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Online Resource

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

Flying Club Resource

Flying clubs are one of the best ways to save money, enjoy increased access to aircraft, and spend time with friends and family. Find a club or learn how to start one at your airport.

youcanfly.aopa.org/flying-clubs

Video: Ask the A&Ps
AOPA’s award-winning podcast is now on YouTube. Watch experts Mike Busch, Paul New, and Colleen Sterling answer your toughest aviation maintenance questions (send questions to [email protected]).

youtube.com/@AOPApilotvideo

Letters

The most precious student

I just finished reading Ian J. Twombly’s article “The Most Precious Student” (September/October 2022 Flight Training). I am a CFI, and I did teach my son how to fly. Was I more picky than with other students? Yes! Did it affect our relationship? Not at all. I think it helped it.

But what’s worse than a CFI watching his son fly away on his first solo while doing a mental check to be sure you didn’t forget to teach him everything? Watching your son fly away on his first solo in your airplane that you do all the maintenance on. I will never forget watching him fly away and saying, “Oh, God! Please don’t let the kid break the airplane. Oh, God! Don’t let the airplane break the kid!” Not sure if I would do it again.

Rafael Gomez Blanco
Lakewood, California

Bell curve

As a 5’4” female who learned to fly from her 5’2” Women in Aviation International’s Hall of Fame mother (Marion P. Jayne) with a 5’ 1.5” sister, seat cushions were a part of everyone’s standard equipment in Piper Cherokee 140s that we trained in (“Always Learning: Bell Curve,” November/December Flight Training). Thankfully the family Twin Comanche had an adjustable pilot seat and extra cushions were not required.

On the flip side, there was a question on the Airworthy Comanche Forum from a new Twin Comanche owner who asked why he kept getting bald spots on the tires. I made a guess that his feet might be hitting the toe brakes and asked what size shoe he wore. Problem solved with moving his feet farther down on the rudder pedals.

Patricia Hayne Keefer
Trophy Club, Texas

It's a jungle out there

Thank you so much for Ian J. Twombly’s article (“It’s a Jungle Out There,” November/December 2022 Flight Training) regarding midair collision avoidance. I lost my CFI at McClellan-Palomar airport (CRQ) in Carlsbad in 2002, which resulted in three fatalities. It took me years to get the courage to return to flight training. I lost not only a great CFI, but a great friend; two other families lost their loved one too. This is a topic that just cannot be stressed enough and one that so many pilots take for granted. Thank you again for this sad, but important reminder!

Chris Anderson
Fresno, California

Erratum

The cruising altitude for the Cessna Citation in “Career Pilot” (January/February Flight Training) was 34,000 feet. Flight Training regrets the error.

We welcome your comments. Please email [email protected]. Comments will be edited for style and space.

Notice of annual meeting of members

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association annual member meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at AOPA headquarters, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland, 21701, located at the Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK), for the purpose of electing trustees. AOPA’s CEO will also give a report/update on the state of general aviation.

While not required, if you plan to attend, we would appreciate your RSVP to [email protected]. If you are not able to attend, but would like to appoint your voting proxy, please visit aopa.org/proxyupdate or use the QR code below. You may also do so by calling 800-872-2672. —Justine A. Harrison, Secretary

Update voting proxy here: