Coms

Flight training online

Explore more training topics in our expanded online content hub aopa.org/ft

Podcast: Hangar Talk
In episode 161, hear from Aviation 101 founder and CFI Josh Flowers, who shares candid advice and coaching through his YouTube channel to help aviators become better pilots. Available on all major podcast services.

Collision avoidance: How to do a Belly Check
AOPA Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden explains why you should do a belly check in a turn to look for traffic.
aopa.org/ft/bellycheck

Online Resource
Got questions? Ask just about any aviation-related question, and AOPA will have an answer and resources for you. Browse by topic and ask flight training questions in the online Pilot Information Center. You can also contact the PIC by phone (800-872-2672) or email [email protected].
pic.aopa.org

Letters

Forecast Goes Wrong

I respectfully disagree with Tom Horne’s choice to launch (“A Forecast Goes Wrong,” August 2022 Flight Training).

It’s obvious that Horne knows his meteorology, but I dare say the majority of GA pilots (particularly non-instrument and/or low-time pilots) should follow the guidance of a professional briefer, who specifically stated, “VFR flight not recommended.” To most of us, that single phrase should seal the deal: stay on the ground.

I agree that the synoptic scale plays a huge role in the go/no-go decision, but the competent briefers with whom I’ve interacted in my 12 years of flight experience have always included this aspect. I think it was irresponsible to imply that flight was the right thing to do, and driving was not.

Students and low-time pilots are very impressionable. Let’s not encourage taking the chance when the briefer recommends against it.

Rick Munz
Rothschild, Wisconsin

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