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Icon suit; Flight training fallout from warbird case

AOPA ePilot
VOL 23, ISSUE 24 June 11, 2021
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Top Stories
Icon shareholders file suit
Article
Icon shareholders file suit
A group of Icon Aircraft shareholders, including former Boeing CEO Phil Condit and Icon founder Kirk Hawkins, is suing the California aircraft manufacturer claiming the firm intends to illegally transfer aviation technology to China. Read more >
Advocacy
Training implications of warbird case could degrade safety
The FAA's initial response to a federal court ruling that could have broad and negative implications for flight training is "unnecessary and unwarranted," and based on "irrational legal positions," aviation groups say. Read more >
AOPA Live This Week
'Irrational' FAA interpretation blasted; Cub cross-country
Aviation groups push back on a legal view that jeopardizes the flight training industry. Also, a teen promotes aviation from a Piper Cub, and AOPA Editor in Chief Tom Haines spots a Tomcat in a Kentucky museum. Watch AOPA Live This Week® >
Technique and Safety
Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce
Aircraft Maintenance: Mandatory vs. discretionary
Overhaul times, recommended inspection intervals, service bulletins, and service letters are not mandatory for most Part 91 operators. It's up to you to make smart decisions for both your safety and your wallet. Read more >
Webinar
Things that go bump in the flight
Meteorologist and CFII J-P Dice will discuss turbulence and how to avoid it in this AOPA Air Safety Institute webinar on June 17 at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Register now >
Online resource
Aircraft systems and avionics
When was the last time you curled up with your aircraft's pilot's operating handbook or avionics systems manual? If it has been a while, you might enjoy a quick refresher with this AOPA Air Safety Institute Safety Center.
Video
Everyone's problem
In this AOPA Air Safety Institute video, we examine a flight training accident in Texas that killed an instructor and two students. This accident holds lessons for all of us—not only as pilots and CFIs, but as friends, peers, and co-workers.
Podcast
'Ask the A&Ps': About half the time, reported cracked cylinders aren't cracked
Ask the A&Ps podcast hosts Mike Busch, Paul New, and Colleen Sterling debate shock cooling, help an owner set his stall warning tab, debunk unapproved equipment myths, give an owner advice on breaking in new cylinders, and more. Submit your questions for the next episode. Listen to the podcast >
Advocacy
Advocacy
Hangars in high demand
Hangars are in high demand and short supply, with some airports compiling waiting lists that can top several years, according to two surveys. Read more >
Advocacy
Aircraft owners reminded to complete GA Survey
Aircraft owners and operators who received invitations to participate in the forty-third General Aviation and Part 135 Activity Survey should respond soon. The confidential survey helps assess aviation infrastructure needs and safety initiatives.
Health
Pilot Protection Services
Drink up?
Learn why coffee should be consumed in moderation and how its caffeine could affect you. Read more >
Opinion
Blog
What makes a great mechanic?
Polar circumnavigator and Opinion Leaders blogger Robert DeLaurentis lists seven qualities aircraft owners should look for in a mechanic. Read more >
Gear
Article
New features for wireless aircraft data module
A Bluetooth adapter from FlightData Solutions now automates sharing powerplant performance and other data. In-flight recording is also now enabled with or without a connected mobile device. Read more >
Travel
Article
Big Bear for breakfast
A picturesque flight from Southern California to Big Bear City Airport in the San Bernardino Mountains comes with mountain flying and high-density-altitude challenges. Read more >
Want more general aviation travel stories? Sign up for our AOPA Travel Pilot biweekly newsletter.
Financial
Article
FBO titans cash out to investors expecting growth
A pair of deals will put two titans of the aircraft services industry into new investors' hands, and smaller shops are also positioning for growth. Read more >
AOPA Foundation Focus
AOPA Foundation receives highest rating from Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator, the world's largest guide for philanthropic decision making, singled out the AOPA Foundation for its best practices and for exceeding nonprofit industry standards. Read more >
Member benefit
How is the industry adapting to the market?
AOPA Aviation Finance Co. President Adam Meredith examines the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the aircraft market. Read more >
News and Notes
Article
Attorney F. Lee Bailey dies at 87
Attorney and pilot F. Lee Bailey helped R.A. "Bob" Hoover fight the FAA's revocation of his medical certificate, and developed the Bailey Bullet and Hoover Hornet. Read more >
Member benefit
Enhanced benefits and new lower rates
Did you know AOPA lowered rates and enhanced benefits on our life insurance plans available to members? We've also made it quick and easy to enroll in the AOPA insurance plans with our enhanced enrollment site.
Podcast
'Hangar Talk': New York aerial photographer Paul Seibert
New York photographer Paul Seibert talks about aerial photography; plus, get caught up on the latest aviation news. Listen to the podcast >
Airworthiness advisories
Career Opportunities
Aviation job board
Job of the week: Material specialist, Republic Airways
Republic Airways is seeking a material specialist to maintain, ship, and handle aircraft parts and materials, and to ensure timely location and acquisition of parts and materials for maintenance. 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 member services representative and a marketing specialist. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >
Question of the Week
Question

According to the FAA, drone pilots must not "interfere with emergency response or law enforcement activities." Can this be more specific?
Answer
Interfering with firefighting efforts on public land is considered a federal crime that is punishable with up to 12 months in prison. A drone pilot who interferes with wildfire suppression, law enforcement, or emergency response operations can face a civil penalty of up to $20,000. 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. 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
Jun 17, 4 p.m. EDT AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Jun 17, 7 p.m. EDT Turbulence: Things that go bump in the flight
Jun 23, 12 p.m. EDT AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
Jul 8, 6 p.m. EDT AOPA Rusty Pilots - Webinar edition
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
Garmin's Cliff Pemble on earning the Collier Trophy for Autoland
'Tiger in the Sea' author Eric Lindner
Theoretical astrophysicist, author, private pilot: Talking flying with Dr. @AstroKatie Mack
For a full list of Pilot Lounge videos, see AOPA Online.
AOPA podcasts
'Ask the A&Ps': 'About half the time, reported cracked cylinders aren't cracked'
'Hangar Talk': New York aerial photographer Paul Seibert
'Pilot Briefing': Week of June 7, 2021
'There I was...': Craig Beles and Truman O'Brien
'Never Again': Where are the towers?
To see all AOPA podcasts, visit AOPA Online.
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