April 1, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 14

Flight Training News

Advocacy

Student pilot rules change April 1

AOPA is reminding student pilots and their flight instructors that significant changes in the process of applying for and issuing student pilot certificates take effect April 1. Read more...  

Safety Spotlight

Fly safe, set personal minimums in advance

With personal minimums and decision-making guidance written down, it's easier to fight the temptation to "mentally negotiate" yourself into a tight spot during the heat of the moment. Contract with yourself, your passengers, and your family to fly safely and within personal minimums. Download and print the VFR Pilot and IFR Pilot Personal Minimum Contracts from the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Aeronautical Decision Making Safety Spotlight...  

Video

'Fly the plane!'

Responding to a simulated engine-out during training is one thing. Responding to a real engine-out is another, and when one happens you should be prepared to deal with it. The AOPA Air Safety Institute's new video, Engine Out: From Trouble to Touchdown, reviews how to tackle an engine-out dilemma in a single-engine airplane—whether under relatively benign or tricky circumstances. Learn what matters...  

Article

ASA's new leader a familiar face

Aviation Supplies & Academics' new owner is a former bike shop salesman and longtime student pilot who began his aviation career in the company's warehouse. Read more...  

Article

Network touts pilot training

LifeStyle Aviation says it is offering a "breath of choice" for flight school centers by marrying modern marketing methods and advanced technology to build pilot-friendly training environments. Read more...  

Article

Delta State to host open house

Aviation-minded professionals considering an advanced college degree are invited to a Masters of Commercial Aviation open house at Mississippi's Delta State University April 15. Read more...  

American Flyers adds Cessna 172 G1000 sims

American Flyers ordered three Cessna 172 Frasca Mentor G1000 simulators for realistic flight training at multiple locations, Frasca announced March 23. The two aviation training companies have worked together for more than 50 years.

Plane Spotter

Cub's kin

How do you follow up a classic aircraft design, introducing new ideas while preserving traits that launched the original to stardom? Piper Aircraft, manufacturer of the J-3 Cub, had a way in 1939, when it introduced its J-4 Cub Coupe to pilots. To spot a J-4, look for a Cub-like creation with doors on either side of its wider cabin, and side-by-side seating, not the J-3's tandem arrangement. Production was brief—curtailed by war—but airport ramps and aviation museums both remain likely spotting sites for this popular little Piper.

Training Products and Resources

Pilot's Tool Kit keeps aviators flying

Whether you're a student, a renter, or an aircraft owner, the CruzTools roll-up Pilot's Tool Kit can come in handy. The 3.5-pound aviation-specific kit includes a variety of tools: wrenches, multi-bit screwdriver, mirror, spark plug socket, safety wire, and more. The Pilot's Tool Kit is available online for $84.95.

Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by ePilot editors unless otherwise noted. AOPA assumes no responsibility for products or services listed or for claims or actions by manufacturers or vendors.

Member Benefits

Member benefit

Money-saving tips for renting an airplane

Lower the cost of your flying by trying these eight money-saving tips for aircraft renters. Read more...  

Pilot Protection Services

Owner-assisted annual inspections: Are they allowed?

With limited exceptions, only a certified mechanic who has an inspection authorization can perform an annual inspection. Thus, unless the owner-pilot also has an IA, he or she is not permitted to assist with the inspection function of an annual. However, he or she can help with the preventive maintenance aspects involved. Read more...  

Instrument Tip

IFR Fix

Searching for 'go'

To arrive at "go" for an instrument flight, a pilot must weigh many elements of weather information. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

What should I expect on my private pilot checkride?

Answer

The FAA details the requirements of the various checkrides, or practical tests, in what are called the practical test standards. The practical test standards for each certificate and rating are designed as the benchmark FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners use when conducting practical tests. Flight instructors also are expected to use these standards when preparing applicants for the practical tests. Having the requirements in writing leaves no doubt as to the standards an applicant must meet to pass a checkride. The practical test standards are scheduled to be changed to the airman certification standards in June 2016, so be sure to use the most current version for the certificate or rating for which you are training. For more information, download the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards or the draft Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards.

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 Flight Training Online or AOPA Online. Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Career Opportunities

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a communications director, pilot community development coordinator, Great Lakes "You Can Fly" ambassador, donor relations director, AOPA Foundation communications director, aviation technical specialist, Flying Clubs Initiative senior manager, marketing copywriter, Web project manager, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.