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SET AN OVERALL FLYING GOAL FOR
THE YEAR. How many hours will
you fly? Write the number down
and tell your friends so they’ll
challenge you to meet it.
GET A TAILWHEEL ENDORSEMENT. C’mon, you know
you always wanted to fly a “real” airplane. Having a
sign-off to fly a tailwheel airplane opens a whole new
range of aircraft to fly. Typically, a pilot can earn this
endorsement in about six to 10 hours. 2
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SET AN AVIATION WORLD RECORD.
It’s not as difficult as you think!
Lots of the records are easily
breakable in a single-engine
airplane. Visit www.NAA.aero
and click on “Records” to see all
the opportunities. Internationally,
the Fédération Aéronautique
International manages world
records; visit www.FAI.org.
Seriously, there’s a record you
could break.
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EARN A PILOT CERTIFICATE. How long have you been
thinking about this? Make 2011 the year that you do it.
It’s easier than ever before; earning a sport pilot, glider,
or recreational pilot certificate can be less expensive
than a private pilot. Visit www.SportPilot.org and click
on “Learn to Fly,” or visit www.FAA.gov/pilots/become.
VISIT KITTY HAWK, the birthplace of flight. Land at First Flight Airport; tour the museum and walk the 120 feet of that first flight.
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VOLUNTEER WITH AN AVIATION CHARITY. The Air Care
Alliance is a good place to find out about public service
flying—whether it’s patient transport, disaster relief, or
environmental support. Visit www.AirCareAll.org. You
even can help save animals.
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FLY A HANG GLIDER! Editor Mary Jones flew with
the instructors at Kitty Hawk Kites, and you can
do it, too. Visit www.KittyHawk.com and click on
hang gliding. The sand is forgiving!
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GET SOME AEROBATIC TRAINING. Start down the road
to becoming an air show or competition pilot., or just
sharpen your safety and proficiency in the air. After a
few lessons you could literally turn your world upside
down. Visit www.IAC.org and click on “How to Begin”
to find a listing of aerobatic schools.
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FLY AROUND THE WORLD. Or at least start planning the
flight; 161 people have flown a single-engine aircraft
around the world. You could do it, too. Visit www.
EarthRounders.com to learn more.
48 Sport Aviation December 2010 5 WATCH THE LAST SPACE SHUTTLE LAUNCH. But, you better start planning now! After 30 years, the shuttle program is slated to come to a close with the launch of Endeavour, currently scheduled for February 27, 2011.It ’s an experience you will never forget as you feel the ground vibrate, hear the roar of the engines, and watch the trail of flames and smoke in the sky. Visit www.KSC. NASA.gov for details.
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FLY A TRIKE OR POWERED PARACHUTE.
One of the most inexpensive ways to begin
flying is to fly an ultralight. Or, maybe you
just want a new flight experience.
In these open-air machines, you’ll
really feel the wind in your face!
GO CAMPING WITH YOUR PLANE. Here’s a great way
to combine some flight time with a great outdoor
experience. Our Expert Panel column in the April
issue, offered some tips to get you started. Visit www.
AmericanAirCampers.net for more information.
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