YOU CAN FLY 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS WHAT'S INSIDE 2 'I Think I'll Learn to Fly Today' Reflecting on a surprising decision 4 Membership Join us! 8 A Whole New World What are you waiting for? 16 Aviation Careers We have the answers 20 Aircraft You'll Fly Training wings 8 38 16 2 YOU CAN FLY 2024 is an annual publication of FLIGHT TRAINING magazine (ISSN 1047-6415), which is produced and distributed eight times per year 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. 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. 26 Pilot Gear What's in your (flight) bag? 30 You Can Fly Keeping general aviation viable 35 Certificates and Ratings That's the ticket! 38 Financing Make it count 42 Medical Certification Are you fit to fly? 46 AFTA To your advantage 48 Aviation Speak What does that mean? 51 AOPA Advocacy Why AOPA matters 52 Be Inspired Camping under the wing Cover photo: Chris Rose A GOOD PILOT IS ALWAYS LEARNING FLIGHT TRAINING YOU CAN FLY 2024 1 A SPECIAL ISSUE FOR THE NEW PILOThttp://www.aopa.org/trial