OF INTEREST TO PILOTS

· Aerial photos of Arizona Airports (Link) Includes Identifiers.

· Emergency return for a landing on a Carrier. Narrative by a pilot who encountered a serious problem after taking off from a carrier. This should be of interest to former Carrier Pilots.
Courtesy of member Ben Thompson

· Thunderstorms – Beware of thunderheads, they can be injurious to your health

· Governor Sarah Palin is a friend of Aviation - Choice of VP by McCain is good news for pilots. Published in the Aero News

• FAA INTENDS TO REDUCE VOR NETWORK SOON
  The FAA has confirmed to AOPA that it is making plans to reduce the network of VORs across the country, beginning in 2010. However, AOPA members are not quite convinced that a widespread VOR reduction is acceptable. Survey information shows that only about half of AOPA members believe a significant number of VORs can be eliminated without affecting their flight operations. "Clearly this marks a big step forward in pilot acceptance of GPS and reduced reliance on VORs, but members are still saying 'not yet,'" said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. Read more on AOPA Online.
  
  
• A FUEL-SAVING MESSAGE FROM YOUR ASI
  The airspeed indicator (ASI) can tell you a great deal about how to fly more efficiently, but few pilots know how to decode its drag-reducing, fuel-saving, and range-extending message. According to Jack Norris, an aerospace engineer and technical director for the 1986 Voyager around-the-world flight, a simple, mechanical ASI (and an understanding of the aerodynamic drag chart and an airplane’s best rate of climb speed) is all we need to maximize speed vs. drag. Minimizing drag is the key to reducing fuel burn and extending range. Read more on AOPA Online.
  
  
• GIVE YOUR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE KNOWLEDGE A CHECKUP
  Many people dread a visit to the doctor, but as a pilot, knowing your medical condition is a must. And with recent changes to the duration of some medical certificates, it's a good idea to brush up your knowledge of aviation medical certification. Can a family physician issue your medical certificate? Which allergy medications are you allowed to take? What happens if a pilot is cited for DUI? Give your medical certificate awareness a thorough checkup with the latest Safety Quiz from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. Then keep your brain healthy with a liberal dose of the foundation's previous quizzes.
  
  
• FSS TIP OF THE WEEK: FILE MULTIPLE FLIGHT PLANS
  Planning a long cross-country during the Labor Day weekend? Consider filing multiple VFR flight plans—one for each leg of your flight. Filing shorter flight plans gives you an advantage in receiving search-and-rescue (SAR) services should you have an accident or emergency. Flight service contractor Lockheed Martin points out that if your flight plan has a three-hour duration, SAR would begin after three-and-a-half hours. If your flight plan includes the entire trip, with multiple stops, and is active for six-and-a-half hours, SAR wouldn't start for seven hours. Then searchers would have to cover the entire route. For more tips, take the AOPA Air Safety Foundation's A Pilot's Guide to Flight Service minicourse.
  
  
• VREF—A VALUABLE RESOURCE WHEN BUYING OR SELLING AIRCRAFT
  Whether you're ready to sell your aircraft or are combing the classifieds for a good deal on a used aircraft, you need to do some homework so that you know the approximate value of the aircraft. AOPA's Aircraft Valuation Service, called Vref, is the perfect place to start. Simply select the type of aircraft, year, model, equipment options, and aircraft condition. The service will generate a wholesale value that you can use as a gauge. If you're not sure whether aircraft ownership is for you, check out "Realize the Dream" in the September 2008 issue of AOPA Pilot.
  
  

Quiz Me

Here's a question asked by an AOPA member who contacted our aviation services staff through the AOPA Pilot Information Center. Test your knowledge.

Question: It is true that some airports are changing from a 24-hour TAF to a 30-hour TAF?

Answer: Yes, starting Nov. 5, 32 large airports will be changing to a 30-hour TAF (terminal aerodrome forecast) in order to meet ICAO weather formatting standards. All other airports that provide a TAF will continue to cover a 24-hour forecast period. Read this AOPA Pilot article to see a list of which airports are changing to the 30-hour TAF.

• 
  
  
•