Training and Safety Tip: Hand on the throttle


VOL 22, ISSUE 42	October 21, 2022

Training and Safety Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

Hand on the throttle

There are pilots who keep a hand on the throttle during takeoff, climb, approach, and landing, and there are pilots who fly at risk of unpleasant surprises. Read more >

Technique

Article

Cleaning a windscreen

Pilots are particular people, and aircraft are particular machines, so it should come as no surprise that there is a right (and wrong) way for something as seemingly simple as cleaning a windscreen. Read more >

Flight Training News

You Can Fly

A big boost for aviation's future from Williams International

Already serving 14,000 students in 44 states, the AOPA You Can Fly High School Aviation STEM Curriculum gratefully accepted a major donation from Williams International. Read more and watch the video >

AOPA Pilot Video Producer's Pick

Knots for pilots

You might see "knots" under certain wings that make tiedowns less useful. Well, knots to that: Let's walk our fingers through the proper procedure. Watch the video >

Flight lesson

Mountain minimums

There are aircraft minimums, FAA minimums, and personal minimums. Remaining within your own limits is every bit as important as following the rules. Read more >

Podcast

'There I was...': Electrical failure in IMC

New Hampshire-based pilot Derick Jones was flying his Cessna 172 to Lawrence Municipal Airport in Massachusetts in instrument meteorological conditions when he experienced a complete electrical failure. Listen to the podcast >

AOPA Pilot Video Producer's Pick

Tampa invites us to fly in, hang out

We made camping more central to the plan, scattered fire pits for conversation, and arranged to support other Florida communities with hurricane recovery during our Hangout in Tampa November 4 and 5. Watch the video >

Slideshow

Ready for launch

There really is something for everyone at the newly renovated Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. Read more and view photos >

Fly with AOPA

Williams International's major gift; NBAA on location

Williams International goes big helping AOPA's You Can Fly team cultivate aviation's future workforce in high schools. Also, big iron up close at business aviation's main event, and your Tampa Hangout preview. Watch the October 21 edition >

Career News

Premium content

Seriously, hold short

Runway status lights used at busy airports are automated, and they trump any contrary clearance you may have received. Read more >

Sponsored by California Aeronautical University

College bound

Interested in earning an aviation degree? The Flight Training College Aviation Directory is the largest, most comprehensive source of collegiate aviation programs available. Search for a school >

Online Resource

Career intel from business aviation's big event

Deals done (or announced) at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Florida including a charter provider acquiring up to 20 Cessna Citations may create new aviation jobs. Our collected coverage also includes scholarship news. Read our NBAA-BACE 2022 collection >

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Aircraft mechanic, Strategic Technology Institute

Strategic Technology Institute is filling positions for an upcoming long-term federal defense contract. The contract provides a high level of job stability. 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 Aviation Finance account executive, a high school initiative coordinator, a medical certification specialist, and a senior manager of communications. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Training Products and Resources

Online resource

Little margin for error

This AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Center focuses on takeoffs and landings. Learn what you need to know about runway length and obstacle considerations, the effect of density altitude, how to deal with a crosswind, and more.

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

Afterburners and burnout

Although burnout is a work-induced phenomenon, the symptoms can bleed into other areas of life—including the cockpit. Given that all faculties are needed to fly, this is a topic germane to all pilots. Read more >

AOPA Aviation Finance

Good for business

Purchasing an airplane is about utilization and the mission—that goes for business as well as personal flying. Read more >

AOPA Premier Partner created content

Engine failure on takeoff

How would you handle an engine failure on takeoff? Have you got a plan? Get advice from a flight instructor who has done extensive training on this topic.

Instrument Tip

AOPA Pilot Video Producer's Pick

Kenosha approach

Neither rain nor ice nor anything else stayed this pilot from the successful completion of an instrument approach to Kenosha, Wisconsin. Watch the video >

Photo of the Week

Bedtime business

A general aviation aircraft doesn't need to be a high-end jet to provide utility. AOPA Senior Director of Digital Media Alyssa Cobb uses her Cessna 170B to get her to AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, for a day full of meetings and home again in time for bedtime prayers. Read her story and follow @flywithaopa on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

I am working toward my instrument rating but am concerned that I won't be able to keep current. Flying with a safety pilot is not possible very often for me, and I'm not sure that flying in actual instrument conditions just to stay current is the best solution. What are my options?

Answer

One pilot suggested flying approaches in visual conditions, supplemented by getting the legal minimums in an FAA-approved simulator, to remain proficient. Another recommended frequent instrument proficiency checks. Share your suggestions >

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 seminars, webinars, podcasts, and videos.

AOPA Rusty Pilots seminars

Nov 5	Tampa, Florida; West Chicago, Illinois; Hayden, Idaho; Aurora, Oregon; and Henderson, Nevada
Nov 19	McKinney, Texas
Dec 3	Frederick, Maryland; Houston, Texas; and Glendale, Arizona

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

Oct 26, 7 p.m. EDT	Back to your roots
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.

Latest AOPA Pilot Lounge videos

Aviation101's Josh Flowers

Building the aviation community—Vermont Aviators Association

New Aerospace Center for Excellence leader Eric Crump

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

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'We're card-carrying members of overthinkers anonymous'

'Hangar Talk': Beverly Hills Aerials

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Oct 17, 2022

'There I was...': Derick Jones

'Never Again': Along for the ride

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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