APRIL 11, 2014 - VOL 16, ISSUE 15

AOPA Fly-Ins

Article

Sticking around San Marcos?

If you're planning to spend some time in San Marcos, Texas, for AOPA's regional fly-in, these suggestions may inspire you to get to know the city a little better. Read more... Share:  

Technique and Safety

Fly like a fighter

Gunshot

How can learning how an F-15 pilot uses a gunsight help make you a more precise pilot? Retired Air Force pilot Larry Brown explains. Read more... Share:  

IFR Fix

'Deviate as necessary'

The clouds were angry, but the passenger was angrier. Bowing to the bluster, a Cessna 421 pilot tried to shoot a gap between cells. Read more... Share:  

Flash-based, login required

Get help in the air

Do you use all the benefits flight service can provide, including its help while airborne? The Air Safety Institute's A Pilot's Guide to Flight Service helps you get the most out of flight service, on the ground and aloft, including in-flight weather updates and emergency assistance. Take the course...

Video

Running on empty

Words matter when the fuel gauge points to empty. In "Ask ATC: Minimum Fuel vs. Fuel Emergency," air traffic controllers explain that what you say is as important as when you say it. Watch the video... Share:  

Blog

Read the flippin' notam!

Most notams are nearly irrelevant and a few are absolutely critical, according to AOPA Foundation President Bruce Landsberg. Some pilots missed critical information even in the well-written and organized Sun 'n Fun notam. Read more... Share:  

Advocacy

Advocacy

Rep. Graves gives House GA Caucus update at Sun 'n Fun

FAA reauthorization, a bill addressing the third class medical, and industry advocacy were among the topics covered by House General Aviation Caucus Co-chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) at a Sun 'n Fun pilot town hall meeting. Read more... Share:  

Advocacy

GA advocates seek UAS rules

A judge's recent ruling that cast doubt on the FAA's power to regulate small unmanned aircraft systems underscores the need for creating a safety framework for the flights, said a diverse group of organizations in a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. Read more... Share:  

Advocacy

GAO report: Problems with medical cert

A new report from the Government Accountability Office has revealed a number of problems with the FAA medical certification process, including delays, technological issues, inappropriate standards, and lack of clarity. Read more... Share:  

Advocacy

Michigan group seeks support for medical exemption bill

The Michigan Aeronautics Commission is asking the FAA and the state's congressional delegation to get behind the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act, legislation that would allow thousands more pilots to fly without needing a third class medical certificate. Read more... Share:  

Technology

Article

Around the world on zero fuel

Solar Impulse 2, an updated and larger version of the groundbreaking aircraft that has captured imagination and support around the world, was unveiled April 9. Pilots André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard detailed their plans to fly around the world without a drop of fuel in 2015. Read more... Share:  

Article

XtremeAir ready for demos

While the XtremeAir XA41 was being flown to a first-place freestyle finish at the World Aerobatic Championships in Texas in October, a Florida pilot and flight school owner struck up a conversation with the German makers of the FAA-certified aerobat that led to a dealership deal. Read more... Share:  

Opinion

Blog

How do piston aircraft engines fail?

Pilots need to understand how engines fail and how they can protect themselves against such failures. Opinion Leaders blogger Mike Busch helps you understand how critical components fail, the consequences of a failure, and what practical, cost-efficient maintenance actions can prevent or mitigate those failures. Read more... Share:  

Blog

Why I am not surprised, just disappointed

After reading a recent op-ed that treated corporate jets as if they were an affront to America, Opinion Leaders blogger Jack Olcott makes the case for this business tool. Read more... Share:  

Blog

Community events make airports good neighbors, part 2

Airport days and similar charitable events can get the public out to your local airport, but more complex strategies may yield even better results. Read more... Share:  

Gear

Apps of the week

Checklist apps? Check

Give your plastic checklist an upgrade by going digital with these five apps. Read more... Share:  

Travel

Article

Changing perceptions, growing numbers

The final tallies are impressive: Women Fly It Forward events held in 96 locations on four continents gave 5,703 girls and women their first general aviation experience through Women Of Aviation Worldwide Week. Read more... Share:  

Financial

Aircraft Maintenance

Eating the elephant: Charting a course to aircraft ownership

For all its regulations and costs, there are options out there to make the dream of aircraft ownership a reality for most pilots. Read more... Share:  

Article

Mooney to sell first new airplane in online auction

Mooney, back in the business of producing high-performance aircraft in Kerrville, Texas, since February, will sell its first completed airplane through an online auction. Read more... Share:  

Article

Dawn Patrol Flying Club: More affordable, accessible flying

Affordable flying costs, a strong social aspect, and camaraderie among members are among the reasons for joining Michigan's Dawn Patrol Flying Club. Read more... Share:  

Member benefits

Flying club insurance

When it comes to flying club insurance, each member should be an "insured" under the policy and be provided cross-liability protection, among other things. Read more... Share:  

Sun n Fun

Slideshow

Scenic Sun 'n Fun

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels returned to wow the crowd with exquisite precision flying, and the next generation began to dream. Sun 'n Fun drew thousands to Lakeland, Fla., and aviation legends showed their stuff during airshow performances. Check out some of the sights and scenes you might have missed in this collection of photos by AOPA staff. View the slideshow... Share:  

Article

Liberty, Cessna partner on flight training

Cessna Pilot Centers will be the main flight training provider for students enrolled in Liberty University's online aeronautics bachelor's degree. Read more... Share:  

Article

Members weigh in on AOPA Rusty Pilot initiative

AOPA's new Rusty Pilot initiative got the thumbs up from Sun 'n Fun attendees. Read more... Share:  

More News

Notable quotables from Sun 'n Fun

Sun 'n Fun 2014 by the numbers

Lightspeed names 2014 grant finalists

FAA hands out master pilot, mechanic awards

Bonanza pilot wins King Schools sweepstakes

King Schools creates new online pilot forum

News and Notes

Article

Beaver reigns in 'Showdown'

The de Havilland Beaver showed off its staying power once again, taking on and topping all comers in AOPA's 2014 Best Aircraft Showdown. The DHC-2 was pitted against another general aviation legend in the final round of this fun AOPA contest powered by Aero-Space Reports, and put some distance on Piper's Super Cub as the voting closed. Read more... Share:  

Members only

Pilots and placards

Placards provide necessary information to aid in the safe operation of aircraft. The use of placards in accordance with the regulations also provides pilots an opportunity to go flying when certain instruments or equipment don't work. Read more... Share:  

Poll

Unique aircraft featured on 1961 'Pilot' covers

The Found Brothers Aviation bush plane FBA-2, Dornier Manufacturing Co. DO-28 twin, de Havilland Fox Moth, and Brantly B-2 helicopter grace the covers of AOPA Pilot's 1961 issues, along with aircraft you'll see regularly at your airport. Which one is your favorite? Take the poll... Share:  

More News

Webinar: Recruit, keep good flight instructors

Flying Musicians to help celebrate Wilbur Wright's birthday

Sweepstakes

Blog

The Deb revisits Sun 'n Fun

It was an eventful week for our/your sweepstakes Debonair. With all of six hours on it, the engine got the most attention while the airplane was on display at Sun 'n Fun. Take a tour of the display... Share:  

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Flight nurse at REVA

REVA, one of the leading dedicated fixed-wing air medial transport service companies in the Americas, is seeking a flight nurse to provide medical care to patients during all phases of transport. A minimum of three years ICU/ED/trauma experience and a registered nurse license as appropriate are required. See a full job description and apply...

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? We're looking for an executive assistant for government affairs, account manager I, Air Safety Institute intern, director of state government affairs, account manager II, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.

Forums

Searching for the best flight schools

What advice would you give on finding the best flight school? Read more...