June 16, 2017, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter
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| VOL 19, ISSUE 24 |
June 16, 2017 |
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Top Stories
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| Slideshow |
| Fly in to resorts and lodges with runways |
| For a pilot, what could be better than a world-class resort or lodge with its own private runway? Here are some of our favorites in the western half of the United States and Canada. Read more > |
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| Slideshow |
| Aviation luxury in the Midwest, Eastern US |
| Pilots in the middle or eastern portions of the United States who want to tie aviation in with their vacation should check out these resorts with runways. Read more > |
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| AOPA Live This Week |
| Remarkable Beech bonded father, son; Wings 'n Wheels |
| Michael "Rocket" Blackstone followed his father's footsteps into aviation to the point where the pair shared airline duty in the same cockpit. But a meticulously restored Twin Beech created an even more profound memory. Also this week, classic cars, motorcycles, and airplanes draw big crowds at AOPA headquarters, and get a first look at your AOPA Sweepstakes 172's new paint scheme. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, June 15 > |
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AOPA Fly-Ins
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| Slideshow |
| Wings 'n Wheels showcase draws crowds |
| Aviation, automobile, and motorcycle enthusiasts arrived by air and by ground to check out a smorgasbord of two-, three-, and four-wheeled vehicles at AOPA's second annual Wings 'n Wheels event at its Maryland headquarters. Read more > |
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| Online resource |
| Next up: Fly in to Norman |
| AOPA's first two events of the year—a fly-in at Camarillo in California and Wings 'n Wheels at AOPA's Maryland headquarters—have entertained members from both coasts. Next, AOPA heads to the middle of the country: Norman, Oklahoma, Sept. 8 and 9. Check out the activities, such as a tour of the National Weather Center, and make plans to attend! Learn more > |
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Technique and Safety
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| Online resource |
| No VFR into IMC with plan B |
| Marginal, gradually deteriorating weather can lure VFR pilots into instrument conditions. The AOPA Air Safety Institute's new VFR into IMC safety syllabus tackles this dangerous situation and recommends escape procedures. Instructors are encouraged to use the new syllabus during flight reviews and aircraft checkouts. Download the syllabus > |
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| AOPA Premier Partner created content |
| GPS-direct tricks |
| Do you use these little-known but highly efficient techniques with your GPS? This four-minute video by AOPA Premier Partner PilotWorkshops reveals hidden gems for popular GPS units. Watch the video > |
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| Video |
| Water wisdom |
| How do you evacuate a submerged, upside-down airplane? In the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Real Pilot Story: Underwater Escape, Bryan Webster recounts being confronted with that situation as a passenger in a Cessna 150. He also shares water egress techniques that can benefit others. Watch the video > |
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| Login required |
| Test your knowledge on the go |
| The AOPA Air Safety Institute is updating and converting its more than 70 quizzes to a mobile-friendly platform. Take the Flight Review quiz on your phone or tablet and answer this question: Does a pilot need a current flight review before an instrument rating checkride? Take the quiz > |
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| Pilot Protection Services |
| FAA catchall: 'Careless or reckless operation' |
| Although there isn't a specific regulation that prohibits gear-up landings, the FAA can pursue action against a pilot through the catchall provision concerning "careless or reckless operation." Read more > |
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Advocacy
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| Advocacy |
| FLIGHT Act introduced |
| Bipartisan legislation known as the FLIGHT Act was introduced in the Senate June 8 and House June 13. The bill would give GA airports more flexibility to access funding while working to ensure a safer, more effective national network of airports. |
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| Advocacy |
| FAA database includes BasicMed course completion |
| The date pilots complete the BasicMed Medical Self-Assessment online course is now included in their FAA record. The information can be found under the medical section of the database. Read more > |
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| Advocacy |
| Wyoming FBO manager admits protectionism |
| In an interview with the Jackson Hole News and Guide, Jackson Hole Aviation General Manager Matt Wright admitted protection of his business, currently the sole fixed-base operator at Wyoming's Jackson Hole Airport, as the motive for opposing a second FBO at the location. Read more > |
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| Advocacy |
| FAA explains revisions to slow flight, stall tasks |
| The FAA has issued a safety alert for operators to explain the most recent changes to certification standards for the performance of slow flight and stall tasks in airplanes by private and commercial pilot applicants. Read more > |
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| Advocacy |
| Work continues to raise profile of pilot reports |
| AOPA is working to enact safety recommendations that the National Transportation Safety Board believes could elevate the filing of pilot reports from a chore considered a low-priority task by most pilots to an action as routine as shutting down the engine after a flight. Read more > |
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| Advocacy |
| Cessna gear inspection urged |
| The FAA on June 9 issued a special airworthiness information bulletin applied to a range of Cessna aircraft with retractable gear, stopping short of an airworthiness directive after concluding that the concern does not rise to that level. Read more > |
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| Advocacy |
| Exhaust leak prompts AD |
| Concern about potential carbon monoxide poisoning that could result from reported exhaust leaks involving the Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A engine has prompted an airworthiness directive requiring initial and recurring inspections affecting 758 engines currently in service. Read more > |
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| Survey |
| GA survey deadline approaching |
| AOPA is encouraging aircraft operators who received an invitation by mail or email to complete the FAA's General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey to provide the requested information. The annual survey is drawing to a close and helps the FAA improve GA infrastructure and safety. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The confidential survey can be accessed online, or you can receive a mailed survey and a postage-paid envelope. |
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Technology
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| Article |
| Five questions for Dallas Brooks |
| Dallas Brooks, the new chairman of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International board of directors and the director of the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory at Mississippi State University, shares insights into the ongoing research on drone technology. Read more > |
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Opinion
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| Blog |
| Amber waves of grain ... in Spain |
| Opinion Leaders blogger Garrett Fisher captures breathtaking aerial photographs of Spain. Read more and view the photos > |
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Gear
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| Article |
| New BendixKing repair policy delayed 60 days |
| BendixKing has delayed by 60 days the rollout of a factory-only legacy radio unit repair and exchange policy. The new procedures were originally scheduled to take effect July 1, according to a May 2017 dealer newsletter signed by BendixKing President Gregg Cohen. Read more > |
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Travel
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| Slideshow |
| Interesting places to earn your seaplane rating |
| Pilots often say that flying floats is the "most fun I ever had flying!" Consider earning a seaplane rating to improve your flying skills. You could turn the adventure into a vacation as well. Here's a list of interesting places to get your seaplane rating. Read more > |
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Financial
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| AOPA Aviation Finance |
| New financing options available for flying clubs |
| Flying clubs offer an affordable way for pilots to get back into aircraft ownership, and AOPA is working to make it even easier. Flying clubs will have the opportunity to finance up to 70 percent of the value of the aircraft with no personal guarantee at amounts as low as $25,000. Read more > |
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| AOPA Aviation Finance |
| Tips to find the best appraisal for your aircraft |
| Three levels of appraisals offer options to help you find the value of your aircraft. AOPA Aviation Finance Co. President Adam Meredith explains a pricing digest valuation, a desktop appraisal, and a physical appraisal. Read more > |
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News and Notes
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| You Can Fly |
| Share your training experience with AOPA |
| Students and pilots who have undertaken any kind of flight training in the past 12 months are encouraged to complete AOPA's 2017 Flight Training Experience Survey. Read more > |
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| Article |
| Sought-after pilot examiner mourned |
| Tennessee and Alabama aviation hall of fame member Clyde Shelton, who administered a legendary 10,379 checkrides as an FAA designated pilot examiner, died June 10 at age 86. Read more > |
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| Article |
| May the diploma be with you |
| When high school senior and student pilot Davis O'Connor learned that Harrison Ford was to receive an award and speak at an Aero Club of New England event the same day as his graduation ceremony, he opted to hear Ford speak and received the surprise of a lifetime. Read more > |
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| Article |
| Philly STEM students pursue aviation |
| Encouragement from aviation enthusiasts and hands-on mentorship in science, technology, engineering, and math concepts help propel Philadelphia high school students toward aviation careers they might not otherwise consider, explained Stratus Aviation Foundation leaders Dimitri Vassiliou and Michael Schultz. Read more > |
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| Slideshow |
| Destinations with Dad |
| In honor of Father's Day, AOPA reached out to some members to learn their favorite destinations to fly to with their dads. The destinations varied from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, to San Carlos, Mexico. Flying with dad certainly has a nice view to it. Read more > |
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| Blog |
| AOPAngels Air Race Classic team set for takeoff |
| Flight teams are arriving at Maryland's Frederick Municipal Airport, home of AOPA and the starting line for the annual all-female Air Race Classic. Team AOPAngels is participating in the race for their love of flying. Follow Team AOPAngels along the 2,400-statute-mile journey. Read more > |
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Career Opportunities
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| Aviation job board |
| Job of the week: Flight instructor, Charles City Aeronautics Inc. |
| Charles City Aeronautics is seeking a chief flight instructor and/or director of operations. Located at Central Iowa Air Services in Ames, Iowa, this individual will contact, meet, and interact with potential new clients; train clients in ground school and flight environments; and provide recurrent and proficiency training to current pilots in the community, among other duties. Read the full description and apply today > |
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| AOPA career opportunities |
| Join the AOPA team |
| Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a copy editor, IT systems administrator, product marketing specialist, legislative affairs vice president, customer service representative, airports and state advocacy vice president, flight training business support senior director, project manager, UI/front-end developer, and legal services plan attorney. To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online > |
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Question of the Week
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Question
Is a pilot required to carry life vests/preservers on board an aircraft for every occupant when flying over water outside of power-off gliding distance? |
| Answer |
Not necessarily. There are no specific FAA requirements for small aircraft operating under 14 CFR Part 91 to carry flotation gear for flights within the United States, although there may be requirements for international flights. Even if it is not required, it is a good idea to have this gear on board. For more information about survival equipment, visit AOPA Online.
Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA. |
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Education & Seminars
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| Flight Instructor Refresher Courses |
| Jun 24-25 |
Ashburn, Virginia; and Bloomington, Minnesota |
| Jul 15-16 |
Englewood, New Jersey; and Jacksonville, Florida |
| Jul 22-23 |
Memphis, Tennessee;
and Coraopolis, Pennsylvania |
| Aug 5-6 |
Fort Worth, Texas; and Reno,
Nevada |
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| Safety Seminars |
| Jul 26-29 |
Oshkosh, Wisconsin |
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| Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. |
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| Rusty Pilots Seminars |
| Jun 17 |
Spokane, Washington; Moraine, Ohio; Northampton, Massachusetts; Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Forty Fort, Pennsylvania; Princeton, New Jersey; and Portage, Michigan |
| Jun 24 |
Manhattan, Kansas; Bartow, Florida; Mankato, Minnesota; Ankeny, Iowa; and Lacon, Illinois |
| Jun 25 |
Hillsboro, Oregon |
| Jul 1 |
Fort Meade, Maryland; and Broomfield, Colorado |
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| For a complete schedule, visit the AOPA Hangar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to view these events.) |
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Aviation Calendar
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| Want something to do this weekend? Planning an aviation getaway? See AOPA's enhanced calendar of events. You can filter events, add an event, or search all events in the calendar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to search the events or to add an event.) Before you take off on an adventure, make sure you check our current aviation weather provided by Jeppesen. |
| For airport details, including FBO fuel prices, see AOPA Airports. AOPA does not endorse or assume responsibility for the events submitted and listed in the calendar. |
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ePilot Editors:
Alyssa Miller
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
David Tulis
Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Melissa Whitehouse |
Contributors:
Mike Collins
Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Jill W. Tallman
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker |
Advertise in ePilot:
Gary Brennan, 301/695-2052
Eastern and Central United States and International:
Jeff Rockwood, 301/695-2089
Western United States:
Tom Linton, 301/695-2055
AOPA Advertising website |
