Membership
Little-known benefits
Getting the most out of your membership
By Julie Summers Walker
The magazine you are holding in your hands has always been considered a key benefit to membership in AOPA, the world’s largest general aviation organization. AOPA Pilot is a nearly 65-year-old publication that serves, informs, and entertains members each month and is free with a basic membership. We are justifiably proud of our award-winning magazine, which reaches more pilots than any other aviation publication in the world, but did you know there are many other hidden benefits to your membership?
For example, did you know the AOPA Pilot Information Center is staffed with flight instructors, maintenance technicians, commercial pilots, and medical certification specialists ready to answer your questions? These experts are available via phone, chat, or online (pic.aopa.org/discuss).
Or the AOPA Flying Clubs program—did you know the AOPA Flying Clubs team is committed to helping more pilots experience the unique benefits of flying club membership? Whether you want to find a club near you, start a brand-new club, or improve the one you’re already in, the team can help.
And the Rusty Pilots initiative. Think you’ve forgotten too much? We will get you back in the left seat fast. The AOPA Rusty Pilots program has helped more than 9,000 inactive pilots return to flying, and it’s free for AOPA members.
These are just a few examples of benefits to your AOPA membership. You never know what you could be missing.
ASI Tips
Bounces and porpoises
he key to avoiding prop strikes
By Alicia Herron
Energy management throughout all phases of flight is critical, and especially so during landing. Too slow and you might be met with a hard touchdown that unnecessarily stresses the airplane. Too fast and you might start a bounce—and that bounce might turn into a porpoise if you don’t correct for it properly. And after the porpoise starts, you can easily get yourself into a prop strike.
Prop strikes are expensive, and in most cases, they require a complete engine teardown and often an engine overhaul. A “minor” prop strike might not look like a big deal, but even a seemingly minor ding is potentially serious and should not be taken lightly. Propeller strikes, like gear-up landings and loss of control on the ground, are typically avoidable and the result of pilot error. And while porpoising is one potential factor, there are other causes as well.
In Avoiding Prop Strikes, The AOPA Air Safety Institute examines why prop strikes happen and offers practical tips that will save your propellers, engine, and firewall. Sponsored by AssuredPartners Aerospace and USAIG.
Legally speakingg
Know your rights
Understanding the Pilot’s Bill of Rights
By Ian Arendt
Public Law 112-153, better known as the Pilot’s Bill of Rights (“PBR”), was signed into law on August 3, 2012. Among other things, the PBR provides aviators with certain rights and access to information when subject to an investigation by the FAA.
Unfortunately, many pilots (and even some FAA aviation safety inspectors) are still unfamiliar with this groundbreaking legislation, leading them to sacrifice their rights without knowing they are available.
Specifically, the PBR grants an airman subject to an investigation relating to the approval, denial, suspension, modification, or revocation of an airman certificate with the right to receive timely, written notification of such an investigation. This notification must also inform the airman of the rights granted to him or her under the PBR. So, what are your rights if investigated by the FAA?
- You have the right to be informed of the nature of the FAA’s investigation against you.
- You cannot be required to provide an oral or written response to the FAA concerning an investigation.
- The FAA cannot take any action or draw an adverse inference against you for declining to respond to an investigation.
- If you choose to provide a response, any information provided to the FAA may be used against you.
- When an investigation concludes, the releasable portions of the FAA’s investigative report must be made available to you.
- You are entitled to timely access to air traffic data in the possession of the FAA that would facilitate your ability to productively participate in a proceeding relating to the FAA’s investigation.
There is an exception to the notification requirement—if the FAA determines that providing the notification could threaten the integrity of the investigation, no notification is required. However, even in this rare case, your rights still apply.
If you need help responding to an FAA investigation, AOPA’s Legal Services Plan can be reached at 800-872-2672.
Ian Arendt is an in-house attorney with AOPA’s Legal Services Plan.
Aviation Finance
Adam answers
By Adam Meredith
Q I am purchasing an airplane through my LLC and will lease it back to an aviation school. The LLC will be new; Is this more complicated than purchasing the aircraft myself?
A Owning an aircraft through an LLC does not affect the loan structure. The usage, however, will. Leasebacks to a flight school typically require a minimum 30 percent down payment with shorter terms and increased rates. This is because of the increased usage and faster depreciation than a personal use aircraft. All members of the LLC are required to guarantee the loan. Lenders will rely on personal income to determine creditworthiness. The process is no different than applying as an individual.
800-62-PLANE (75263)
Related Articles
