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Flying as 'Higher Education'

Everywhere you turn people are winding down their summer activities and preparing for the new academic year. From packing the car to buying Junior new clothes, our involvement, planning, and preparation are necessary to ensure our loved ones are ready to meet the approaching challenges. 

 

Naturally, we want the best for your families. Helping them puts our minds at ease, knowing we've done everything we can to provide them an environment in which to succeed.

Anxiety is the price for  being unprepared. You know that feeling, and you never want anyone belonging to you experiencing it.

But what about you? When was the last time you challenged yourself from an aviation perspective? For most pilots it's been far too long. This year may I suggest that you seize that same opportunity and start the new school  year by committing yourself to scheduling some necessary flight training.

In a few short weeks our weather briefings will begin to contain Airmet Zulu's. As the freezing level descends into our cruising altitudes', traveling in light airplanes is going to additional planning or become more difficult.

If you're a VFR pilot, setting the goal of achieving your instrument rating before the next beach season would be a great way to add purpose to your flying. Additionally, next summer you'll be able to make the "go decision," rather than wait out a low ceiling burning off at your departure point, even when you know the destination is clear. 

 

For Instrument rated pilots,  how about spending some time flying approaches, or taking some unusual attitude recovery training. You might also get some practice dealing with the demands of ATC while navigating our confusing local airpspace. All of this will increase your confidence. 

With the stakes being what we should all give refreshing our piloting skills the same attention that we do making sure Junior's cafeteria cash card is filled.