MAY2012 VOLUME 55 | NUMBER 5 | www.aopa.org/pilot COMMENTARY DEPARTMENTS 4 22 26 28 30 32 34 36 President’s Position Listening to members. 6 10 12 40 104 107 108 112 Hangar Talk The story behind the story. Letters Easy Flyer. AOPA Media Stories with enhanced content. Waypoints Roundabout on arrival. AOPA Action GA supporters in Senate join fight against user fees. Proficient Pilot Quit stalling around. Safety Pilot Backwards! Pilot Briefing World records in the works. License to Learn Mythconceptions. Never Again Easter morning disruption. Pilot Counsel The $5,000 fine. Fly Well News you can use. Fly-Outs French Valley Airport. Fly by Wire Index of advertisers. Pilots ‘Dr. Dave’ Baldwin. On the cover: Mike Fizer photographed a Piper Malibu in the skies over New Zealand’s Southern Alps to accompany Dave Hirschman’s story “Epic Flight: Magic in the Air,” which begins on page 50. On these pages: Mike Fizer photographed the Duo Discus glider in Omarama, New Zealand, to accompany Dave Hirschman’s story “Epic Flight: Over Omarama,” which begins on page 60. Look for this icon throughout the issue to see Enhanced Digital Edition features. Follow us: Facebook.com/aopapilots twitter: @AOPA_Pilot AOPA PILOT • 2 • MAY 2009 2012http://www.aopa.org/pilot http://www.Facebook.com/aopapilots