AOPA Offers Rusty Pilot Course Online

AOPA’s Rusty Pilot seminar online can give lapsed pilots the first step toward getting back in the cockpit. Tecnam

In an effort to bring pilots who have been away from flying for an extended period back into the cockpit, AOPA has offered courses, aptly named Rusty Pilots, at various locations to bring those pilots back up to speed on the intricacies of flying. More than 23,600 pilots have attended more than 700 of these seminars. Now more out-of-currency pilots will have access to the course now that it's available online.

“The response to the Rusty Pilots seminars that have been held at local airport and major aviation events since the program was launched in 2014 has been tremendous,” said AOPA’s vice president of aviation program operations, Elizabeth Tennyson. “We are confident that making it available online will help more pilots get back to active flying and make general aviation stronger for everyone.”

More than 5,800 pilots who have attended the seminars have gone back to flying as pilot in command as a result of the course, AOPA said.

The course is free to AOPA members and includes videos with real-world radio communications, a 3-D review of airspace, a review of cross-country flight planning and more. Upon completion of the course, pilots receive credit toward the FAA Proficiency Wings program along with a completion certificate.

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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