Navigate Your MeMbershipa guide to aopa benefits & services

WeLcoMeI would like to extend my personal thanks and congratulations on being a member of AOPA, the world’s largest organization devoted to general aviation.

Whether you are a pilot, an aircraft owner, or an aviation enthusiast, i am confident you will find the resources and support you need to sharpen your skills, keep informed, and stay connected with the ga community.

this member guide provides a quick reference to the many exclusive benefits, services, and opportunities available to you as a member. You may also access the Membership tab on the aopa website (aopa.org) for updates and additional member information.

Your membership helps strengthen aopa’s efforts to keep aviation strong and secure. i encourage you to make the most of it through your active participation and ongoing support. if, at any time, you have suggestions on how we can serve you better, please let us know.

Mark baker,president & ceo, aopa

advocacY

Members consistently rate advocacy as the number 1 reason they belong to AOPA—and with good reason. AOPA is on the front lines every day fighting to ensure that general aviation and the interests of our members are promoted and safeguarded at all levels of government.

PROTECTING GA & THE RIGHT TO FLY | aopa.org/advocacy

no organization is more effective or more vocal in defending the freedom and right to fly than aopa. from challenging airspace restrictions and airport closures to fighting fuel taxes and user fees, aopa has earned a reputation for its focus and tenacity. as part of our efforts, we sponsor nationwide events to generate new ideas on how to make ga even stronger, and we encourage your participation and input. visit the website (aopa.org/Advocacy/Airports-and-State-Advocacy) to learn more about what aopa is doing to preserve ga and airports in your local area.

AOPA POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

the aopa political action committee (aopa pac) is the only arm of aopa that can give direct support to candidates at election time. by contributing to the aopa pac, you can put teeth in our advocacy message, build support for general aviation in congress, and help us win key political battles to preserve our freedom to fly.

AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK | aopa.org/asn

the aopa airport support network (asn) provides the vehicle for aopa members to work in concert with aopa to establish an early warning system for when threats arise at an airport. there are over 2,000 volunteers promoting, protecting, and defending america’s community airports. our goal is to have one asn volunteer at each of the 5,100 public-use airports. be a volunteer at your local airport.

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MediaAOPA keeps you informed and updated on everything that is happening in general aviation. If it’s on our radar screen, we make sure it’s on yours.

AOPA PILOT MAGAZINE | aopa.org/pilot

award-winning AOPA Pilot features “test pilot” quizzes to keep you sharp and at the top of your game, “never again” pilot stories to keep you thinking, and in-depth reports to keep you in touch with the ever-expanding world of general aviation—from ga news to new avionics technologies. Enhanced digital edition also available.

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) | aopa.org

fl ighttraining.aopa.org

01.14

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POWERLESS

ADVANCED PILOT

HOW TO REMAIN CALM In the Face of an Engine-Out Emergency p. 26

MAINTENANCE MEMORYREMEMBERING TO DO IT ALL p. 32 MAKE NEW FRIENDSSTART A CLUB, LEARN A SKILL p. 36

POWER

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Begins on page 45

(FOR CFIS, CAREER BUILDERS, AND OBTAINING NEW RATINGS)

MASTERING the Forward Slip

+

MediaFLIGHT TRAINING MAGAZINE | flighttraining.aopa.org

pilots in training and instructors alike get insight and practical advice in every issue of Flight Training from experienced pilot-authors. Enhanced digital edition also available.

AOPA ePILOT

Written by pilots for pilots, our weekly email newsletter is a convenient synopsis with compact articles, updates, tips, and news you’ll find beneficial and enlightening. You can even customize the information you receive.

AOPA LIVE THIS WEEK | aopa.org/aopalive

aopa Live this Week enables you to view aviation news and videos online. from interviews with key ga leaders to coverage of aviation events and demonstrations of the newest technology, this is video journalism that is both convenient and entertaining.

The Voice of General Aviation

www.aopa.org/pilot | November 2013

Travel by GAMAKING IT SMOOTHER

Working as a TeamFORMATION FLYING

AutobrainAVOIDING OOPS MOMENTS

Great Lakes Biplane | Hinton Racing D

ynasty | Formation Flying

ww

w.aopa.org

Novem

ber 2013

Great Lakes Biplane is Back

Dream BigMOVING UP TO A

SIX-SEATER p. 64

Faster, FastestTHE HINTON

RACING DYNASTY p. 70

fl ighttraining.aopa.org

USING YOUR STICK- AND-RUDDER SKILLS p. 38

FOUNDATIONS OF FLYING

YOUR CAREER IS WAITING p. 26

YOUR DREAM JOBCHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPANY p. 51 AVIATION SPEAKTHE LANGUAGE OF FLYING p. 42

12.13ANNUAL

COLLEGE

DIRECTORY

AVIATION COLLEGES

AND UNIVERSITIESGO FOR IT!

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The Voice of General Aviation

www.aopa.org/pilot | December 2013

MU–2 Adventure

AROUND THE WORLD IN 25 DAYS

TBM in Icing

SAFETY PILOT LANDMARK ACCIDENT

Extra Extra

AEROBATICS TO TURBOPROPS

Grumm

an HU–16B Albatross | M

U–2 Around the World | Aviation Legends: W

alter Extra

ww

w.aopa.org

December 2013

A High-Tech Rebirth

Grumman HU–16B Albatross

Flying over California’s

Catalina Island.

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tooLs and resourcesThe world’s most comprehensive aviation resource. Your membership entitles you to exclusive pilot resources and tools including:

FlyQTM POCKET | aopa.org/FlyQ

this iphone and android app puts powerful and smart preflight planning in the palm of your hand. it delivers airport directory information, aviation weather maps, and flight planning with unique auto-routing capabilities. Free to AOPA members.

TFR Alerts

aopa delivers the latest temporary flight restrictions (tfrs) directly to your inbox to ensure you have the most up-to-date information you need to plan your flights.

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) | aopa.org

AOPA ONLINE

AOPA PILOT INFORMATION CENTER

FlyQTM WEB | aopa.org/FlyQWeb

our exclusive web-based flight planner contains real-time weather maps, drag-and-drop waypoint editing (rubber-banding), smooth chart transitions, simple and advanced route planning, faa-certified weather briefings, the latest tfrs, and airport information—allowing you to plan, save, and file flight plans at your convenience.

AVIATION WEATHER | aopa.org/weather

graphical real-time aviation weather information available to you with the touch of a finger. personalize your view to display the weather charts you use most. set your home airport to receive nearby Metars, tafs, and much more.

AOPA AIRPORTSTM ONLINE DIRECTORY | aopa.org/airports

an indispensable online directory filled with vital preflight information. updated daily, aopa airportstM includes fbo listings, fuel prices, satellite images, taxiway diagrams, airport manager comments, and more.

call our toll-free hotline at 800.USA.AOPA (872.2672) to speak with our staff of experienced pilots and cfis for advice and answers to your aviation and medical questions. from advice on buying and maintaining aircraft, flying internationally, medical certification, and more. our staff is standing by Monday through friday, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. (et). You can also get in-depth information online at any time (aopa.org/members/pic).

“Members are often surprised that AOPA has expert pilots on the other end of the line when they call.”

Toni MenschingCFII-MEI

Director, AOPA Pilot Information Center— 7 —

AOPA FOUNDATION | aopa.org/foundation

the aopa foundation was created to address a multitude of critical issues impacting general aviation that dues alone can’t tackle. through your tax-

deductible donations, the aopa foundation is able to fund efforts to address four key initiatives to ensure a bright future for ga:

- improving ga’s safety

- growing and nurturing the pilot population

- preserving and improving community airports

- improving ga’s image

visit the website (aopa.org/foundation) for more information and find out how you can contribute.

safetY and educationLearning never stops, and AOPA provides many opportunities to build your knowledge and proficiency as a pilot.

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) | aopa.org

AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE | airsafetyinstitute.orgA DIVISION OF THE AOPA FOUNDATION

the air safety institute (asi) offers a wide array of interactive online courses, safety quizzes, webinars, and seminars to help pilots at all skill levels challenge their knowledge of air safety. visit the website (airsafetyinstitute.org) for a complete listing and schedule.

Interactive Online Courses* asi online courses cover a variety of topics to help pilots hone and improve their skills. cutting-edge graphics, sound, and animation have made these courses a hit, providing pilots with the tools to help ensure their safety.

Safety Quizzes test your knowledge and identify your strengths with asi’s quick, easy, and interactive safety quizzes. new quizzes are available every two weeks.

Webinars and Seminars* free educational safety seminars are held every year in locations all across the united states, covering topics on weather strategies and tactics, operations at towered airports, mountain flying, collision avoidance, and many others. Webinars are also offered to give you a chance to hear from aviation experts about topics that are important to every pilot.

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses in-person and online courses are available. visit eFIRC.org for more information.

*Participation in most ASI online courses, seminars, and webinars qualify for AOPA Accident Forgiveness and the FAA Wings program.

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AOPA FLY-INS | aopa.org/Community-and-Events

aopa hosts regional fly-ins across the united states in order to meet members where they fly and to support community airports through grassroots events. Members are encouraged to fly or drive in for a pancake breakfast and town hall, mid-morning seminars and flying activities, a noontime lunch and social event, and afternoon seminars and flying activities. in addition to the regional fly-ins, aopa hosts an annual aopa fly-in at our frederick, Maryland headquarters. go online (aopa.org) and click on the “community and events” tab for more information.

events and outreacHNothing matches the experience of attending an event or meeting in person, and AOPA has a full calendar of events that will expand your aviation horizons.

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) | aopa.org

AOPA ANNUAL SWEEPSTAKES | aopa.org/sweeps

aopa sponsors a sweepstakes in which we give away a beautiful new or classic aircraft—fully outfitted and ready to take flight. Just by being a member, you are automatically entered in this always-popular contest. You can also increase your chances of winning by enrolling in various aopa programs that earn you additional contest entries. be sure to visit the website

(aopa.org/sweeps) for more information on exciting prizes and how you can increase your chances to win.*

*no purchase or contribution necessary to enter or win. a purchase or contribution will not improve your chances of winning. (see official rules for details including alternate methods of entry/extra chances.)

aopa products and servicesYour AOPA membership gives you access to quality services, unique products, and special discounts. Revenue from all AOPA Member Products allows AOPA to create and offer even more benefits for our members.

INSURANCE SERVICES

AOPA AVIATION INSURANCE | aopainsurance.org

Whether you need owners, renters, or cfi coverage, aopa insurance services provides the best advice on aviation insurance, as well as a quick, easy, no-obligation way to get quotes on policies from multiple a-rated underwriters. AOPA Insurance Services represents the insurance carriers who participate in the AOPA Accident Forgiveness and Deductible Waiver Enhancement through the AOPA Foundation.

800-622-AOPA (622-2672) | aopainsurance.org

FINANCIAL SERVICESAUTO/HOME INSURANCE | aopainsurance.org/auto-home

as an aopa member, you could receive exclusive savings on your auto and home insurance on top of Liberty Mutual’s already competitve rates. additional discounts are available based on your driving experience, car and home safety features and more, to the extent permitted by law.

TERM LIFE | aopainsurance.org/termlife

take advantage of aopa’s affordable group rates on term life coverage designed for your active lifestyle—no aviation exclusions, and includes travel assistance services.

AD&D INSURANCE | aopainsurance.org/add

aopa’s accidental death and dismemberment insurance now includes coverage for any eligible accidental loss, 24 hours a day, worldwide—not just a loss that occurs while flying—at the same premium cost. affordable supplemental coverage up to $300,000 for you and your family.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PLUS | aopainsurance.org/eaplus

aopa members can sign up for this 24-hour emergency and medical assistance backup plan that offers a critical safety net against emergency expenses that your health insurance may not cover and makes sure you get the care you need—when you need it.

AOPA AVIATION FINANCE | aopafinance.com

aopa aviation finance company has created a network of lending institutions that can offer members competitive terms and rates for all types of aircraft. as aviation finance experts, we are able to ask the right questions to help find the best financing package for your individual needs. our loan specialists take the time to understand your needs and build a finance package for you.

AOPA CREDIT CARD | aopa.org/creditcard

aopa offers members the bankamericard cash rewards™ credit card that benefits aopa while earning you cash back. for more information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits, visit aopa.org/creditcard.

AOPA CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM | aopa.org/partners

our partners provide you with special offers and programs throughout the year, while also providing substantial financial support for services you enjoy daily as an aopa member.

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PILOT SERVICES

AOPA PILOT PROTECTION SERVICES | aopa.org/pps

the aopa pilot protection services program includes the valuable aopa Legal services plan and Medical certificate assistance. this coverage can make a huge difference in protecting your pilot and medical certificates should you ever face an faa action or investigation. You get knowledgeable and experienced professionals on your side who know what is needed to help keep you flying.

With growing government regulations, even the best and most experienced pilots can make a simple far error or commit a u.s. customs violation. Likewise, you could be grounded by a newly developed medical condition. plus, contracts to own or rent an airplane are more complicated than ever.

AOPA PILOT GEAR | aopapilotgear.com

Wear Your Wings! aopa pilot gear is your official source of aopa

merchandise. Whether you wear it, display it, or give it as a gift, this aopa-branded gear does more than show your passion for general aviation. it supports your association’s mission to protect the freedom to fly. With aopa merchandise, you can look good—and do good.

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) | aopa.org

PILOT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

FLYING CLUBS

extensive research has shown that pilots involved with flying clubs find aviation more accessible, and effective clubs create the type of supportive community that keeps pilots active and engaged. aopa works with flying clubs nationwide to provide the tools and resources clubs need. as part of that effort, aopa has developed a flying club network to strengthen the bond between pilots and clubs nationwide.

FLIGHT TRAINING INITIATIVE

the aopa flight training student retention initiative is a long-term, industry-wide effort dedicated to increasing the percentage of students who earn a pilot certificate. each year, aopa administers a flight training poll that is used to recognize best practices among flight instructors and flight training centers.

FLIGHT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP | flighttraining.aopa.org/ftscholarship

to help support outstanding student pilots, the aopa foundation awards up to eight $5,000 scholarships each year. the recipients are chosen based on merit, including previous accomplishments, ability to set goals, and commitment to flight training and general aviation.

AOPA OFFERS A WIDE ARRAY OF MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS INCLUDING:

— Automatic Annual Renewal

— Life Membership

— Premier Plus Life Membership

— Premier Membership

— Premier Plus Membership

— Family Membership

— Student Membership

…and more! For a complete list of available options, visit the website (aopa.org/membership).

AOPA dedicates resources toward the following initiatives to help understand and reverse the decline in the GA pilot population. Learn more about AOPA’s pilot and community initiatives online (aopa.org/community-and-events).

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aopa piLot iNForMatioN CeNter

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672)aopa.org/members/picinforequest@aopa.org

aopa aviatioN FiNaNCe

800-62-PLANE (75263)aopafinance.com

421 AVIATION WAY, FREDERICK, MD 21701800-USA-AOPA (872-2672)

AOPA.ORG

aopa iNsuraNCe serviCes

Aviation Insurance800-622-AOPA (2672)

Life and EA+877-432-AOPA (2672)aopainsurance.org

aopa MeMber serviCes

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672)memberservices@aopa.org

aopa FouNDatioN

Addressing the Issues that Impact GA800-955-9115aopafoundation.org

aopa air saFetY iNstitute A DIVISION OF THE AOPA FOUNDATION

Free Safety Seminars and Interactive Courses800-638-3101airsafetyinstitute.org

aopa airport WatCh prograM

Report Suspicious Activity866-GA-SECURE (427-3287)

aopa MeMber proDuCts

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672)aopa.org/memberproducts

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