Membership

Six months free

Flight Training magazine is the best companion

“A good pilot is always learning” has been the motto for AOPA’s publication for student pilots—Flight Training magazine—since it was established in the 1990s. This nearly 30-year-old publication has become like a bible for students learning to fly. From in-depth looks at techniques and maneuvers to simple explanations for complex topics, Flight Training magazine is the go-to source for students as they progress through their flight training.

AOPA student members are three times more likely to earn their initial pilot certificate, so AOPA supports students—and their CFIs—by making this premier publication available to students free for six months. CFIs can enroll their students and students can enroll themselves (www.aopa.org/free1). In addition to the six monthly issues, students who are signed up for this trial membership receive access to the dedicated flight training helpline (888-232-7456); access to the dedicated student pilot web pages; access to AOPA’s online flight training tools; and discounts on products and services, including aircraft renter’s insurance.

CFIs who sign up their students receive extensions of their own free subscription to Flight Training magazine. Subscribers can elect to receive the print or digital version of the magazine, and the subscription starts immediately upon receipt.

Success story

“Ever since I was 2 or 3 years old I have known what I want to do. That is to fly. I have grown up in a family of pilots and surrounded by flying, so ever since a young age I have been exposed to what I believe is the best thing on earth—flying. 

“Soloing on my sixteenth birthday means so much to me and my family. It is a huge step forward for me in achieving my goal of becoming a commercial pilot, but it also is a huge achievement both for me and for my family to become a third-generation pilot. My goals moving forward are to either join the Air Guard or attend the United States Air Force Academy. Within the next year I will be accumulating hours in hopes of earning my private pilot certificate on my seventeenth birthday. I find myself surrounded by people in the aviation industry and I hope to learn from them along my journey.”

ASI NEWS

Don’t be intimidated

Airspace-to-go with digital flash cards

Navigating the rules that govern our skies can be a tedious task, and when you’re learning to fly it can also be intimidating. For example, during cross-country flight planning, you’ll need to become familiar with the airspace along your route—not just the configuration but also cloud clearance requirements and operational rules. That’s where the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s digital airspace flash cards come in handy.

From basic chart interpretation to understanding temporary flight restrictions, the cards allow pilots at any certificate level to absorb critical knowledge and keep the different airspace categories and rules straight. Each card includes a color depiction of the airspace, a description of its characteristics, and a discussion question. The cards also reference pertinent federal aviation regulations and Aeronautical Information Manual chapters. While the airspace flash cards are optimized for mobile devices, there’s also a link to a printable PDF.

Web: www.airsafetyinstitute.org/eflashcards/airspace

Tips from the PIC

How can we help?

You might be surprised

Q. I am struggling with understanding the concept of density altitude. What AOPA resources can I use to supplement my training?

A. Check out AOPA’s website, specifically the Online Learning area under the Training & Safety tab. There you can find an online course on Essential Aerodynamics, provided by the AOPA Air Safety Institute. Chapter 7 contains details on density altitude that should be helpful in your situation.

Our website also contains subject reports on various aviation topics under the Training & Safety tab. You can find the density altitude subject report by drilling down into the Active Pilots area or use this link.

If you’d like some personalized information based on your desired areas of learning, why not contact AOPA instructors directly? AOPA’s Pilot Information Center is staffed with 16 people dedicated to handling your questions, including aviation technical specialists, medical specialists, and digital product support specialists. This team directly assists 150,000 members each year, mostly via phone and email, but also in person both at AOPA headquarters and in the field during major airshows and AOPA Fly-Ins.

We can answer questions ranging from how do I get started with flight training, to what kind of aircraft should I buy; as well as will my new medication affect my medical certification, and how can I print out approach plates for my destination airport. We also assist with queries from student pilots looking to tap another instructional resource besides their primary instructor.

Questions? Call the AOPA Pilot Information Center at 800-872-2672.