March 11, 2016 - VOL 16, ISSUE 11

Flight Training News

Article

High school students spool up

A donated Boeing 727 has begun its new mission teaching science, technology, engineering, and math to students at Central Florida Aerospace Academy. Read more...  

Article

Students land at ExpressJet

Even before they parade across a stage wearing caps and gowns, seven graduating aerospace students from Florida's Polk State College have already landed an aviation job. Read more...  

Article

Diamonds add sparkle to fleet

Australian International Aviation College added eight Diamond Aircraft airplanes to its fleet of training aircraft, including six DA40 single-engine airplanes and a pair of DA42-VI Jet A-powered twins. Read more...  

Standard time ends March 13

If you live in an area that observes daylight saving time, don't forget to move your clocks forward an hour March 13. Remember that the conversion to Zulu time will change, too. See the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's time conversion chart.

Plane Spotter

Extreme STOL

Ask the makers of the Just Aircraft SuperStol light sport/experimental airplane how much runway it requires, and you are likely to be informed that a runway wasn't what they had in mind when designing the extreme short-takeoff-and-landing-capable aircraft. That assertion is confirmed by examining features that include tundra tires, big shock absorbers on the A-frame landing gear, mechanical flaps that extend 40 degrees, and leading-edge wing slats that deploy automatically at lower airspeeds. Videos of the aircraft in action have been viewed more than a million times.

Training Products and Resources

Video

Fuel folly

Reducing energy consumption may be a laudable goal, but skimping on fuel is not the best way to achieve it. Taking a cue from televised public service announcements, the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Hybrid Power Pilot Safety Announcement is meant to raise awareness of proper fuel planning. Watch the video...  

Safety Spotlight

Appreciating the rules of motion

Angle of attack is a fundamental aerodynamic principle, but do we understand how it applies? Find out how to be safe during critical phases of flight with the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Aerodynamics Safety Spotlight. Fortify your knowledge...  

Updated classic: 'Complete Private Pilot'

The updated twelfth edition of The Complete Private Pilot by Bob Gardner covers all the details for aspiring pilots, whether they are concentrating on a private, sport, or recreational certificate. Aeronautical knowledge, checklists, tips, and personal experience are combined into a product available in a variety of formats from ASA (and other retailers) from $19.95.

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

Article

AOPA works to grow the pilot community, you can help

You can help AOPA in its efforts to grow the pilot population by inviting pilots and aviation enthusiasts to join the organization's worldwide community. Read more...  

Member benefit

Top 5 factors that affect your aircraft financing loan terms

When financing an aircraft, the aircraft itself determines some of the conditions of the financing. Here are the top five factors that an aircraft financing company examines. Read more...  

Pilot Protection Services

A foreign matter: International ops and FAA enforcement

Cross-border operations require careful preflight planning and preparation. Numerous considerations range from customs requirements and landing permits to equipment mandates and insurance liability minimums. What happens if you break an aviation regulation in a foreign country? Read more...  

Blogs

Looking for lights

In the second of three installments, Flight Training blogger Chip Wright describes how he prepared for a missed approach and a go-around when weather minimums and crew duty times threatened his Newark, New Jersey, arrival. Read more...  

Final Exam

Question

What is wake turbulence, and why should I avoid it?

Answer

Wake turbulence is the air disturbance that is generated behind an aircraft in the form of counter-rotating vortices trailing from the wing tips. The most intense wake turbulence is produced by an aircraft that is heavy, clean (gear and flaps retracted), and slow. This configuration occurs on every departure, but is more pronounced for a large aircraft that is heavily loaded. Some wingtip vortices can attain rotational speeds in excess of 300 feet per second. One of the greatest dangers of encountering wake turbulence is induced roll, which can exceed the roll authority of the aircraft. For more information on wake turbulence see Aeronautical Information Manual 7-3-1 or read this article on the AOPA website.

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 an aviation technical specialist, social media evangelist, Flying Clubs Initiative manager, marketing copywriter, Web project manager, and member services representative. To learn more about other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online.