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Upgrade your next flight without upgrading your airplane

Upgrade your next flight without upgrading your airplane

This compact device provides ADS-B traffic and weather services, an attitude-heading reference system (AHRS), and SiriusXM weather and entertainment—no installation required. What is it?

Upgrade your next flight without upgrading your airplane

Upgrade your next flight without upgrading your airplane

This compact device provides ADS-B traffic and weather services, an attitude-heading reference system (AHRS), and SiriusXM weather and entertainment—no installation required. What is it?

Pilatus delivers 2,000th PC-12

Pilatus delivers 2,000th PC-12

Pilatus has come a long way since boldly redefining the turboprop market in 1994. This year, Pilatus handed over the 2000th PC-12, dressed up in a special paint scheme to match the occasion, to their longtime customer, PlaneSense.

New oil gasket AD affects thousands of Continental engines

New oil gasket AD affects thousands of Continental engines

An airworthiness directive (AD) published September 21 finalized revisions to prior directives issued in recent years, adjusting the scope and instructions for replacement of oil filter gaskets on a range of Continental Aerospace Technologies Inc. engines, and now affecting an estimated 6,300 aircraft registered in the United States.

NetJets plans for fleet expansion

NetJets plans for fleet expansion

Textron Aviation, manufacturer of the Cessna Citation family of business jets, and private jet fractional ownership company NetJets announced a fleet agreement giving NetJets the option to purchase up to 1,500 new Cessna Citations over the next 15 years.

Joby sets sights on Ohio

Joby sets sights on Ohio

California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation will build its first manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, home of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright.

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

Training and Safety Tip: Emergency memory to the rescue

Training and Safety Tip: Emergency memory to the rescue

It’s no secret that I hold acronyms and similar memory tricks in low regard, and there are two reasons for this.

Recollections of a tragic day

Recollections of a tragic day

Twenty-two years later, the memories of chaos and loss still resonate. Explore our coverage through the years to learn (or be reminded) how AOPA helped preserve freedom to fly against the odds after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Emergency Response Plan

Emergency Response Plan

Congratulations! You either currently own a business aircraft or have decided to add one to your business weapons inventory.

Fuel your aviation journey

Fuel your aviation journey

The 2024 AOPA Foundation scholarship program opened September 5 with more than $1 million in scholarships for flight training, aviation maintenance, airport management, and more.

Trig Avionics gains FAA STC

Trig Avionics gains FAA STC

Trig Avionics announced the availability of an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for its TX56 and TX57 nav/com models.

Trig Avionics gains FAA STC

Trig Avionics gains FAA STC

Trig Avionics announced the availability of an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for its TX56 and TX57 nav/com models.

Aircraft deliveries ‘strong’ in first half of 2023

Aircraft deliveries ‘strong’ in first half of 2023

Airframers reported steady sales across all categories in the first half of 2023, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association used the occasion of the latest data release to call for Congress to reauthorize the FAA and confirm a permanent administrator.

The weather is changing

The weather is changing

In 2018, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aviation Weather Center (AWC) website—AviationWeather.gov—averaged 130 million hits per day, which makes it arguably a very popular tool. The website has gained a following among aviators and meteorologists because it allows for a virtual review of any current or forecast weather condition in the United States. It […]

Passing the Torch

Passing the Torch

In the fall of 1929, the iconic and inimitable Orville Wright signed the pilot’s license of Paul Whittier, granting the young man permission to help write the next chapter in the history of flight. 

‘We kept doing the missions’

‘We kept doing the missions’

The FAA granted and expedited a regulatory exemption that AOPA sought on behalf of pilots flying supplies to West Maui for humanitarian relief in the wake of the devastating recent wildfires in Hawaii.

Charting changes highlight mountain passes

Charting changes highlight mountain passes

Flying through mountain passes can be tricky, particularly when the weather keeps you below ridge tops and confined to lower terrain. To help with crossing mountainous areas, major passes are charted as a visual aid on sectional charts. Sometimes, however, the pass is buried deep in a mountain range, and navigating to the pass can […]

Caution urged on development plans near airports

Caution urged on development plans near airports

Despite an abundance of pushback and risk, local governments that sponsor airports continue to make zoning and development plans that prioritize revenue over pilots and community members.

Training and Safety Tip: Refining steep turns

Training and Safety Tip: Refining steep turns

One of the common maneuvers that remains a challenge for private and commercial pilot applicants during their checkrides is the steep turn demonstration.

Back to Buckeye

Back to Buckeye

AOPA is excited to announce its plan to return to the Buckeye Air Fair in Buckeye, Arizona, February 16 through 18, 2024.

ADS-B with diversity required in Canada Class A

ADS-B with diversity required in Canada Class A

Concerns voiced by aviation advocates including AOPA did not persuade the Canadian government to further delay a mandate for space-based ADS-B in Class A airspace effective August 10, though Nav Canada has established a process for aircraft not equipped with antenna diversity to request accommodation.

ADS-B with diversity required in Canada Class A

ADS-B with diversity required in Canada Class A

Concerns voiced by aviation advocates including AOPA did not persuade the Canadian government to further delay a mandate for space-based ADS-B in Class A airspace effective August 10, though Nav Canada has established a process for aircraft not equipped with antenna diversity to request accommodation.

Training and Safety Tip: I’ve got it, you’ve got it, who’s got it?

Training and Safety Tip: I’ve got it, you’ve got it, who’s got it?

Student pilots and flight instructors frequently transfer aircraft control to and from each other. Sometimes, this handover can be botched, leading at best to a funny misunderstanding and, at worst, to an NTSB investigation.

King Air 260 Expedites Response Time

King Air 260 Expedites Response Time

That’s Mission Critical:  King Air 260 expedites response time for national demolition company

King Air 260 Expedites Response Time

King Air 260 Expedites Response Time

That’s Mission Critical:  King Air 260 expedites response time for national demolition company

Opener Aero announces early access for light eVTOL

Opener Aero announces early access for light eVTOL

California-based light electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developer Opener Aero unveiled its Early Access Program (EAP), as the company works toward achieving commercialization of the BlackFly personal eVTOL aircraft.

You’ve given plenty of airplane rides…Now give career inspiration!

You’ve given plenty of airplane rides…Now give career inspiration!

Looking for a more meaningful use of your aircraft and time? Would you like to share your experiences and knowledge with deserving kids? Kids who have been pre-screened and are motivated to hear your words? If yes, please consider volunteering as a STEM Flights Pilot Mentor. We are focused on quality—not quantity.

You’ve given plenty of airplane rides…Now give career inspiration!

You’ve given plenty of airplane rides…Now give career inspiration!

Looking for a more meaningful use of your aircraft and time? Would you like to share your experiences and knowledge with deserving kids? Kids who have been pre-screened and are motivated to hear your words? If yes, please consider volunteering as a STEM Flights Pilot Mentor. We are focused on quality—not quantity.

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

Hurricane Preparedness Check List For Your Plane

Hurricane Preparedness Check List For Your Plane

With hurricane season underway and running through November, it’s time to create a hurricane plan for your aircraft if you live or travel to hurricane prone areas. Your plan should include strategies to relocate your aircraft in the event of a storm if it can be safely done prior to the storm’s arrival.

Elixir Aircraft innovation revolutionizes flight training

Elixir Aircraft innovation revolutionizes flight training

OneShot airframe reduces cost to own, operate.

Elixir Aircraft innovation revolutionizes flight training

Elixir Aircraft innovation revolutionizes flight training

OneShot airframe reduces cost to own, operate.

FAA proposes LODA relief

FAA proposes LODA relief

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 23 intended to reverse needless bureaucratic paperwork burdens in the form of letters of deviation authority (LODA) for pilots conducting flight training activities.

FAA proposes LODA relief

FAA proposes LODA relief

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 23 intended to reverse needless bureaucratic paperwork burdens in the form of letters of deviation authority (LODA) for pilots conducting flight training activities.

Joby rolls out eVTOL production prototype

Joby rolls out eVTOL production prototype

Joby Aviation unveiled the first electric vertical takeoff and landing production prototype to earn a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA that will enable flight testing toward certification, a milestone that reinforces the California company’s apparent front-runner status in the race to bring a new generation of air taxis to market.

Florida’s ‘Learn to fly’ license plate

Florida’s ‘Learn to fly’ license plate

Pilots in Florida have launched a license plate designed to promote general aviation and raise funds for youth to pursue careers in the aviation industry.

FAA offers medical reconciliation process to some veterans

FAA offers medical reconciliation process to some veterans

The FAA responded to an AOPA request by offering a path to reconciliation for military veterans who may not have reported receiving Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits on their pilot medical certificate application.

Pilot Short Story: Into the Dark

Pilot Short Story: Into the Dark

A pilot’s night departure from Martha’s Vineyard takes a turn for the worst as severe spatial disorientation takes hold.

FRASCA devices help address pilot shortage

FRASCA devices help address pilot shortage

Airlines have felt the growing demand for more pilots for years. Combined with the future shortages due to pilot retirement, they’re tackling the problem head-on.

Training and Safety Tip: Sizzling summer preflight prep

Training and Safety Tip: Sizzling summer preflight prep

Early sunrises, hot days, afternoon thunderstorms. Must be summer. And while we don’t (generally) have separate checklists for each season, a change of season does require a shift in your preflight emphasis.

It’s toxic to be hypoxic

It’s toxic to be hypoxic

What we learn about supplemental oxygen use as student pilots only scratches the surface of what we need to know.

It’s toxic to be hypoxic

It’s toxic to be hypoxic

What we learn about supplemental oxygen use as student pilots only scratches the surface of what we need to know.

Massachusetts airport gets new lease on life

Massachusetts airport gets new lease on life

Those fond of the historic Walter J Koladza Airport in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, can breathe easier thanks in part to an AOPA and community-led effort that earned the airfield a ”special permit” from the town.

Massachusetts airport gets new lease on life

Massachusetts airport gets new lease on life

Those fond of the historic Walter J Koladza Airport in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, can breathe easier thanks in part to an AOPA and community-led effort that earned the airfield a ”special permit” from the town.

Wings of Hope marks 60 years of life-saving aviation

Wings of Hope marks 60 years of life-saving aviation

Out of a humble hangar at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Missouri, Wings of Hope has been saving and changing lives through the power of aviation for 60 years.

Aircraft Maintenance: Borescopes empower proactive aircraft owners

Aircraft Maintenance: Borescopes empower proactive aircraft owners

Digital borescopes have revolutionized aircraft maintenance, especially engine maintenance. Instead of waiting for failures to occur, we can proactively monitor critical components such as exhaust valves. This often makes it possible to catch issues early and fix problems with relatively low cost and noninvasive techniques.

Managing ‘big deal’ weather

Managing ‘big deal’ weather

Weather is a big deal for pilots. Your ratings, experience, passengers onboard (or the lack thereof) and personal minimums determine when weather becomes a really ‘big deal’ for your flight.

Embry-Riddle Prescott campus wins national safety competition

Embry-Riddle Prescott campus wins national safety competition

The team from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott took home the national championship title from the 2023 National Intercollegiate Flying Association Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference.

NetJets: A career destination for the best in the sky

NetJets: A career destination for the best in the sky

NetJets, the worldwide leader in private aviation, is actively seeking talented aviators to join their global crew. In fact, the company expects to welcome nearly 900 pilots this year. 

Training and Safety Tip: Military aircraft should not surprise you

Training and Safety Tip: Military aircraft should not surprise you

An essential aspect of preflight planning includes familiarity with the airspace along your route. Even if it’s the airspace near your home airport, around which you fly regularly, you still need to check the airspace before every flight.

Air Force fast-tracks autonomy with Xwing

Air Force fast-tracks autonomy with Xwing

Under the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program, San Francisco-based autonomous aviation company Xwing will conduct a series of autonomous flight trials via its Superpilot flight system to accelerate the use of remote operations in commercial and military aviation.

Why pilots love Textron Aviation’s Citation M2 Gen2

Why pilots love Textron Aviation’s Citation M2 Gen2

From an early age, David Bodlak’s curiosity was rooted in the sky. Growing up on a farm in the Midwest, Bodlak would have a unique introduction to aviation that would ultimately lead him to a Citation M2 Gen2 cockpit.

Blue Skies ahead for CAU

Blue Skies ahead for CAU

Fresh from a year of growth and new developments, California Aeronautical University (CAU) has exciting plans to continue promoting aviation to youth in 2023—including hosting the Air Force flight academy and building strategic partnerships to provide additional opportunities for graduates.

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

Pilots recruited to rescue survivors of human trafficking

Pilots recruited to rescue survivors of human trafficking

Two Nashville-based pilots have launched a nonprofit organization with a mission to bring together a network of aviators from across the United States to transport survivors of human trafficking and their advocates.

House bill would create aviation workforce engine

House bill would create aviation workforce engine

Representatives André Carson (D-Ind.) and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) re-introduced bipartisan legislation on April 26 to create a center to help the aviation and aerospace industries better collaborate on initiatives to ensure the nation is ready to meet its aviation needs through a well-trained and prepared workforce.

House bill would create aviation workforce engine

House bill would create aviation workforce engine

Representatives André Carson (D-Ind.) and Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) re-introduced bipartisan legislation on April 26 to create a center to help the aviation and aerospace industries better collaborate on initiatives to ensure the nation is ready to meet its aviation needs through a well-trained and prepared workforce.

Private aviation leader NetJets is hiring pilots

Private aviation leader NetJets is hiring pilots

As NetJets continues to grow its fleet, the company is eager to welcome new pilots to the team to fly highly affluent and discerning travelers to the most desirable destinations across the globe. Here are a few reasons that so many NetJets pilots stay year after year at the world’s largest private aviation company.

Training and Safety Tip: Be fuel-foolproof

Training and Safety Tip: Be fuel-foolproof

After a flight school’s airplane made an emergency landing in a harvested cornfield, the flight instructor called the school to report the airplane’s engine had quit and that the student and instructor had made an off-airport landing.

What modern certification may lead to

What modern certification may lead to

The sleek, Slovenian-built Gogetair G750 made its first appearance at Aero Friedrichshafen, giving us a chance to delve into its place in the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s aircraft certification modernization, and what that might look like under the FAA.

Cirrus climbs past 9,000 pistons

Cirrus climbs past 9,000 pistons

To commemorate its 9,000th piston airplane, Cirrus Aircraft is producing a limited edition of themed SR22s.

Showers of scholarships

Showers of scholarships

Students headed for careers in the aviation industry should apply for these scholarships with funds set to arrive as the fall 2023 semester starts.

JackRabbit Micro e-bike makes getting around easy

JackRabbit Micro e-bike makes getting around easy

Usability, weight, portability, and rideability are the four top categories when I evaluate bicycles that I plan to take with me in a general aviation airplane to explore areas around airports. The JackRabbit Micro e-bike ranks high in three of the four categories.

Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

Anyone who’s owned an aircraft knows: it can be a time-consuming proposition.

You’re a PUNC – Part 4 of 4 – CONTRACTS

You’re a PUNC – Part 4 of 4 – CONTRACTS

Remember this acronym and nail down 85% of insurance coverage questions.

You’re a PUNC – Part 4 of 4 – CONTRACTS

You’re a PUNC – Part 4 of 4 – CONTRACTS

Remember this acronym and nail down 85% of insurance coverage questions.

Luxury living with a country club, runway

Luxury living with a country club, runway

Pecan Plantation is a stunning community with an unmatched lifestyle located 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. Surrounded by 17 miles of the Brazos River, and offering an abundance of country club amenities. Residents enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, a village center with shops, private runways, and the charm of the historic town […]

Elixir Aircraft prepares for U.S. arrival.

Elixir Aircraft prepares for U.S. arrival.

Since its creation in 2015, Elixir Aircraft has pursued a simple objective: To design and manufacture a safer, greener, more economical Part 23 certified aircraft, by providing relevant, modern, and innovative answers to the recurring problems encountered by general aviation. 

Elixir Aircraft prepares for U.S. arrival.

Elixir Aircraft prepares for U.S. arrival.

Since its creation in 2015, Elixir Aircraft has pursued a simple objective: To design and manufacture a safer, greener, more economical Part 23 certified aircraft, by providing relevant, modern, and innovative answers to the recurring problems encountered by general aviation. 

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

You’re a PUNC – Part 3 of 4 – Named Insured

You’re a PUNC – Part 3 of 4 – Named Insured

Remember this acronym and nail down 85% of insurance coverage questions.

Training and Safety Tip: Avoiding the inappropriate

Training and Safety Tip: Avoiding the inappropriate

The student pilot is dutiful but driving me nuts. He makes every possible call as he plies the pattern. The crosswind turn. Then the downwind. The downwind midfield. The base. The final. The on-the-go. Crosswind again. Downwind…

Training and Safety Tip: Crosswind control

Training and Safety Tip: Crosswind control

Learning to take off and land in a crosswind can be one of the more challenging skills for student pilots to master.

In a Cub above islands in the European sky

In a Cub above islands in the European sky

Larch trees typically reach their peak of color for only one weekend in late October, when a long weekend of flying from the highest airport in Switzerland revealed stunning scenery.

Aircraft shipments, billing up in 2022

Aircraft shipments, billing up in 2022

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association presented its annual State of the Industry report February 22, documenting increases in shipments and deliveries compared to 2021, despite supply chain challenges—though the rising tide did not lift every manufacturer or segment.

Aviation safety advocate, AOPA colleague mourned

Aviation safety advocate, AOPA colleague mourned

Lifelong aviation safety advocate Russell Stuart Lawton died January 14 at the age of 70. His passion for aviation spanned his personal and professional life, and his work will live on to protect generations of aviators to come.

You Spoke, Textron Aviation Listened

You Spoke, Textron Aviation Listened

They say it’s what’s on the inside that matters, so Textron Aviation listened to their owner-operators about what they wanted to see on the inside of the newly re-designed Citation M2®.

Beyond Proficient: Stabilized IFR Approach

Beyond Proficient: Stabilized IFR Approach

Learn or refresh how to recapture situational awareness and identify and deal with task saturation during an IFR approach.

Vintage Electric rolls out most powerful electric bikes yet

Vintage Electric rolls out most powerful electric bikes yet

Vintage blends timeless design of classic motorsport with the best in electric vehicle technology. We treat our customers like family and are always just a phone call away.

Better Together: Industry Resources Help Improve Aviation Safety

Better Together: Industry Resources Help Improve Aviation Safety

You’re a PUNC – Part 2 of 4 – USE Remember this acronym and nail down 85% of insurance coverage questions.

Blue Skies ahead for CAU

Blue Skies ahead for CAU

Fresh from a year of growth and new developments, California Aeronautical University (CAU) has exciting plans to continue promoting aviation to youth in 2023—including hosting the Air Force flight academy and building strategic partnerships to provide additional opportunities for graduates.

Flying the glaciers and high peaks of Southern Norway

Flying the glaciers and high peaks of Southern Norway

Battling an unusually cold and rainy summer around 61 degrees north latitude, I conquered the glaciers of southern Norway and the highest Scandinavian peaks in just two short months.

Good pilots have a habit of training

Good pilots have a habit of training

As the excitement of the new year fades into a routine, how can you develop a sustainable habit that improves your flying and helps you achieve your goals as a pilot? 

Good pilots have a habit of training

Good pilots have a habit of training

As the excitement of the new year fades into a routine, how can you develop a sustainable habit that improves your flying and helps you achieve your goals as a pilot? 

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical

It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance.

Graduate earns distinction from California Aeronautical University

Graduate earns distinction from California Aeronautical University

The challenges of finding qualified aircraft maintenance technologists (AMT) have accelerated over the last decade making it difficult to fulfill the much-needed demand in the aviation industry. In this male-dominated profession, many women are not exposed to the possibilities—even if they have the aptitude to excel professionally.

Training and Safety Tip: A yoke is not a steering wheel

Training and Safety Tip: A yoke is not a steering wheel

The cop wasn’t buying it. After a long day of flying, I had been stopped for driving smack down the middle of Airport Road, my car nicely centered on the yellow line. I told the officer I was having an airplane moment. He figured I was drunk.

Commemorative Air Force seeks help with P–47 restoration

Commemorative Air Force seeks help with P–47 restoration

Airbase Georgia, a branch of the Commemorative Air Force at Atlanta Regional Airport Falcon Field is working to raise $15,000 through its “12 Planes of Christmas” campaign to help restore its newly acquired Republic P–47 Thunderbolt.

Aircraft Maintenance: Inspecting your oil filter and screen

Aircraft Maintenance: Inspecting your oil filter and screen

In this series, we have been reviewing the different ways that you can monitor the health of your aircraft’s engine to protect your personal safety as well as your wallet. Since oil is the lifeblood of your engine, it’s a great place to begin.