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 should prepare for recurrency flights by thoroughly reviewing the aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for airspeeds, emergency procedures, and normal checklists.
• The flight should systematically re-familiarize pilots with core aerial maneuvers, starting with slow flight and stalls to regain a feel for the aircraft's low-speed envelope.
• Progress to practicing various turns (standard and steep) and ground-reference maneuvers (turns/eights on a point) to master coordination, control, and wind compensation.
• Conclude the recurrency flight by practicing diverse landings and takeoffs (normal, short-field, soft-field, and crosswind) to solidify practical application and landing proficiency.

Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->

See a mistake? Contact us.