Training Tip: Winging in the rain


VOL 21, ISSUE 40	October 1, 2021

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Winging in the rain

Can a student pilot fly in the rain? Find out why this simple question has a not-so-simple answer. Read more >

Technique

Premium content

Keep your head in the game

These 13 tips will help you stay mentally engaged during low-workload periods of cruising flight. Read more >

Flight Training News

Online resource

Learn from 'CFI to CFI'

Explore the latest AOPA Air Safety Institute CFI to CFI newsletter for tips and tricks on flight training, insights from designated pilot examiners, and more. Learn more >

Always learning

Follow me

When flying VFR, it's a particularly good idea to file flight plans or request flight following when the terrain or weather presents an increased level of risk. Read more >

You Can Fly

University flying club provides pathway to aviation

The Clemson Flying Club boasts about 80 members and operates two Cessna 172s and a Cessna 152, providing Clemson University students, staff, and alumni with a pathway into aviation. Read more >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Bearhawk Aircraft STOL manufacturer Mark Goldberg

Bearhawk Aircraft's Mark Goldberg explains how the line of rugged kit-built short-takeoff-and-landing taildraggers offers good performance and value; plus, get caught up on the latest general aviation news. Listen to the podcast >

AOPA Live This Week

Legacy of inspiration

Teaching the barrier-breaking legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and giving preteens and teens their first taste of flight is a lot to fit into one day. The Legacy Flight Academy inspired dozens at a Virginia airport. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Article

Jobs await CAU graduates

California Aeronautical University graduated its third class of aspiring professional pilots at Meadows Field in Bakersfield on September 18. Read more >

Article

Bye announces KLM deposit on first airline trainers

KLM Flight Academy in the Netherlands has made purchase deposits on 14 aircraft in the first major air carrier deal with Colorado electric airplane pioneer Bye Aerospace. Read more >

Blog

Medical events

Airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright explains the different policies in handling medical emergencies between regional and major airlines. Read more >

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Web content administrator, Garmin International

Garmin International in Olathe, Kansas, is hiring a full-time web content administrator to maintain content for its digital properties. 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 marketing specialist, an IT project manager, a research analyst, an eMedia content producer, and a major gifts officer. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Training Products and Resources

Online resource

Head in the clouds

Check out this AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Spotlight and review what spatial disorientation is, how it happens, and how you can avoid its hazards. Learn more >

Article

Breitling Navitimer American Airlines watch launches

Breitling unveiled its limited-edition red-and-blue Navitimer American Airlines watch on September 29, announcing that just 100 of the timepieces "inspired by the world's greatest airline" would be available. Read 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

Article

Go for Class G and E airports in Pilot Passport challenge

Brush up on your nontowered radio communications and plot a course to land at as many Class G and E airports as you can during October as part of AOPA's latest Pilot Passport challenge. Read more >

Pilot Protection Services

Timing medications

Taking some medications at certain times of day may help you receive the maximum benefit and lower the risk of side effects. Read more >

Instrument Tip

IFR Fix

How to 'ACS' your IPC

Instrument proficiency check tasks must be flown to airman certification standards. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Quality family time

AOPA Senior Photographer Chris Rose snapped this aerial photograph of a Lockwood AirCam as two brothers enjoyed a low-and-slow flight across the country. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

Is it legal to request and fly an IFR route as a solo pilot in VFR conditions from one airport to another if I am not instrument current? (I am trying to shake off the rust slowly and economically.)

Answer

No. You cannot ask for an IFR clearance when the pilot in command is not instrument current (see FAR 61.57(c)). All you can do is get VFR flight following, fly the route you want (while remaining in VFR conditions), and ask for a practice IFR approach under VFR when you reach your destination. 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.) 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

Oct 5, 6 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Oct 14, 12 p.m. EDT	'Don't Get Rusty' series: Behind the headset: ATC
Oct 20, 7 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Oct 21, 7 p.m. EDT	AOPA Air Safety Institute presents: Implementing 'Learn to Turn'

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

Pilot/adventurer Victor Vescovo

XPrize Foundation cofounder Gregg Maryniak

Hartzell President JJ Frigge talks about new products

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

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'Why can't we do something simple like clone an engine?'

'Hangar Talk': Bearhawk Aircraft STOL manufacturer Mark Goldberg

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Sep. 27, 2021

'There I was...': Jon Humberd

'Never Again': Personal minimums

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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