Training Tip: Six lifesaving tasks


VOL 21, ISSUE 11	March 12, 2021

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Six lifesaving tasks

When a reader asked us whether a flight instructor who is not an instrument instructor could give the three hours of instrument training required for private pilot applicants, it seemed like a good time to look for learning beyond the basic answer, which is yes. Read more >

Technique

Video

Plan B

Some pilots think of every touchdown as an interrupted go-around. Watch how we do it and be primed when the need arises. Watch the video >

Flight Training News

Article

Worldwide flight simulator sales strong

Worldwide simulator sales began 2021 on a strong note, with companies signing agreements with or making deliveries to flight schools in Japan, Spain, France, and Germany. Read more >

Article

Top 5 female aviation influencers to follow

As part of Women of Aviation Week, we share our top five favorite female aviation influencers. Read more >

Article

Runway markings

Learn the six flavors of markings for hard-surface runways: designation, threshold, centerline, touchdown zone, aiming point, and side stripe. Read more >

Webinar

Convective weather

Explore severe storm forecasting, thunderstorm avoidance, radar interpretation, and real-world case studies during an AOPA Air Safety Institute webinar on March 18 at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Register here >

Unusual attitude

Last flight

As pilots, we fondly remember our first flights, and we celebrate milestones such as first solos and successful checkrides. But each of us will have a last flight, too. Read more >

Daylight saving time begins March 14

If you live in an area that observes daylight saving time, don't forget to move your clocks forward one hour March 14. Remember that the conversion to Coordinated Universal Time will change, too. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's time conversion chart can help you avoid confusion.

AOPA Live This Week

Shared passions; Cape Cod escape

Bonanzas bring together two very different pilots. Also, a Cape Cod getaway, and a look at aviation education in high schools. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Article

Meet Brittany Pink, aka 'The Pink Aviatrix'

As a pilot and flight data processor in Jamaica, Brittany Pink enjoys two unique perspectives on aviation. Read more >

Career Spotlight

Passengers on cargo flights usually don't complain

Cargo flying is often a solitary mission or with just one co-pilot, and the flights are usually overnight. Pilots might haul animals, boxes, and everything in between. Read more >

Blog

Professional pilots train for emergencies

An engine emergency aboard United Airlines Flight 328 captured the public's attention. Flight Training blogger and airline pilot Chip Wright reminds us that professional pilots train for such scenarios. Read more >

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Part 141 chief flight instructor, Snohomish Flying Service

Snohomish Flying Service is seeking a fixed-wing chief flight instructor for an active Part 141 flight school located in the Puget Sound Region of Washington state. 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 digital marketing coordinator and a web app developer. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Training Products and Resources

Pop quiz

Test your VFR and IFR knowledge with the AOPA Air Safety Institute's safety quizzes.

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

Advice for interacting with the FAA

Here are some things pilots should consider doing—and not doing—in the case of an FAA ramp check, logbook inspection, phone call, notice of deviation, or aircraft accident or incident. Read more >

Member benefit

How much airplane can I afford?

AOPA Aviation Finance Co. President Adam Meredith explains some of the factors that determine your spending limit when making an aircraft purchase. Read more >

Instrument Tip

Article

Say goodbye to a stabilized approach

We're constantly warned about the risks inherent in flying circling approaches, and for good reason. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Fly like a champ

AOPA Senior Photographer Mike Fizer captured this image of a pilot frolicking above the clouds in an American Champion Denali Scout. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

I'm flying solo, cruising at 8,000 feet, with the autopilot engaged. Can I log time as pilot in command?

Answer

FAR 61.51(e)(1)(i) specifies that a pilot must be "the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated" as a condition of logging PIC time. Although the pilot is not actually hands-on while the autopilot is engaged, ultimately the pilot is manipulating the controls and is entitled to full credit as PIC. 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

Mar. 18, 6 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Fort Myers, Florida)
Mar. 18, 7 p.m. EDT	Avoiding the dangers of convective weather
Mar. 24, 6 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Cleveland, Ohio)
Apr. 1, 12 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

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': 'If it moves, squirt it with something'

'Hangar Talk': Musician, pilot, and TV personality Nick Hoffman

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

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

'There I was...': Kelly Keller

'Never Again': In the dark

'Pilot Protection Services Podcast': Predicting the future

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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