January 29, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 5

Flight Training News

Article

Learning large at Delta

Two aviation maintenance students from San Diego Miramar College's airframe and powerplant program are gaining valuable experience wrenching on the big iron after learning their trade in a challenging five-semester program. Read more...  

Flight Training magazine

Secrets to a stable approach

The four criteria for a stable approach—in landing configuration, on glideslope, with a normal descent rate, and on approach speed—might sound simple, but they aren't always easy to accomplish. With practice, however, your approaches and landings will become consistent. Read more...  

Facebook chat

Talk about landings in 'Flight Training' chat

What are the elements of a good landing? Bring your landing questions and issues to the next Flight Training chat at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Feb. 2. Flight Training Editor and CFI Ian Twombly will help you figure out how to improve your technique. One chatter will receive a $50 Aircraft Spruce & Specialty gift card. Set an email reminder now. Flight Training Facebook chats are underwritten by Aircraft Spruce & Specialty.

Learn & Earn Safety Challenge

Be in it to win it!

The AOPA Air Safety Institute's 2016 "Learn & Earn Safety Challenge" offers you a chance to sharpen your skills and win access to seven proficiency training programs—valued at more than $1,500—from PilotWorkshops.com. Enter the challenge and read about the lucky fourth-quarter winner in 2015...  

Scholarships

Article

Wipaire seeks interns, opens scholarship

Wipaire hired one of its interns on full time and is looking for up to four additional airframe and powerplant students hoping to get hands-on experience in the aircraft modification business's Gateway to Success A&P internship program. The company also is accepting applications for the Ben Wiplinger Memorial Seaplane Rating Scholarship. Read more...  

Plane Spotter

Slotted to be a classic

The period immediately following World War II brought great expansion of general aviation as manufacturers produced models to meet demand for personal air transportation and recreation. Tube-and-fabric designs and tailwheel configurations still ruled for the two- and four-seat single-engine types being built. The Stinson 108, popular for its utility, "fluidity," and pilot-friendly handling, entered the marketplace during this period, following the 1939-era Stinson Voyager. Inspect a Stinson 108 on the ramp and notice its wings' leading-edge slots in line with the ailerons. They preserve aileron effectiveness during high-angle-of-attack flight.

Training Products and Resources

CheckMate offers flippable info cards

Students, pilots, and instructors can refer to CheckMate Aviation's multipage call-and-response aircraft checklist cards to ensure critical items have been addressed before, during, and after flight. The spiral-bound, easy-to-read cards are laminated and designed for a pocket or a cockpit pouch. CheckBooks can be flipped with one hand, leaving the other hand free. Emergency procedures, V speeds, VFR flight minimums, and important conversions also are included. CheckBooks are available online from $10 to $21, depending on aircraft make and model.

Video

VFR flight plan—a smart choice

What is involved in filing a VFR flight plan, and how will it help you? Watch Ask ATC: VFR Flight Plans...  

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

Four deep breaths

Dr. Jonathan Sackier explains four conditions in which it can be difficult for you or your passengers to breathe in the aircraft. Read more...  

Blogs

Airport operations

Airport operations are some of the riskier things we deal with as pilots, though we don't often equate them to the risk we face in the air. However, according to Flight Training blogger and airline pilot Chip Wright, we should. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

During your private pilot training, your instructor recommends that you land at a Class B airport to practice navigating taxiways at different types of airports. You thought you were well-versed on the airport diagram, but now you are having difficulty figuring out where you are on the diagram. What should you do?

Answer

You should request progressive taxi instructions. You can make this request if you are unfamiliar with the airport or are confused about the correct taxi routing. Progressive taxi instructions, which include step-by-step routing directions, also may be issued if the controller deems it necessary due to traffic or field conditions like construction or closed taxiways. (Source: Aeronautical Information Manual 4-3-18 Part 3.)

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 marketing copywriter; Web project manager; High School Aviation Initiative senior director; member services representative; and Legal Services Plan attorney.To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.