jason Hedrick

Former Boeing AH–64 Apache helicopter pilot and University of Georgia Aviation Club member Jason Hedrick talks about his transition to general aviation. Listen to the podcast >

Airworthiness advisories

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFI/CFII, Pacific States Aviation Inc.

Pacific States Aviation Inc. in Concord, California, is hiring a CFI/CFII to provide flight and ground instruction under FAR Parts 141 and 61. 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 a marketing specialist, an office coordinator, and a customer service representative (legal services). To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Question of the Week

Question

In addition to telling students about the dangers of wingtip vortices, is there a way to illustrate how big and violent they can get, and how they move?

Answer

Video illustrations of wingtip vortices are available online. The following videos show wingtip vortices from a Lockheed L–1011 Tri-Star, a Lockheed C–5A Galaxy, and a helicopter, as well as in a crosswind. 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

May 6, 3 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
May 12, 7 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Spring, Texas)
May 13, 12 p.m. EDT	'Don't Get Rusty' series: Technically tech savvy?
May 15, 12 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Redding, California)

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

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

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'Heavy detonation is normally a self-correcting event'

'Hangar Talk': Apache helicopter pilot Jason Hedrick

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Apr. 26, 2021

'There I was...': John 'Pappy' Mazza

'Never Again': Night fright

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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