Training Tip: I just want to get down


VOL 21, ISSUE 38	September 17, 2021

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

I just want to get down

When a pilot who took off for a "quick and easy" local flight found wild turbulence aloft and low-level wind shear churning below, the initial reaction will sound familiar to many pilots. Read more >

Technique

Article

Eyes outside

Most midair collisions occur within five miles of an airport in day visual meteorological conditions on warm weekends—the most popular time of year to fly and with the best visibility. Read more >

Flight Training News

Video

Amazing first solo

Watch Finley Taylor solo a Republic RC–3 Seabee amphibian, a Piper J–3 Cub, an Aeronca Champ, and a Cessna 172 on his sixteenth birthday—and find out which was his favorite. Watch the video >

Sponsored by AssuredPartners Aerospace and USAIG

Avoiding gear-up landings and gear collapses

Gear-up landings and gear collapses can happen regardless of pilot experience or certification. This AOPA Air Safety Institute video provides tips to ace your landings and avoid a costly insurance claim. Watch the video >

Article

Aging in space

It's a good bet that not many pilots disagreed with Jeff Bezos' choice of Wally Funk to fill a seat on his New Shepard craft's inaugural passenger flight. Read more >

Article

Multiple scholarship windows open

Women in Aviation International, Sporty's Flight Crew, Lightspeed Aviation, and the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals are offering a multitude of scholarships. Read more >

Premium content

Around the Patch: Pilots helping pilots

Pilots are a caring bunch of people, eager to help in big and small ways when there's a call to action. Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Landing in Oz; Barnstorming honors; Drone tech for GA

A firsthand look at what makes Arkansas flying fun, simple, and safe; Boeing Stearman Model 75 honor flights for veterans; and drone safety technology soon to be available to the rest of general aviation. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Premium content

Decisions, decisions

Learn the pros and cons of the five basic paths to becoming a professional pilot. Read more >

Blog

Regional pilot bonuses

The pipeline for new professional pilots is drying up and some regional airlines are offering significant retention bonuses, writes airline pilot and Flight Training blogger Chip Wright. Read more >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Remembering United Flight 93

Learn how the downing of United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, turned tragedy into triumph with scholarships honoring first officer LeRoy Homer Jr.; plus, get caught up on the latest aviation news. Listen to the podcast >

Aviation job board

Job of the week: A&P mechanic, Fulcrum Concepts LLC

Fulcrum Concepts LLC in Mattaponi, Virginia, is hiring an A&P mechanic. 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 an eMedia content producer, a government affairs manager, and a major gifts officer. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Training Products and Resources

Video

Is ADS-B enough?

You might request VFR flight following services for a variety of reasons, even if your on-board equipment displays traffic. Hear different air traffic controllers give their insights in this AOPA Air Safety Institute video.

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

AOPA Premier Partner created content

Cessna 172 lands at busy Class B airport

Landing a Cessna 172 at a busy Class B airport isn't something general aviation pilots do often. Watch an experienced pilot handle rapid-fire ATC clearances and task saturation in this PilotWorkshops video >

Pilot Protection Services

Ride your bike or take a hike

You don't have to train at the level of a professional athlete to reap the health benefits of a hike or a brisk stroll. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Ramp appeal

Workhorse

Helicopters might be fun to fly, but as Igor Sikorsky was fond of noting, they are primarily built to work. Perhaps with no flying machine is that more obvious than the Erickson Air Crane, photographed here by AOPA Senior Photographer Chris Rose. Read more about the Air Crane in the August issue of Flight Training magazine, and follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

The total distance of my planned solo long cross-country flight is about 148 nautical miles. Is that close enough to meet the FAA requirement of 150 nm?

Answer

No. FAR 61.109(a)(5)(ii) requires a long cross-country flight with a total distance of 150 nm with landings at three points. It is acceptable to add a short leg to increase the distance of the planned 148-nm flight. 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

Sep 29, 12 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
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

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': Remembering United Flight 93 First Officer LeRoy Homer Jr.

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Sep. 13, 2021

'There I was...': Brian Lloyd

'Never Again': Speeding toward the trees

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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