Flight Training - September 2012 - 18

PREFLIGHT»

'Captain Zulu’s Quick Reference for Pilots'
Sometimes simple is better
EVEN THOUGH THERE is a glut of flight training information available for purchase, very little simple, but complete information exists. It’s often either dense in the form of a textbook or deep in the form of a single-topic volume. Captain Zulu’s Quick Reference For Pilots covers must subjects important to pilots, but in a quick and easy-to-understand way. Available for purchase as an ebook for either an Apple device or as a .pdf, the book covers subjects such as aerodynamics, weather, flight

TRAINING PRODUCTS

planning, and navigation, among others. Its strength lies in approachable, basic information that can be used as a springboard to find out more about a subject. Sometimes it’s best to go back to the beginning and read the high-level information to better understand the more complex stuff you’ll learn later. This guide does that, as well as provide an introduction to the basics for beginners. PRICE: $5.99 CONTACT: www.captainzulu. com

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Should you refuse to take a breathalyzer?
The answer may affect your pilot certificate
I’VE HEARD RUMORS in the pilot community that airmen shouldn’t consent to a breathalyzer test if they are suspected of an alcohol or drug-related offense while operating a motor vehicle. If this happens to you, consider allowing the officer to perform the test. Otherwise, this is called a “refusal” to test, which the FAA considers equivalent to a significant positive alcohol test result, and

Airmen also must report an arrest, conviction, and/or administrative action involving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs on their next FAA aviation medical examination (question 18[v]). Note the addition of “arrest” to this requirement. If you don’t report the offense as required by Part 61.15(e), when the FAA finds out it will commence an investiga-

THE FAA HAS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR AIRMEN WHO FALSIFY THEIR RESPONSE TO THIS QUESTION.
the FAA will require you to be evaluated by a substance abuse specialist. There are two important requirements if you’re suspected of this type of offense. FAR 61.15(e) requires that you report any “motor vehicle action”—including certain convictions or administrative actions for operating a motor vehicle that involve drugs or alcohol—to the FAA’s Security and Investigations Division (AMC-700) in Oklahoma City. This must be accomplished within 60 days of the event.
18 / FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG

tion as it would for any suspected FAR violation. Generally, you’ll lose your Part 61 certificates for 15 to 45 days unless legal representatives can bargain this down to something less. I also advise all airmen to tell the truth on their FAA flight examination. The FAA has zero tolerance for airmen who falsify their response to this question. If the FAA finds out, it generally will seek an emergency revocation of all your certificates and ratings. All you’ll have left is your

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Flight Training - September 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - September 2012