Training and Safety Tip: When in doubt, go around


VOL 22, ISSUE 49	December 9, 2022

Training and Safety Tips

Sponsored by Aircraft Spruce

When in doubt, go around

Pilots should be prepared to abort every landing, because there's no time to hesitate when a go-around is the thing to do. Read more >

Technique

Pilot Magazine

Teachable moments

We're on the back side of a loop over western Maryland's verdant fields. The Extra 300L's nose is pointed straight down, the sleek airplane is quickly accelerating—and then it happens. Read more, view photos, and watch a video >

Flight Training News

Article

The most precious student

Instructors are confident people who are exceptionally sure of their skills. But what if the person throwing the airplane toward the ground is their offspring? Read more >

Flight lesson

Unfamiliar territory

Ignoring reservations about flying a new airplane leads to a rookie—and almost disastrous—mistake. Read more >

Podcast

'There I was...': Alternator inop over the Sahara Desert

In this episode of There I was..., ferry pilot Kerry McCauley recounts flying a Cessna 210 into the Sahara Desert at night. After departing Morocco, the alternator failed en route to Ivory Coast. Listen to the podcast >

Fly with AOPA

Taildragger treats; Sweeps shop update; Safety alerts

Experts teach tailwheel technique with high fun factor, progress to report on your AOPA Sweepstakes Cessna 170B transformation, and safety alerts for Garmin autopilots and Bell 407 helicopters. Watch Ep. 9 >

Career News

Day in the Life

Hooked

Glider CFI Shad Coulson is living his dream, but he didn't always know glider flying was his true passion. Read more >

Podcast

'Hangar Talk': Aviation fuels expert Paul Millner

Our hosts speak to Paul Millner, a fuels expert and independent consultant in the ongoing move toward unleaded fuel; plus, aircraft delivery numbers and crazy pilot tricks. Listen on a podcast app or online, or watch on YouTube.

Aviation job board

Job of the week: Aerospace manufacturing technician, Borsight

Borsight in Ogden, Utah, is hiring an aerospace manufacturing technician. Activities include fabricating and manufacturing modification packages on Department of Defense and civilian aircraft. 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 an aviation event specialist, an email marketing coordinator, an Aviation Finance loan assistant, a data entry/travel products representative, a marketing administrative coordinator, and a vice president of membership and event marketing. View AOPA career opportunities >

Training Products and Resources

Video

Runway conditions reporting

The wintry weather season is here. Learn how the Runway Condition Assessment Matrix can help you predict your aircraft's stopping power in adverse conditions with this helpful Safety Tips video from the AOPA Air Safety Institute.

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

'It's only a cold, I can fly' syndrome

Your flight bag is rich in resources and is loaded with information to decrease the risk of flu and the common cold. Only fly when you are 100-percent symptom negative and cognitively sharp. Read more >

AOPA Aviation Finance

Jet ready

The final installment of a four-part series on moving up through the ranks of owner-flown aircraft from trainer to jet covers the management, maintenance, and financial hurdles that accompany each transition. Read more >

Photo of the Week

Aviation archaeology

"I'm an archaeologist of aviation, I guess; I bring back old things," explains restoration lead Casey Simmons of his work at the National Museum of the U. S. Air Force in Ohio. Read AOPA Senior Features Editor Julie Summers Walker's story about the aircraft preserved at the museum, including this Junkers JU–52 trimotor captured by AOPA Senior Photographer David Tulis. Follow @flywithaopa on Instagram to see photos from AOPA members and staff.

Final Exam

Question

How do I deice my airplane?

Answer

Prevention is always better than cure, and a hangar away from the elements is the best starting point. If that is not practical, consult your aircraft's pilot's operating handbook or flight manual for recommended practices. For additional information, see this FAA advisory circular. 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. (Log in to the online Pilot Information Center using your AOPA website username and password to see this discussion.) 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. Have a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

AOPA Rusty Pilots seminars

Jan 28	Orlando, Florida; and Carlsbad, California
Feb 18	Buckeye, Arizona
Feb 25	Puyallup, Washington
Mar 4	Queensbury, New York; Austinburg, Ohio; and Billings, Montana

For a complete schedule, visit our online Pilot Information Center. (Log in to our online Pilot Information Center using your AOPA website username and password to view these events.)

Upcoming AOPA webinars

Dec 15, 12 p.m. EST

'Don't Get Rusty' series: Riddle me this—Best questions from 2022

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.

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Flight Training Editors:
Niki Britton
Alyssa Cobb
Lillian Geil
Jim Moore
Jill Tallman

Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Melissa Whitehouse

Contributors:
Sarah Deener
Alicia Herron
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Cayla McLeod
Warren Morningstar
Kollin Stagnito
David Tulis
Ian Twombly
Julie Summers Walker

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