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Training Tip: The game of the name

AOPA Flight Training
VOL 21, ISSUE 8 February 19, 2021
Training Tips
The game of the name
Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce
The game of the name
As you enter the traffic pattern to land at your cross-country destination, does it strike you as odd that this airport and another one around here have identical runway bearings and the same assigned common traffic advisory frequency—and right now, both have a light twin turning final? Read more >
Technique
Video
Don't let it land
One student learns that sometimes not landing is the best way to make your landings "click." Watch the video >
Flight Training News
Podcast
'There I was...': Icing in a Cirrus
Cirrus Training Center Instructor Terry Pretzloff recalls encountering icing conditions worse than forecast in a Cirrus SR22 in the latest episode of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's There I was... podcast.
Advocacy
VFR charts to be updated more frequently
The FAA will begin updating VFR charts every 56 days, starting February 25. AOPA advocated for the chart-cycle change, and noted that based on pilot surveys, approximately 90 percent of pilots were primarily using electronic charts. Read more >
Article
Bessie Coleman centennial celebrates legacy of inspiration
A 10-city U.S. tour and scholarships will honor the 100th anniversary of Bessie Coleman, the first woman pilot of African American and Native American descent, earning her certificate. Read more >
Video playlist
Webinars at your fingertips
Explore the AOPA Air Safety Institute's recent webinars, which cover topics from survival and aeronautical decision making to proficiency, glass cockpits, and more. View the playlist >
Ramp appeal
Extra 300L
Improved visibility, especially in the landing attitude, and an exceptionally fast roll rate make the Extra 300L a popular aircraft among aerobatic pilots. Read more >
AOPA Live This Week
Florida Keys calling; End of an era for Learjet
Come away with us to the Florida Keys, say goodbye to the Learjet, and get details from AOPA President Mark Baker's meeting with the new federal air surgeon. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >
Career News
Article
Jobs open in GA market
Companies are hiring again, and the market for corporate pilots is hot. Demand is also increasing for air medical evacuation specialists, flight instructors, aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, administrators, and engineers. Read more >
Article
Piper to offer apprenticeship info sessions online
Piper Aircraft Inc. will offer those interested in becoming aircraft assembly apprentices a choice of four online seminars to help introduce them to its accredited two-year program that began in 2019. Read more >
Blog
Missing the classroom
Training has evolved from a typical classroom setting to a virtual learning environment, writes airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright, who recently finished a return-to-flight course for Boeing's 737 Max. Read more >
FSANA reschedules annual meeting to August
The Flight School Association of North America has rescheduled its annual meeting, originally set for March, to August 18 through 20. The venue, Rosen Plaza in Orlando, Florida, remains unchanged. FSANA said the decision to reschedule came after discussions with association members, suppliers, government officials, and hotel management.
Podcast
'Hangar Talk': Cargo pilot and country musician Brian Wright
Freight-hauling pilot and Nashville recording artist "Big City" Brian Wright talks about cargo aviation careers, making music, and following your dreams. Listen to the podcast >
Aviation job board
Job of the week: Flight attendant, SkyWest Airlines
The primary role of a SkyWest flight attendant is to ensure the safety of passengers while they are on board the company's aircraft. Read the full description and apply today >
Training Products and Resources
Cirrus releases new takeoffs, landings course
Cirrus Aircraft released a new SR Series Takeoffs and Landings Course, giving pilots a real-world perspective on critical procedures highlighted in seven lessons and more than four hours of training. The material is available in the Cirrus learning catalog for $150.
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
Article
AOPA Aircraft Guide launches
The new AOPA Aircraft Guide lists nearly 90 aircraft that are currently in production, providing aviators with a valuable resource that will make buying an aircraft more rewarding and less of a hassle. Read more >
Pilot Protection Services
The stick-and-rudder skills of medication adherence
Pharmacist Larry Diamond reminds pilots of the importance of sticking with a medication regimen. Read more >
Member benefit
Is now the time to pay off an aircraft loan?
In the current market, should you pay off your aircraft loan or invest your cash elsewhere? Read more >
AOPA Premier Partner created content
How far can you glide?
A Hall of Fame instructor shares a tip for quickly determining how far your airplane can glide in an emergency. Listen to the tip from PilotWorkshops >
Instrument Tip
Article
Non-approach approaches
Although we like to put instrument and visual flying in two different buckets, many elements, rules, and procedures cross over. Read more >
Photo of the Week
Congressional treasures
Congressional treasures
The U.S. Library of Congress holds many gems, including a series of photos documenting the historic Tuskegee Airmen by World War II volunteer Toni Frissell. Learn more about the Tuskegee Airmen and the woman who photographed them. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see photos from AOPA members and staff.
Final Exam
Question

When performing clearing turns before conducting flight maneuvers in the training area, if my first clearing turn is 90 degrees to the left, should my second clearing turn be 90 degrees to the right or 180 degrees to the right?
Answer
There is no FAA specification for clearing turns—just that you do what is necessary to make sure you don't hit anyone (see page 1-12 of the Airplane Flying Handbook.) 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. 24, 6 p.m. EST AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Fort Wayne, Indiana)
Mar. 6, 6 p.m. EST AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Mar. 10, 3 p.m. EST AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Mar. 11, 12 p.m. EST 'Don't Get Rusty' series: Now we're playing with gas
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': Cargo pilot and country musician Brian Wright
'Hangar Talk' Flight Time series: Jamie Patterson-Simes
'Pilot Briefing': Week of Feb. 15, 2021
'There I was...': Terry Pretzloff
'Never Again': Pop quiz
'Pilot Protection Services Podcast': Predicting the future
To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.
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