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The Greatest Flying Season of All

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Ski-flying extends the flying season into winter by allowing aircraft equipped with skis to land and take off from frozen lakes, fields, and other snow-covered terrains.
  • While no specific rating is required, ski-flying demands specialized training and skills due to unique challenges such as unpredictable snow/ice conditions, the absence of brakes, and the need for thorough landing area assessment.
  • Pilots engaging in ski-flying must prepare for variable weather, carry survival gear, and preferably use conventional gear (taildraggers) to mitigate risks associated with nosewheel and propeller damage in snow.
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During the winter months, when the temperatures drop in Northern climes, the sky turns gray and days are cut short as the sun spends more time on the opposite side of the equator, there are fewer opportunities to fly for most of us. Airplanes begin to collect dust, and some engines even get pickled as owners succumb to the fact that they won’t fly for several months.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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