April 15, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 16

Flight Training News

Advocacy

FAA restores sim time

Beginning May 12, pilots will again be able to count up to 20 hours in an approved aviation training device toward the instrument rating. Read more...  

Article

Redbird is 'Winging It'

Simulator maker Redbird is traveling the country showing pilots the many ways they can learn and interact with flight training devices. Read more...  

Article

Sporty's stays busy with new app, products

Sporty's Pilot Shop has introduced a number of new products and services, including a new iPad application that provides training videos in a unique way. Read more...  

Advocacy

Helicopter CFI test updated

The FAA no longer requires demonstrations of straight-in or 180-degree autorotations to touchdown on helicopter instructor practical tests. Read more...  

Digital publication

'CFI to CFI' at your service

Get firsthand tips on checkride preparation from a designated pilot examiner, learn why cell phone distractions and delayed decision making have no place in the cockpit, and get practical guidance on the new student pilot certification process from the AOPA Air Safety Institute's chief flight instructor. Read the institute's free newsletter brought to you by Lockheed Martin Flight Service...  

Photo contest

Unleash your inner photographer

Combine your love of flying and photography in AOPA's photo contest, sponsored by Faro Aviation. Submit your best photo in one of three categories—aircraft, places, or people—between April 12 and May 15. AOPA will choose the top three submissions in each category, and then the public will vote between May 27 and June 6 to pick the winner of each category. Each finalist will receive an AOPA T-shirt and hat, and the winner of each category will receive a Faro headset and AOPA backpack. Learn more...  

Teens compete in design challenge

Teams from 76 high schools are competing for a trip to Glasair Aviation in Arlington, Washington, to build an airplane in the fourth Aviation Design Challenge offered by Glasair and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. "Once again, we are excited and honored to be able to share our love of aviation with a group of motivated young people," Glasair Aviation President Nigel Mott said in a press release. "We are always impressed by the enthusiasm and willingness to learn of the students who spend the two weeks building a Sportsman." The winner will be announced May 12.

Plane Spotter

A Howard homecoming

If an aviation hall of fame is the perfect place for an immersion in aviation history, a ceremony to mark the opening of one in Texas delivered even greater rewards. Almost 500 people who attended the inaugural dinner of San Antonio's Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame enjoyed static displays including the only two flyable examples of the 17 Howard 500s built. The 35,000-pound-gross-weight twin taildragger with R-2800 radial engines and striking vertical tail surfaces dates to 1959. It was manufactured in San Antonio, and its name honors designer Durrell U. "Dee" Howard, one of the Hall of Fame's first inductees.

Training Products and Resources

Bose offers CFI rebate program

Bose is offering a special program for certificated flight instructors on the purchase of noise-canceling aviation headsets. CFIs can get a $125 rebate if they purchase an A20 headset with Bluetooth, or they can receive a $100 rebate on the purchase of an A20 headset without Bluetooth. Sign up at the Bose website.

Aircraft tiedown kit borrows from boats

Tie Boss brings an innovative approach to aircraft tiedown rope-tightening without using moving parts. Three ropes and metal hooks attach an aircraft to anchor points while cleats tighten and grip the ropes. The multipurpose kit can tether other items (including bird feeders and boats) and is available from Sporty's Pilot Shop for $49.95.

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

Pilot Protection Services

Use TurboMedical as a trial run for the FAA's MedXPress

Take advantage of AOPA's TurboMedical tool and do a "trial run" of the medical application before you complete the FAA's online MedXPress. TurboMedical will save all your responses so you can refer to the completed form when you are ready to submit your application via MedXPress. Read more...  

Member benefit

What should you do after an accident?

Every pilot should know what to do when an accident happens to ensure that no regulations have been violated and insurance matters are handled properly and expediently. Find out the first three things you must do immediately after an accident. Read more...  

Member benefit

The legalese of prebuys

When purchasing a turbine aircraft, you should insist on a prebuy inspection, a title search, and a fair purchase and sale agreement. Read more...  

Blogs

Moving to Germany with a Piper Cub

Ever thought about throwing caution to the wind and moving to a foreign country for endless hours of pleasure flying over new scenery? Opinion Leaders blogger Garrett Fisher did just that, moving to Germany and shipping his Piper PA-11 so he could fly it around Europe for an aerial photography book. Follow along as Fisher shares monthly updates on his adventure...  

Instrument Tip

Flash-based; login required

Proceed on course

During instrument flying, aeronautical charts correspond to various segments of a flight from departure to arrival. Understanding how to use the charts is essential to flying IFR safely. Boost your skills with practical tips and solid guidance offered in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's IFR Insights: Charts online course. Take the course...

Final Exam

Question

I am a private pilot without a current medical. Is it possible for me to log pilot-in-command flight time?

Answer

The short answer is yes. This question is specifically addressed in 14 CFR 61.51. Section (e)(i) allows a sport, recreational, private, commercial, or airline transport pilot to log pilot-in-command flight time when the individual is the sole manipulator of the controls in an aircraft in which the individual is rated or holds privileges. The important distinction is between logging pilot-in-command flight time and acting as pilot in command. Under the regulation just referenced, you don't need a current medical as long as another pilot on board the aircraft is acting as pilot in command. The acting pilot in command is required to hold a current medical. For more on this topic, including several real-world scenarios, read AOPA's subject report about logbooks and logging time.

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, interactive project manager, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.