Major milestone for Rusty Pilots; Extra adventure


VOL 24, ISSUE 3	January 21, 2022

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Top Stories

You Can Fly

Rusty pilots return to the skies

Proving "once a pilot always a pilot" true, more than 10,000 pilots are back in the air thanks to the AOPA Rusty Pilots initiative. Read more and watch a video >

Multimedia

Extraordinary generosity

Flight instructor, writer, and former Microsoft manager Bruce Williams donated his Extra to AOPA to continue the famous aerobat's mission: helping pilots improve their understanding of unusual attitudes. Read more, watch a video, and view photos >

AOPA Live This Week

Extra layers; Rusty Pilots milestone; Farewell, Brig. Gen. McGee

Bundle up for a winter cross-country in an Extra (all power, no heater); celebrate 10,000 pilots returning to active flying; and say goodbye to Brig. Gen. Charles McGee during our final salute. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Technique and Safety

Podcast

'There I was...': No greater burden

In the latest episode of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's There I was... podcast, Russ Jeter talks about a devastating tragedy, and the lessons we can take from it. (Listener discretion is advised.) Listen to the podcast >

Online resource

Set minimums, fly safe, fly often

Use the AOPA Air Safety Institute's personal minimums contract to write down your VFR flight minimums. Then update them periodically to reflect your proficiency level. Download the contract >

Video

Similar but not the same

The AOPA Air Safety Institute's Transitioning to Other Airplanes: Tempting Fate video looks at why a checkout in an unfamiliar airplane is critical. Watch the video >

AOPA Premier Partner created content

Do you lean during taxi?

When does it help and when is it dangerous? See the poll results from over 20,000 pilots, read the helpful discussion, and get expert tips from PilotWorkshops >

Advocacy

Airline delays mark 5G C-band deployment

The arrival of 5G C-band wireless on January 19 prompted international airline flight cancellations and delays. General aviation operators with radar altimeters also faced disruption, with no clear path to resolution in sight. Read more >

Advocacy

Coming soon: Super Bowl flight restrictions

With Super Bowl 56 right around the corner, make sure to familiarize yourself with flight restrictions (including no-drone zones) around Los Angeles. Read more >

Advocacy

Pilot ADS-B error declines

Efforts to focus pilot attention to detail when using multiple call signs in an ADS-B environment have been partially successful, though call sign mismatch remains an issue. Read more >

Advocacy

Clearance phraseology confusion noted

Air traffic controllers called to AOPA's attention an apparent misunderstanding of phraseology involving RNAV instrument departures that has led to unwelcome surprises. Read more >

Advocacy

AOPA sends recommendations to FAA on proposed Grumman AD

AOPA recommended adjustments to a proposed airworthiness directive that would apply to Grumman American AA–5A and AA–5B models. Read more >

Health

Pilot Protection Services

Understanding heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Do you know what puts you at an increased risk for developing the disease? Read more >

Technology

Article

Airbus Perlan, Thales plan fresh round of high flights

A world record-setting atmospheric research project will soon carry Wi-Fi to new heights. Read more >

Gear

Article

CBD can be risky for pilots

CBD products have become increasingly popular in media, but for pilots, the risks these products pose may outweigh their possible benefits because of the FAA's zero-tolerance policy. Read more >

Travel

Article

Once-in-a-lifetime ice-fishing experience

"Walleye capital of the world" Warroad, Minnesota, greets ice-fishing fans with heated huts, guides, and hot food. Read more >

Article

Must-attend STOL events

Mark your 2022 calendar with these short takeoff and landing events that have captured the hearts and minds of aviation enthusiasts worldwide. Read more >

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

Financial

AOPA Foundation Focus

2021 You Can Fly Challenge a resounding success

AOPA members and supporters are known for their generosity, and they raised the bar higher still in 2021, with huge support for the You Can Fly program. Read more >

Member benefit

Why buy an aircraft for flight training

Buying an airplane for flight training might be a good idea—under normal circumstances. Under current, atypical, COVID-19 circumstances, it could be an excellent idea. Read more >

News and Notes

Article

AOPA mourns death of Brig. Gen. Charles McGee

Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and an American hero, died January 16 at his home in Bethesda, Maryland, according to a statement from his family. He was 102 years old. Read more >

You Can Fly

Second career returns pilot to her passion

Ambyr Peterson—four years into her second career as a certificated flight instructor— was named best Great Lakes region instructor in the 2021 AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards. Read more >

You Can Fly

Annual flying club meetings can start the year off right

The start of the year is the perfect time for flying clubs to host an annual meeting to plan, learn what members want to accomplish, and enjoy one another's company. Read more >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Spacecraft commander Jared Isaacman

Spacecraft commander, general aviation pilot, airshow performer, and philanthropist Jared Isaacman describes a three-day journey into space with the Inspiration4 crew. Plus, get caught up on the latest aviation news. Listen to the podcast >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFIs, Tampa Bay Aviation

Interest in flight training in the Tampa Bay area has exploded. Come be a part of Tampa Bay Aviation's motivated team in Clearwater, Florida, where the weather is always warm and flight training is conducted year-round. 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 vice president of brand and member experience, a UX/UI designer, a mobile app developer, a High School Initiative coordinator, and a safety content producer. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Question of the Week

Question

Where can I find a mechanic to do a prepurchase inspection, and what should the inspection include?

Answer

Prepurchase inspections are available from some companies, as well as individual mechanics or nearby shops. You may also get a referral to a mechanic from the aircraft owners group or type club, from the local FBO, or from a local flying club. AOPA offers a Purchase Inspection Checklist, an Aircraft Condition Checklist, and other resources to inform your inspection. 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 webinars, podcasts, and videos.

Upcoming AOPA webinars

Jan 27, 12 p.m. EST	'Don't Get Rusty' series: Ice, ice, maybe?
Feb 17, 2 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Feb 18, 8 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Redding, California)
Mar 9, 7 p.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Augusta, Kansas)

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

Aviation writer Martha Lunken

Kim Kissh: What it's like to be a corporate pilot

Inspiration4 commander Jared Isaacman

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

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'It's not our job to be the safety police'

'Hangar Talk': SpaceX commander Jared Isaacman

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Jan. 17, 2022

'There I was...': Russ Jeter

'Never Again': Suckered in

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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