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News & Media Testing runway turnbacks; You Can Fly Challenge kicks off

Testing runway turnbacks; You Can Fly Challenge kicks off

AOPA ePilot
VOL 23, ISSUE 23 June 4, 2021
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Top Stories
The runway behind you
Video
The runway behind you
Is the "impossible turn" in a single-engine airplane possible? The AOPA Air Safety Institute tested the turnback using a Piper PA–18 Super Cub, a Van's Aircraft RV–4, a Cessna 172N, and a Beechcraft Bonanza A36—and the results were surprising. Watch the video >
AOPA Foundation focus
2021 You Can Fly Challenge underway
The 2021 You Can Fly Challenge has launched, and donations to the AOPA Foundation for the challenge will be matched, dollar for dollar up to $2.5 million, by the Ray Foundation. Read more >
AOPA Live This Week
Modern multi trainer; Flying turtles
We check out the Tecnam P2006T, a modern and efficient multiengine trainer, and test several general aviation airplanes with the "impossible turn." Plus, pilots volunteer to help rescue endangered turtles. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >
AOPA Events
Article
Make plans to attend AOPA's Aviator Showcases
Enjoy high-quality, in-person buying experiences with industry experts at our single-day AOPA Aviator Showcases. Event registration opens June 22. Read more >
Technique and Safety
Sponsored by SiriusXM Aviation
Thunderstorm challenge
Set out with the AOPA Air Safety Institute for a VFR cross-country, but be prepared for pop-up thunderstorms, deteriorating weather, on-board and air traffic control radar realities, and fuel concerns. Test your knowledge in this interactive course.
IFR Fix
Back to the cone of confusion
What would your destination be if you needed to divert to the nearest "MON airport"—and what approach might you have to do when you get there? Read more >
Video
IMC emergency
A vacuum pump failure on a sunny day is no big deal, but in instrument meteorological conditions—and especially without backup instrumentation—it's an emergency. See how a Bonanza pilot coped with that situation, and learn how you can do better, in this AOPA Air Safety Institute Accident Case Study.
Advocacy
Advocacy
Biden's proposed budget includes increase for FAA
President Joe Biden's budget request to Congress would increase funding for the FAA and aviation programs without privatizing our nation's air traffic control system or imposing user fees on general aviation. Read more >
Advocacy
AOPA alerts members on Massachusetts landing fee bill
AOPA is calling on Massachusetts members to urge state Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro) to withdraw a bill that would charge an exorbitant "climate mitigation" landing fee on private, corporate, and charter aircraft using Bay State airports. Read more >
NTSB proposes expanded drone investigation criteria
The NTSB proposed adjusting the criteria for triggering an accident investigation to include certified or otherwise FAA-approved systems regardless of weight. Package delivery drones are part of the reason. Comments are due by July 20.
Health
Online resource
BasicMed FAQs answered
One of the most frequent reasons pilots reach out to AOPA's medical certification specialists is to learn more about BasicMed. We've compiled the basics you need to know on this resource page. Learn more >
Technology
Article
Garmin autolands Collier Trophy
Garmin Autoland has earned the 2020 Robert J. Collier Trophy. Autoland is the first certified autonomous system that can activate in an emergency to land an aircraft without human intervention. Read more >
Opinion
Blog
Is the pandemic over?
Things are trending in the right direction after the coronavirus pandemic as the public resumes air travel and airlines return to a pilot hiring frenzy, writes Flight Training blogger and airline pilot Chip Wright. Read more >
Gear
Article
Two new books seek to inspire girls in aviation
If you are starting a summer reading list, check out Women of Adventure: Being Brave in a Big World and Hardly Easy. Read more >
Travel
Article
ForeFlight Fly-Out: Cool off in northern climes
Escape the early summer heat by flying to nine featured airports in the northern states and score cool swag in the June ForeFlight Fly-Out. Read more >
Want more general aviation travel stories? Sign up for our AOPA Travel Pilot biweekly newsletter.
Financial
Article
Aircraft demand strong in Q1 data
Demand for aircraft outstripped supply in numerous market segments in 2021's first quarter as the coronavirus pandemic, aircraft exports, up-trading owners, and new market entrants made their mark. Read more >
Member benefit
How much cash do I need?
Several factors related to your finances and the aircraft you plan to buy determine how much cash you should have on hand to qualify for an aircraft loan. Read more >
News and Notes
Article
AOPA's Jennifer Non recognized for promoting diversity in aviation
A leading Chicago-based communications training company has recognized AOPA Senior Manager of Media Relations and Public Affairs Jennifer Non for her reporting on diversity and inclusion in general aviation. Read more >
Pilot Protection Services
Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act
Attorney Jerry Eichenberger explains how the new Corporate Transparency Act might affect aircraft owners. Read more >
Airworthiness advisories
Career Opportunities
Aviation job board
Job of the week: Patient financial advocate, Air Methods Corp.
The patient advocate is responsible for patient collections when the financial responsibility falls on the patient, making financial arrangements, and informing patients of all coverage options. 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 member services representative, a digital advertising specialist, and a marketing specialist. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >
Question of the Week
Question

If you used a broker to buy your airplane, was it worth the money? Is the price a flat fee or based on the purchase price?
Answer
I contacted a broker in the New England area when I was looking to buy a Cessna 172. It was a sliding fee based on purchase price, plus broker expenses if you wanted him to travel to inspect the airplane. I ended up not contracting him to search for an airplane, but a few months later, he was selling a model slightly older than my target range that I bought. 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
Jun 17, 4 p.m. EDT AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Jun 17, 7 p.m. EDT Turbulence: Things that go bump in the flight
Jun 23, 12 p.m. EDT AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Jul 8, 6 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
'Tiger in the Sea' author Eric Lindner
Theoretical astrophysicist, author, private pilot: Talking flying with Dr. @AstroKatie Mack
Adrian Eichhorn and Shinji Maeda
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': Young Pilots USA founder Luc Zipkin
'Pilot Briefing': Week of May 31, 2021
'There I was...': Craig Beles and Truman O'Brien
'Never Again': Where are the towers?
To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.
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