Back In The Saddle

Although winter flying can be some of the most rewarding available to an active pilot, not all of us can work out the timing, the short days and the weather enough to go aviate in the cold and damp. Along the way, we’re suddenly not as good at this flying “thing” as we were a few short months ago. But the coming spring promises longer days and warmer temperatures. It’s flying season again, time to unlimber your airplane, even as you ponder your atrophied skills. You don’t need a BFR, and you’re not ready for an IPC, even if you may need one. You just need to get back in the saddle after a few months away. Find your airplane keys, or schedule your favorite airplane at the club/FBO, then put together a plan for the upcoming flight.

Key Takeaways:

• Pilots resuming flying after a winter break should first review their aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) to refresh on key airspeeds, emergency procedures, and normal operating guidelines.
• A structured recurrent flight should then systematically practice fundamental air maneuvers, including slow flight and stalls, various types of turns (e.g., steep turns), and ground-reference maneuvers like turns about a point to re-familiarize with aircraft handling and wind compensation.
• The re-familiarization process should culminate with practicing performance maneuvers (if appropriate for the pilot's experience) and extensive takeoffs and landings, including normal, short-field, soft-field, and crosswind techniques, to regain proficiency in critical flight phases.

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