Look back at 2021; Pilots' 2022 resolutions


VOL 23, ISSUE 53	December 31, 2021

Click here for this week's custom content.

Top Stories

Article

Close calls, bureaucratic nightmare most-read 2021 stories

A rare midair made more so by the fact that nobody was hurt, FAA-induced training chaos, and the consequences of one high-profile pilot's flight under a highway bridge drew more reader interest than a certain coronavirus in 2021. Read more >

Article

The year in photos

AOPA photographers spent the past year traversing the country capturing stunning and emotional aviation moments to share with pilots. From human interest pieces to aircraft fly-offs, follow us on a visual journey of the best photos of 2021. Read more >

Article

9 aviation resolutions

We asked what aviation-related resolutions you are taking into the new year. Here are the top nine results. Read more >

Technique and Safety

Video

Fly it to the hangar

Refresh your knowledge of taxi controls—remember to climb into and dive away from the wind—with this quick AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Tip. Watch the video >

Online resource

Maneuvering around risk

Any type of flying performed close to the ground (like the traffic pattern) is considered maneuvering flight. Enhance your understanding of maneuvering flight and learn suggestions to minimize risks in this AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Spotlight.

Video

Pressure over the Atlantic

An international ferry pilot was flying over the North Atlantic in a new Beechcraft F33 Bonanza when an issue with the auxiliary fuel tank arose. For eight hours the pilot was alone, over the ocean, in a single-engine airplane, with only the will to survive. Watch the AOPA Air Safety Institute Real Pilot Story.

AOPA Premier Partner created content

Land this flight simulator

Watch this challenging scenario; choose how you would handle it; then enter online for a chance to get a complete desktop flight simulator worth $2,495. Take the PilotWorkshops challenge >

Health

Pilot Protection Services

Music as medicine

Feeling stressed, anxious, or suffering from a sore back? Try music therapy instead of popping a pill. Read more >

Gear

Pilot magazine

Headsets and hearing loss

Anyone who has spent more than a few minutes at the local FBO has undoubtedly heard a heated debate among pilots that can end in shouting, tears, and broken friendships. The topic of discussion? Headsets. Read more >

Travel

Pilot Magazine

Fun for everyone: Bring the whole family

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to buy an airplane to fly your whole family on trips, consider these three popular models. Read more >

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

Financial

Article

New aviation scholarship for Midwest students

A longtime flight instructor and avid general aviation supporter, the late Edward B. Shafer, is being remembered through a scholarship, keeping his legacy alive for future pilots. Read more >

Article

Buying an aircraft? AOPA is here to help

Purchasing an aircraft can be daunting—particularly for the first-time buyer. These AOPA resources can help you get the information and guidance you need for every step. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Remembering aviators who died during 2021

AOPA honors 17 exceptional aviators—including one of our own—who made major contributions to general aviation. Read more >

You Can Fly

Ridgeline Aviation fosters more than learning

Ridgeline Aviation in Montana has been recognized in the 2021 AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards as the best flight school in the Northwest Mountain region. Read more >

You Can Fly

What pilots want in a flying club

Affordable aircraft, camaraderie, and mentorship emerged as the flying club attributes most sought by pilots who participated in a focus group assembled by AOPA to support our You Can Fly program's Flying Clubs Initiative. Read more >

Career Opportunities

Aviation Job Board

Looking for a job?

Job seekers can find the latest aviation opportunities through the Aviation Job Postings page on AOPA's website. The job board is offered in partnership with JSfirm.com. Search the job board >

AOPA Career Opportunities

Launch your aviation career at AOPA

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA has several opportunities open. Learn more >

Question of the Week

Question

You just flew an ILS approach in instrument conditions. You saw the runway and abandoned the approach to land visually. Your landing attempt went awry, so you had to go around. You re-enter the clouds. What is your next move?

Answer

One pilot suggests flying the missed approach procedure you briefed a few minutes ago and telling air traffic control you are on the missed approach from a bounced landing (meaning you were on the runway). While it is true the missed approach ensures terrain separation, it is also true that safety net begins at the missed approach point (MAP) and altitude at the MAP. You are obviously well below and well past that point. However, until or unless ATC tells you otherwise, that is all you have. Share your suggestions >

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. (Log in to the online Pilot Information Center using your AOPA website username and password to see this discussion.) Have a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

Stay sharp with AOPA's webinars, podcasts, and videos.

Upcoming AOPA webinars

Feb 17, 2 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Feb 18, 8 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Redding, California)
Mar 9, 7 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Augusta, Kansas)

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

Inspiration4 commander Jared Isaacman

CFI, student debrief emergency landing in Hawaii

Red Bull tunnel flight behind the scenes with Dario Costa

For a full list of Pilot Lounge videos, see the AOPA Live® YouTube channel.

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'That little cap doesn't hold the wings on'

'Hangar Talk': Steven Carlson plans small biz 48-state helicopter tour

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Dec. 27, 2021

'There I was...': Genesah Duffy and Lynn McNorton

'Never Again': Out of focus

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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

ePilot Editors:
Niki Britton
Alyssa Cobb
Cayla McLeod
Jim Moore

Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Melissa Whitehouse

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

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

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

Western United States:
Jonathan Taylor, 301-695-2338

AOPA Advertising website