Training and Safety Tip: The Darth Vader effect


VOL 22, ISSUE 4	January 28, 2022

Training and Safety Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

The Darth Vader effect

Student pilots often stereotype controllers as an all-powerful force that can't be reckoned with—at least not without consequences. Let's call this the Darth Vader effect. But those voices in your ear belong to people who want to help you. Read more >

Technique

Article

Dazed and confused

Pilots deprived of visual references can quickly lose control of the aircraft—spatial disorientation remains one of general aviation's biggest killers. Read more >

Flight Training News

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 >

Article

Zara Rutherford completes solo earthrounding flight

On January 20, Zara Rutherford made history after landing her European ultralight Shark at the Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport in Belgium.Read more >

Video

Leave room to spare

Watch the AOPA Air Safety Institute's video about terrain and obstacle avoidance to review tips and strategies to steer clear of trouble.

AOPA Foundation focus

AOPA adds scholarships for primary training

The Dudley D. and Delores R. Malone Family Foundation has donated four scholarships worth $5,000 each for AOPA members to pursue a sport, recreational, or private pilot certificate. Dudley Malone was an active recreational pilot, and his wife, Delores, was his co-pilot in the air and in life for 54 years. Read more >

Test your knowledge

What is the purpose of small holes in the tips of wooden propellers? Take the quiz >

AOPA Live This Week

Jungle by gyro; Active winglets for turboprops; Fun on skis

Experience the lush landscape of Costa Rica from a gyrocopter. Also, Tamarack outfits King Airs with active winglets, and one YouTuber takes advantage of winter's upside with a Maule on skis. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Article

Winter operations

Rain and snow—and sand and salt—can wreak havoc on winter airport operations. With winter weather and shorter days, it becomes glaringly obvious how much attention needs to be paid to lights and lines. Read more >

Article

People and planes

For some, flying for a living isn't appealing, but being around airplanes is. For those who have an interest in sales, becoming an aircraft broker could be a perfect career fit. Read more >

You Can Fly

New fleet leads to more flying, less wrenching

Sierra Charlie Aviation has become something of a regular on the list of winners in the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards. In the Western Pacific region with fierce competition, the flight school continues to distinguish itself. Read more >

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Aircraft inspector, Avex Inc.

Avex, a world-renowned expert in the sales, operation, and maintenance of Daher TBM aircraft, is hiring an aircraft inspector for its Camarillo, California, facility, to ensure compliance with federal aviation regulations and the repair station manual, and provide quality review of repair station work orders. 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 Northwest Mountain regional manager, a Southern regional manager, 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 >

Training Products and Resources

Lights that guide

Test your knowledge of VFR airport lighting with this illuminating safety quiz from the AOPA Air Safety Institute.

Sporty's launches CFI Portal with resources for instructors

Staying organized and connected has never been easier thanks to Sporty's new CFI Portal. Active CFIs will be able to track students' progress and have unlimited access to lesson plans, a flight instructor refresher course, a comprehensive FAA library, special offers, and Sporty's pilot training courses—all from the portal.

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

Pilot Protection Services

Consider COVID-19 vaccination

If you've been holding out on receiving your COVID-19 vaccination, now may be the time to reconsider. Read more >

Instrument Tip

Premium content

Winter IMC

Winter IFR flying puts a premium on cloud avoidance. That's an odd thing to say for a rating that's all about flying in low-visibility conditions. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Extra curricular

AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden flies an Extra 300L over central Maryland. This newest educational tool was donated by Bruce Williams, a flight instructor, Microsoft Flight Simulator program manager, and aerobatic pilot, to continue the aircraft's mission: raising aviation safety awareness among general aviation pilots. Read the story to see more photography by AOPA Senior Photographer David Tulis, and be sure to follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram for more photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

Does flying past time between overhauls (TBO) cause insurance issues should there be an accident or incident?

Answer

Some policies have restrictions on going beyond TBO, so flying past that point would void that coverage. Read your policy to find out where you stand. 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.) 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. Have a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

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

Upcoming AOPA webinars

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)
Mar 12, 9 a.m. EST	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Ronkonkoma, New York)

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. 24, 2022

'There I was...': Russ Jeter

'Never Again': Suckered in

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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