In a Jan. 23, 2024, meeting, the Torrance City Council voted 5-1 (with one abstention) to ban touch and goes and restrict back taxis and low approaches at Zamperini Field (KTOA) in Torrance, California.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Regional flight training winners revealed
Six flight schools and six flight instructors were chosen as the most excellent in their region in the 2024 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Flight Training Experience Survey.
Real Pilot Story: Trouble Over Paradise
In “Real Pilot Story: Trouble Over Paradise,” Cessna Caravan pilot Ken Allen experiences piercing pain to the right side of his head during an otherwise routine flight. A quick-thinking passenger pulls Ken from the cockpit, stopping the ensuing nosedive, and radios ATC for help.
Video: Upgrade your preflight
A new video from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) features the association’s resident A&P Carlo Cilliers, who shares some expert tips to help you improve your preflight inspection.
Non-profits collaborate to introduce aviation curriculum to Pennsylvania high schools
Aerium, a non-profit organization focusing on aviation education, workforce development, and creating career opportunities for students in Pennsylvania, is now collaborating with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to introduce the AOPA high school STEM curriculum into school districts, Career and Technical Centers (CTCs), secondary, and post-secondary institutions across the state of Pennsylvania.
New video offers tips to avoid and escape ice
“Structural or airframe icing, the focus of this video, is a major cold-weather hazard, especially for instrument-rated pilots who fly in instrument meteorological conditions. This type of icing causes about five accidents a year with nearly half being fatal,” said Air Safety Institute Senior Director Paul Deres.
Real Pilot Story: Hidden Hazard released
In the latest video, Real Pilot Story: Hidden Hazard, pilot Dan Bass reflects on a haunting flight in his Mooney when he was overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning and lost consciousness while airborne, AOPA officials noted.
Accidents up in 2021, but increase in flight hours creates downward trend
The report notes an increase in total accidents from 1,050 in 2020 to 1,124 in 2021, including 202 fatal accidents. However, 4 million additional flight hours — compared to the previous year — helped offset the increase in accidents, according to AOPA officials.
New video focuses on how to depart safely in low IMC
“How to Depart Safely in Low IMC offers tips on using tools to stay clear of obstacles when visibility is low,” said ASI Senior Director Paul Deres.