Watsonville midair; Business brisk; Autonomy on final


VOL 24, ISSUE 34	August 26, 2022

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Top Stories

Article

New aircraft demand remains 'robust'

Kinks remain in the supply chain and a shortage of skilled workers persists, but demand for general aviation aircraft led to many double-digit increases in shipment and billing tallies for the first half of 2022. Read more >

AOPA Pilot Video Producer's Pick

'One I'll never forget'

A lineman learning to fly arrived at an Extra 300L expecting to work but was soon more head-over-heels for aviation than ever. Read more and watch the video >

AOPA Pilot Video News Brief

Midair analysis; Celebrating flight; Market still hot

Early lessons from the AOPA Air Safety Institute analyzing a California tragedy. Also, celebrate National Aviation Day in North Carolina, and the latest numbers from general aviation factories. Watch the August 26 edition >

AOPA Events

AOPA Fly-In

Much to learn and see in Spokane

Fly in to the historic Felts Field in Spokane, Washington, for AOPA's first Hangout and take part in educational seminars and pilot camaraderie. Read more >

Technique and Safety

Early Analysis

Midair collision at Watsonville Municipal Airport

The AOPA Air Safety Institute makes a preliminary assessment of a midair collision at a California airport, addressing notable portions of the tragic flights and highlighting areas the NTSB will likely investigate. Watch the video >

Online resource

More than a passenger

Made possible by a generous AOPA Foundation donor, the AOPA Air Safety Institute's new Companion Copilot video series was created for passengers who want to learn how they can help the pilot and enjoy being an active participant in each flight.

Gyro Hero

Slow or slightly less slow

Slowing below 30 knots is disconcerting for fixed-wing pilots, but a gyroplane at this speed feels controlled and comfortable, with caveats. Read more >

Online resource

Aeronautical decision making

Good decision making is about avoiding the circumstances that lead to really tough choices. This AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Center brings together relevant courses and quizzes to help you hone this single most important safety skill.

Health

Pilot protection services

The inflation maelstrom

Food, fuel, and pharmaceuticals are all experiencing price hikes. Pilot and pharmacist Larry M. Diamond writes about ways to get the care you need while keeping costs down. Read more >

Technology

Article

Reliable Robotics' path to autonomy certification approved

California flight automation pioneer Reliable Robotics announced FAA approval of the basis for certifying a system that aviates and navigates a Cessna Caravan without human help. Read more >

Article

Turbine upgrade being crafted for kitplanes

While love of the reliability of turbine engines drove a pilot to design one for homebuilt airplanes, we may also appreciate the extra power. Read more >

Gear

Article

National Flight Simulator buys Redbird FMX

National Flight Simulator has added a Redbird FMX full-motion simulator to its simulator-based training facility in New Hampshire. Read more >

All of your AOPA Flight Training Advantage answers

Online support for AOPA Flight Training Advantage users is conveniently sorted by topics and by audiences: students, instructors, or flight school operators. Our short videos cover procedures step by step. Read topic posts and watch videos >

Travel

Article

Vacation like a Vanderbilt

An island just off the northern coast of Maine, once an exclusive enclave for titans of industry, today invites all of us to vacation like Astors and Vanderbilts. Read more >

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

Financial

Article

ATP, Wheels Up partnership fosters first officers

ATP Flight School and charter company Wheels Up announced a streamlined pathway to propel pilots into careers. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

NBAA names Dale Earnhardt Jr. keynote speaker

Nascar fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. will give a keynote address at the National Business Aviation Association convention in October, amplifying on what he learned after surviving a business jet crash. Read more >

Article

Civil Air Patrol gets SiriusXM across fleet

A new partnership between SiriusXM and the Civil Air Patrol will provide valuable weather information to CAP pilots. Read more >

You Can Fly

AOPA's Flying Club Finder helps clubs, potential members connect

AOPA's Flying Club Finder is a great way to put your club on the map—literally. Find out how two newly formed clubs used the club finder to help get off the ground. Read more >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Director of engineering, Tactical Air Support

Tactical Air Support Inc. provides domestic and international "Center of Excellence" training and advisory services in tactical aviation, as well as the production, modification, and maintenance of high-performance aircraft, and is seeking an experienced director of engineering. 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 customer services representative, a product marketing coordinator, a medical certification specialist, and a senior manager of communications. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Question of the Week

Question

Where can I find training for the Garmin GNS 430/530 series of GPS/nav/com units?

Answer

The FAA Safety Team has an ongoing series on Garmin GNS 430/530 training, with Part 8 to be presented August 28 at 8 p.m. Eastern time. You can find on the FAA website a GNS 430/530 syllabus. 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

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
Nov 5	Tampa, Florida; Hayden, Idaho; Aurora, Oregon; and Henderson, Nevada

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

Nov 15, 7 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

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 22, 2022

'There I was...': Cody Goodan

'Never Again': That nagging feeling

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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