Training Tip: Clouds on command


VOL 21, ISSUE 7	February 12, 2021

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Clouds on command

Pressure to complete a VFR flight combined with a tight schedule led to a diversion in instrument conditions, low on fuel and relying on portable navigation gear. Read more >

Technique

Pilot magazine

Efficiency: Asphalt analysis

Runway surface and other conditions reported for airports online generally come from the FAA, but the information might not always reflect current conditions. Read more >

Flight Training News

Advocacy

FAA not extending coronavirus pandemic SFARs

The coronavirus pandemic special federal aviation regulations that had extended compliance deadlines for currency, flight review, medical certification, and knowledge testing requirements ended January 31. Read more >

What Am I

Push-to-talk switch

Commonly installed on the yoke, the push-to-talk switch is connected to either the radio or audio panel, and it does what its name implies. Read more >

Webinar

Human factors

Dr. Penny Levin, a practicing clinical psychologist and CFI, takes a closer look at situational awareness and flight safety in an AOPA Air Safety Institute webinar on February 18 at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Register now >

Podcast

'Ask the A&Ps': We just saved your engine

A&Ps Mike Busch, Paul New, and Colleen Sterling delve into "must" versus "should." Must you open all those inspection ports, is the prop and governor overhaul mandatory, and should one owner retorque his cylinder after a reinstallation mistake? Submit your questions for the next episode. Listen to the podcast >

Online resource

Deadline nears to apply for AOPA's 2021 scholarships

The deadline to apply for AOPA scholarships to fund training opportunities ranging from primary to advanced is quickly approaching. Applications are due February 14 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Apply now >

AOPA Live This Week

NTSB rules on Bryant crash; Citation Longitude flight report

The 2020 helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight others prompted a call to improve pilot training. Plus, flying Cessna's Citation Longitude. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Article

Aviation career specialists note hiring trends

Aviation career specialists at JSfirm.com and Future and Active Pilot Advisors weigh in on the current job market—it's better than you might think. Read more >

Blog

Opportunities amid the coronavirus pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll, but it has also unlocked new opportunities for airlines considering airframe and parts purchases, writes airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright. Read more >

Instructor Report

Zen lessons

One CFI shares a method for encouraging students to look outside the airplane when performing visual maneuvers. Read more >

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFI, Horizon Aviation

Horizon Aviation in Warwick, Rhode Island, is seeking those with a passion for teaching and a driving commitment to their students' success to join its team of professional aviation educators. Read the full description and apply today >

Training Products and Resources

Video

Beyond Proficient: Catalina Island

Ever wondered what it takes to fly to Santa Catalina Island off the coast of California? This episode of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Beyond Proficient series follows a student pilot's first flight to the Airport in the Sky.

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

Reflections and deflections

AOPA Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Director Gary Crump reflects on how gratitude can help offset life's difficulties. Read more >

Member benefit

Will a bank lend to an LLC?

If two individuals form an LLC to purchase an aircraft and choose to finance a portion of the purchase, can the LLC be the borrower, or must each person arrange a loan? Read more >

Instrument Tip

IFR Fix

Pilots who pop up

A current instrument pilot flying a VFR cross-country observes that the solid cloud deck below is getting higher, the broken layer above is getting lower, and it's thickening. No matter; he can still file IFR—right? Read more >

Photo of the Week

Final honor flight

The crew of Boeing B–29 Superfortress Doc gave a special flight to retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Thomas Robert "Bob" Vaucher on September 26, 2020, in honor of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the end of World War II. Vaucher delivered the first B–29 to the armed forces in 1943, flight tested the aircraft for improvements, and led a massive B–29 flyover of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, during a ceremony marking the end of the war. Vaucher died February 7 at the age of 102. Learn about Vaucher's life and follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

I learned to fly at a nontowered airport. Naturally, before takeoff we look for traffic on final. When I transitioned to a towered environment, it still seemed like a good idea. However, a CFI told me that it annoys the air traffic controllers if I position the airplane to look for traffic on final. Is that correct?

Answer

You have a shared responsibility to look for traffic before taking the runway for departure and maintain situational awareness. Not rolling across the hold short line until you are satisfied it is safe to do so is the best practice. And when there is any doubt, stop and ask ATC. 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

Feb. 18, 12 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Feb. 18, 7 p.m. EST	Situational awareness: A human factors perspective
Feb. 24, 6 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
Mar. 6, 6 p.m. EST	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

John Mohr, Piaggio Royal Gull

CST Flight Services COVID-19 travel guides

Earthrounder, crash survivor, and public speaker Ryan Campbell

George Antoniadis - PlaneSense

You Can Fly Champions

How a PPS panel attorney protects AOPA members

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

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'We just saved your engine'

'Hangar Talk': Alaska Pilot Katie Writer explores environment

'Hangar Talk' Flight Time series: Jamie Patterson-Simes

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Feb. 8, 2021

'There I was...': Dennis Martin

'Never Again': Pop quiz

'Pilot Protection Services Podcast': Predicting the future

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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