Training Tip: Losing it


VOL 21, ISSUE 27	July 2, 2021

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Losing it

Uncoordinated flight, equipment malfunctions, complacency, distraction, turbulence, and VFR-only pilots attempting to fly in instrument meteorological conditions are among the most common ways pilots lose control of aircraft. Read more >

Technique

Pilot magazine

Far-out forecasts

Computer-generated forecast models can provide an extra dimension for long-range planning. The Global Forecast System, for example, can give you a look at the weather up to 14 days in advance. Read more >

Flight Training News

Article

Flyt Aviation quickly making name for itself

An Atlanta flight school has thrived despite launching during the coronavirus pandemic, growing its fleet from a single Cessna 172 to eight busy aircraft and a dozen instructors. Read more >

Future flight

Electric flight training aircraft?

Bye Aerospace has purchase agreements in place for more than 700 electric aircraft, including the two-seat eFlyer 2 and four-seat eFlyer 4. Read more >

Premium content

The buddy system

Finding someone who shares your enthusiasm for learning to fly might lead to a lifetime of fun flying experiences. Read more >

Article

Head work

Becoming a pilot shows you the world from a different perspective, introduces you to new concepts and sensations, and gives you a new set of tools for evaluating novel situations. Read more >

Sponsored by AssuredPartners Aerospace and USAIG

Avoiding prop strikes

This AOPA Air Safety Institute video examines why prop strikes happen and provides practical tips to protect your propellers, engine, and firewall by ensuring your props are always striking the air—not the runway, objects, or persons.

AOPA Live This Week

Cubs and a crowd; Earthrounding teen; Portable paddling

We join a multigenerational crowd at the Sentimental Journey Fly-In at William Piper's original patch; check in with a British teen flying solo around the world; and paddle a capable, inflatable canoe. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Career Spotlight

Airport management

As the senior airport operations manager for the busiest general aviation airport in Virginia, Jolene Berry spends as much time in her truck as she does in her office overlooking the field. Read more >

Aviation job board

Job of the week: AOPA content producer

A content producer creates a high volume of general aviation-related content across all AOPA media channels—including print, online, video, and social media. 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 email marketing manager, a data analyst, an editorial assistant, and a member services representative. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Training Products and Resources

Online resource

Learn from 'CFI to CFI'

Get tips for nontowered airport operations, insights from designated pilot examiners, and more in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's CFI to CFI newsletter. Learn more >

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

BasicMed documents

If you are flying or considering flying under BasicMed, find out which documents you are required to have available and what to expect if you are asked to produce them. Read more >

Member benefit

How much airplane can I afford?

The amount of cash you have for a down payment, how much you can pay each month, and your debt-to-income ratio are just some of the factors used to determine your aircraft purchasing power. Read more >

Instrument Tip

Article

Putting the brief in briefing

By thinking of an instrument approach plate in layers, pilots can use it as a guide to set up their airplane, radios, and expectations in advance. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Freedom to fly

Whatever you fly and wherever you fly—be it over mountains and prairies, or along the oceans—celebrate and remember all who have served our country and continue to protect our freedom to fly this Fourth of July. The late AOPA Technical Editor Mike Collins photographed a flight of liaison aircraft framed by flags surrounding the Washington Monument during the Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Capitol Flyover in 2015. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

According to FAR 91.211, the pilot needs to have supplemental oxygen if flying above 12,500 feet msl for more than 30 minutes. I never fly that high, but was wondering if you fly at 13,000 feet for 25 minutes and then descend to 12,500 feet or lower, how long do you have to wait (according to the FAA) before flying back up to 13,000 feet again?

Answer

The regulations do not explicitly prohibit what you suggest doing. However, it's a recipe for serious hypoxia, so the FAA might call it "careless or reckless" if something bad happened as a result. For additional FAA guidance, see these brochures on oxygen equipment or hypoxia. 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

Jul 8, 12 p.m. EDT	'Don't Get Rusty' series: Weather and how to read it
Jul 8, 6 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Jul 14, 12 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Aug 3, 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

Hartzell President JJ Frigge talks about new products

'A Pair of Wings' author Carole Hopson

Garmin's Cliff Pemble on earning the Collier Trophy for Autoland

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

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'About half the time, reported cracked cylinders aren't cracked'

'Hangar Talk': Pilots to the Rescue founder Michael Schneider

'Pilot Briefing': Week of June 28, 2021

'There I was...': John Lancaster

'Never Again': Where are the towers?

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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