Discussing pilot mental health; BlackFly performance


VOL 24, ISSUE 33	August 19, 2022

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Top Stories

Article

'They need to get the care'

The NTSB's preliminary report on a fatal incident on July 29 in North Carolina stops short of declaring the co-pilot's death a suicide, but the surviving pilot's account reported by investigators leaves little room for other conclusions. Read more >

AOPA Pilot Video Producer's Pick

BlackFly eVTOL demo pilot debrief

The pilot who flew the single-seat BlackFly across the world's largest aviation stage narrates his perspective. Watch the video >

AOPA Pilot Video News Brief

NTSB on Red Bull stunt; eVTOL pilot reports; Aviation Day

What it's like to fly Opener's BlackFly with many watching, and we celebrate National Aviation Day. Also, one NTSB report on a botched Red Bull stunt, another that adds to the pilot mental health conversation. Watch the August 19 edition >

AOPA Events

AOPA Pilot Video Producer's Pick

What is this 'Hangout' we speak of?

It's all about fun, with a little bit of music, food, fire pits, short takeoff and landing competition, seminars, and plenty of time to relax and chat with fellow pilots. And it's September 9 and 10 in Spokane, Washington. Watch the video >

AOPA Fly-In

We could use your hands

If you've never experienced the fun, camaraderie, or perks of volunteering at an AOPA Fly-In, our next one (and our first Hangout) September 9 and 10 in Spokane, Washington, is the perfect place to pitch in. Learn more and register >

Technique and Safety

Podcast

'There I was...': Weight and balance

Regional airline pilot Cody Goodan tells the story of an incident he experienced as a newly certificated pilot flying with friends in a Cessna 172 when the combination of weight and density altitude resulted in disaster. Listen to the podcast >

Article

5 advantages to the AOPA Flight Training Advantage platform

Here are five ways AOPA Flight Training Advantage can help make flight training more efficient and improve results for all involved. Read more >

Video

The triple H effect

How much does engine power decrease at high density altitude, and how else does this affect your airplane? Watch this AOPA Air Safety Institute video to find out.

Dangers of density altitude

Get a better grasp of how this unseen danger can affect your flight with this AOPA Air Safety Institute quiz.

AOPA Premier Partner created content

Trouble with the flare?

Here is a simple technique to help with your landings provided by AOPA Premier Partner PilotWorkshops. Learn more >

Health

Pilot protection services

COVID-19 brain fog and other long-term concerns

Even "mild" coronavirus symptoms can sometimes lead to more serious decision-making impairment. Be on the lookout, don't fly alone if you feel foggy, and don't let yourself get into trouble. Read more >

Technology

Article

Comp Air announces composite kit aircraft

Comp Air's CA6.2 is a carbon composite, high-wing, experimental sport utility kit aircraft that is expected to boast a 2,000-pound useful load. Read more >

Gear

Article

Upgrade your toolbox

Aircraft Spruce now offers Milwaukee tools and accessories with interchangeable batteries that have become favorites of our aircraft owner and writer who uses them regularly around the hangar. Read more >

Travel

Article

Where Thunderbolts are made, baseball dreams come true

Watch baseball in its purest form in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, any day through August 28 on fields where youth play for love, not money. Read more >

Want more general aviation travel stories? Sign up for our AOPA Travel Pilot biweekly newsletter.

Financial

Article

AIRO Group gears up for initial public offering

The parent company of Aspen Avionics announced plans for an initial public offering of its common stock. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

AOPA's 'Ask An Ambassador' reaches milestone

The popular AOPA webinar series, where viewers can Ask An Ambassador questions related to general aviation, has surpassed 100,000 total views. Read more >

AOPA Pilot Producer's Pick

Rookies rivet a wonder in one week

It's not like an airplane factory because anyone is welcome to rivet, no experience required. It's a time-tested demonstration proving we can all build our own airplane. Watch the video >

Article

Red Bull 'Plane Swap' investigation closed

The final NTSB report on the destruction of an aircraft during a livestream sponsored by Red Bull in April completed the investigation of an event that prompted the FAA to revoke the certificates of both participating pilots. Read more >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': SimCom instructor John Martin

Meet SimCom Aviation Training turbine transition instructor John Martin, a masterful teacher with real-world experience who enjoys mentoring others. Plus, stick around for the latest aviation news. Listen to the podcast >

Article

Warbird collection to remain near Seattle

The noteworthy collection of vintage warbirds and armor assembled by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen at Paine Field near Seattle will reopen as a museum in the same location with a new name and owner in 2023. Read more >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Avionics technician, Maine Aero Services

Maine Aero Services is seeking a skilled avionics technician to become part of its Part 145 repair station located at the Bangor International Airport in Bangor, Maine. 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 high school initiative coordinator, a member services representative, an Aviation Finance credit supervisor, a product marketing coordinator, a medical certification specialist, and a senior manager of communications. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Question of the Week

Question

While practicing ground reference maneuvers or preparing for an emergency landing, we must quickly estimate the direction and strength of the wind. If there are no visual clues like smoke or trees, what is the best way to assess the wind?

Answer

Being prepared and checking the local weather or on-board sources is your best/easiest source of wind information (outside of visual indicators). For ground reference maneuvers, with no other source of wind indication available, you could also do a wind drift circle—a constant-bank, 360-degree turn done over a fixed point (making no wind corrections through the turn). After completing your 360-degree turn, you will be able to tell if you've been pushed by the wind, and if so, what direction it's coming from and its relative strength. In a pinch, a wind drift circle will help you determine the wind direction for ground reference maneuvers. It can also help confirm whether the winds you looked up before your flight are still accurate. Read the full answer 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.) Have a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

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

AOPA Rusty Pilots seminars

Aug 27	Mineral Wells, Texas
Sep 10	Ronkonkoma, New York; Midway, Arkansas; Downers Grove, Illinois; Spokane, Washington; and Murrieta, California
Sep 24	Battle Creek, Michigan; and Glencoe, Minnesota
Oct 8	La Crosse, Wisconsin

For a complete schedule, visit our online Pilot Information Center. (Log in to our online Pilot Information Center using your AOPA website username and password to view these events.)

Upcoming AOPA webinars

Aug 24, 12 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Nov 15, 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

Building the aviation community—Vermont Aviators Association

New Aerospace Center for Excellence leader Eric Crump

'The Aviators'/'The RVers'/'The Boaters' TV shows' Anthony Nalli

For a full list of Pilot Lounge videos, see the AOPA Live® YouTube channel.

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'I don't have a baby monitor on the engine'

'Hangar Talk': Flight simulation instructor John Martin

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Aug 15, 2022

'There I was...': Cody Goodan

'Never Again': That nagging feeling

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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