Training Tip: A new atmosphere for flight training


VOL 21, ISSUE 18	April 30, 2021

Training Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

A new atmosphere for flight training

Whether you will be flying a Cessna 182 from a short, high-elevation runway or just want to learn more about the effects of density altitude on aircraft performance, take a few notes from NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter. Read more >

Technique

Pilot magazine

Make a pass

When evaluating unfamiliar landing areas, try thinking like a helicopter pilot or a seaplane pilot. Read more >

Flight Training News

Article

Fly to the Bluegrass State during May

The thundering of hooves at Churchill Downs and the sipping of mint juleps amid a sea of hats mean the Kentucky Derby has arrived—and so has the May AOPA Pilot Passport challenge. Read more >

Checkride-ready or ace?

Test your knowledge in this interactive quiz with these questions from the AOPA Pilot Information Center and retired airline captain Barry Schiff.

Special-use airspace

Busting special-use airspace has special consequences. If you prefer to remain clear, refresh your knowledge with this AOPA Air Safety Institute quiz.

AOPA Live This Week

Passion for precision; New 'Panchito' pilot

Daher TBM pilots parse data seeking consistently perfect landings, one of North American B–25 Mitchell bomber Panchito's newest pilots is a veteran with military roots, and space achievements pile up. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >

Career News

Article

Florida teen awarded aerospace scholarship

A Florida teen, a Tennessee seaplane pilot, and a Colorado pilot who wants to be an instrument instructor received awards. Read more >

Article

Aviation writer Martha Lunken's pilot certificates revoked

The FAA recently revoked author and Flying magazine Contributing Editor Martha Lunken's pilot certificates for flying under an interstate highway bridge above the Little Miami River in Ohio. Read more >

Blog

Sports charters can be taxing on crews

When flying sports teams, uncertain schedules and late games may lead to flight crew fatigue, writes Flight Training blogger and airline pilot Chip Wright. Read more >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Apache helicopter pilot Jason Hedrick

Former Boeing AH–64 Apache helicopter pilot and University of Georgia Aviation Club member Jason Hedrick talks about his transition to general aviation. Listen to the podcast >

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFI/CFII, Pacific States Aviation Inc.

Pacific States Aviation Inc. in Concord, California, is hiring a CFI/CFII to provide flight and ground instruction under FAR Parts 141 and 61. Read the full description and apply today >

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a marketing specialist, an office coordinator, and a customer service representative (legal services). To learn more about these and other AOPA career opportunities, visit AOPA Online >

Training Products and Resources

Pilot magazine

Organize your travel

A variety of flight bags and aviation-themed packing cubes can help you organize your pilot gear and keep essential items handy in flight. Read more >

Online resource

Volunteering safely

Explore this AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Spotlight, which provides a brief overview of public benefit flying and how safety plays a critical role in the success of volunteer flight operations. Learn more >

Note: Products listed have not been evaluated by Flight Training 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

Medications and flying

AOPA Pilot Information Center Medical Certification Director Gary Crump discusses some factors that determine whether a medication is safe for pilots to take while flying. Read more >

Member benefit

How do I make my aircraft transaction go smoothly?

When selling an aircraft, transparency, good communication, and preparation are crucial. Read more >

Instrument Tip

IFR Fix

Weather is a dish served raw

Some recently issued material from the FAA can give you a head start on obtaining a regulations-compliant preflight weather self-briefing. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Do you know the way?

San Jose, California, offers incredible views like this one captured by AOPA Senior Photographer Mike Fizer featuring a Cessna 172. Follow @flywithAOPA on Instagram to see more photos from AOPA staff and members.

Final Exam

Question

How can I differentiate time logged in technically advanced aircraft from other aircraft in order to confirm compliance with FAR 61.129(a)(3)(ii)?

Answer

Most logbooks do not have a TAA column. You can create one (there is often a blank column), or make notes in the remarks, or the endorsement section of your logbook. Read the full answer and join the discussion >

This discussion is from our online Pilot Information Center, where you can ask questions, contribute answers, earn badges, and join our growing pilot community online. 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 AOPA Online. Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

AOPA's in-person educational courses and seminars have been canceled or postponed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Stay sharp with our webinars, podcasts, and videos.

Upcoming AOPA webinars

May 6, 3 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
May 12, 7 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Spring, Texas)
May 13, 12 p.m. EDT	'Don't Get Rusty' series: Technically tech savvy?
May 15, 12 p.m. EDT	AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition (Redding, California)

See the full webinar schedule in our online Pilot Information Center. (Log in to our online Pilot Information Center using your AOPA website username and password to view these events.) View our recently recorded webinars (registration required).

Latest AOPA Pilot Lounge videos

Simon Caldecott on his retirement from Piper

AOPA General Aviation Town Hall

John Mohr, Piaggio Royal Gull

For a full list of Pilot Lounge videos, see AOPA Online.

AOPA podcasts

'Ask the A&Ps': 'Heavy detonation is normally a self-correcting event'

'Hangar Talk': Apache helicopter pilot Jason Hedrick

'Pilot Briefing': Week of Apr. 26, 2021

'There I was...': John 'Pappy' Mazza

'Never Again': Night fright

To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.

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