MAY 2023 Volume.35 * Number.3 aopa.org/ft A good pilot is always learning 32 28 IN DEPTH 32 38 Beginner Backcountry An introduction to flying in remote places. BY ALICIA HERRON Chart Your Course A rundown of popular ground school options. BY IAN J. TWOMBLY PREFLIGHT 12 What Am I? 13 ASI Tips 14 How it Works 15 Ramp Appeal 16 Road Trip 18 Ask AOPA 19 People 20 After the Checkride 21 Photo of the Month Find Max! Flight Training's longtime co-pilot is hidden in our pages. Let us know if you find him. flighttraining@aopa.org FLIGHT TRAINING magazine (ISSN 1047-6415), May (VOL. 35, NO. 3) is produced and distributed eight times per year (bimonthly except monthly, May to August) by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. AOPA membership dues are $89 per year. Pilots and aviation enthusiasts in the United States can receive a free AOPA Trial Membership by visiting aopa.org/trial. Periodicals postage paid at Frederick, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AOPA Member Services, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701-4756. No material may be used or reprinted without written permission. Printed in USA. For change of address: Call 800-USA-AOPA or email flighttraining@aopa.org. 22 Flight Lesson 24 Checkride 101 26 Weather 27 You Can Fly 28 Membership 30 Technique ADVANCED PILOT 43 Career Spotlight Flying to an oil rig BY JULIE SUMMERS WALKER 44 CFI to CFI Why I am a CFI BY CATHERINE CAVAGNARO 46 Instructor Report Change agent BY JOHN W. OLCOTT PERSPECTIVES 4 Coms Don't be afraid of the dark 6 Always Learning Study buddy BY SARAH DEENER 8 Around the Patch Backcountry beckons BY JILL W. TALLMAN 56 Final Exam Redline aopa.org/ft A good pilot is always learning WILDand WONDERFUL BACKCOUNTRY FLYING OFFERS EXCITING CHALLENGES P. 32 May 2023 IN THIS ISSUE HOME SCHOOLED PICKING THE ONLINE COURSE THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU P. 38 WHEN YOU NEED TO DIVERT FINDING ANOTHER PLACE TO LAND P. 30 ABOUT THE COVER A Maule lands at Trigger Gap Airstrip in the Ozark Mountains. Photography by Mike Fizer FLIGHT TRAINING MAY 2023 1http://www.aopa.org/ft http://www.aopa.org/ft http://www.aopa.org/trial