Training Tip: 'Tailwinds' and 'Blue Skies'


VOL 21, ISSUE 46	November 12, 2021

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

'Tailwinds' and 'Blue Skies'

Don't let your tenderness for tailwinds tempt you to take off or touch down with one. When groundspeed exceeds airspeed during these phases of flight, it can pose numerous problems. Read more >

Technique

Ask the Editor

Whither the wind?

How can I improve my recognition of wind direction as I am approaching an airport, before I can see the windsock? Read more >

Flight Training News

You Can Fly

Confidence builder

Jess Padden, the 2021 AOPA Flight Training Experience Award winner for best flight instructor in the Northwest Mountain region, goes above and beyond to make sure his students feel confident. (Photo by Bailey Paddock.) Read more >

Article

Checkride checklist

If you know you are going to botch a short-field or power-off, 180-degree landing, should you go around? Would that decision fail you? Read more >

Video

Into thin air

This AOPA Air Safety Institute Accident Case Study examines the hazards of high density altitude that caught up with two pilots who attempted to cross 14,000-foot peaks in a Beechcraft Bonanza G36 in July.

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Earthrounding hopeful Zara Rutherford

Pilot Zara Rutherford, 19, talks mid-trip about her around-the-world attempt in a Shark Aero ultralight. Plus, get caught up on the latest general aviation news. Listen to the podcast >

Podcast

'Ask the A&Ps': 'Only a CFI would ask a question like that'

This month on Ask the A&Ps, our maintenance experts dive into questions about valve failures, tracking engine times, aging engine accessories, and worrying cylinder head temperatures. Plus, a question that could only come from an instructor. Submit your questions. Listen to the podcast >

AOPA Live This Week

Do not follow me; Honoring veterans

Dario Costa recounts his 44-second flight through two Turkish highway tunnels, we salute veterans among us, and Garmin collects its Collier Trophy. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Article

Corporate aviation hiring demand is high

More than one-third of professional pilots in the United States are pursuing careers in corporate aviation instead of the airlines, said Future and Active Pilot Advisors founder Louis Smith. Read more >

Online resource

Renew your instructor certificate with the best

The AOPA Air Safety Institute recently refreshed its electronic Flight Instructor Refresher Course to incorporate fresh, relevant content, including two new elective modules. Learn more >

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFI, Trident Aircraft Inc.

Trident Aircraft Inc. is seeking full-time flight instructors for its location in Easton, Maryland. Instructors can build time and experience very quickly. 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 managing editor, a marketing specialist, a medical certification specialist, a UX/UI designer, an IT project manager, and a content producer. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Training Products and Resources

Webinar

Backcountry flying season in review

The AOPA Air Safety Institute and backcountry leaders will discuss how the backcountry season unfolded, lessons learned, and suggestions to prepare for next year on November 18 at 8 p.m. Eastern. Register here >

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

Fuel reimbursement exemptions for volunteer pilots

If you want to fly as a volunteer pilot for an organization and be reimbursed for fuel, here's some advice that will help you request an exemption from the FAA to do so. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Grateful for their service

Jim Sells greets fellow pilot and Vietnam veteran Randy Barnes during the Veterans Day Fly-In at Peach State Aerodrome in Williamson, Georgia. AOPA eMedia Assistant Editor Cayla McLeod's coverage includes additional photos. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from staff and members.

Final Exam

Question

Is wake turbulence really that dangerous?

Answer

A lot depends on the size—and weight—of the aircraft that is creating it, and wind conditions also play a role. NASA set up smoke generators on towers near runways to visualize the vortices left in the wake of various large aircraft, such as a Lockheed C–5 Galaxy. Seeing how the horizontal tornado-like vortices persist and drift with the wind will give you a better idea how to approach a runway recently used by a "heavy" aircraft. Watch the videos 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. (Log in to the online Pilot Information Center using your AOPA website username and password to see this discussion.) 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. Have a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

Stay sharp with AOPA's webinars, podcasts, and videos.

Upcoming AOPA webinars

Nov 18, 11 a.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Nov 18, 8 p.m. EST	AOPA Air Safety Institute presents: Back to the backcountry—2021 in review
Dec 7, 2 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

Bonanza chase drone video pilots Matt Guthmiller and NikoFilmz

Pilot/adventurer Victor Vescovo

XPrize Foundation cofounder Gregg Maryniak

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

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'Only a CFI would ask a question like that'

'Hangar Talk': Earthrounding hopeful Zara Rutherford

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

'There I was...': David Bradley

'Never Again': How I turned an airplane into a tractor

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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