![The spring rush is beginning at flying schools across the country. [Credit: Tecnam Aircraft]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/httpswww.flyingmag.comsitesflyingmag.comfilesimages201809rusty-pilots-1.jpg)
This past week winter finally arrived in the Seattle area. It stayed for two days, dropping heavy, wet snow that snarled traffic, created delays at Sea-Tac (KSEA), and triggered a run on bread, milk, and eggs at the grocery store, because when it snows here we’re instinctively compelled to make French toast.
It’s a drive, not unlike the way salmon are compelled to go upstream.
For the aircraft owners whose airplanes were parked on the ramp at various general aviation airports, it was an anxious time. There was a great deal of logging in to view airport cameras to see how much snow was falling and if your airplane was down on its tail due to the extra weight.
- READ MORE: Aircraft Automation’s Double-Edged Sword
- READ MORE: What’s New With the Flight Review?
Two days later, the snow was gone, the tails were back up, and the temperatures were almost springlike, so much so that some of the airports had an influx of return-to-flying clients. By return to flying I mean the pilots who had been out of the game for years. Some of these individuals talked to us through the fence, and a few even tailgated folks through the gate wanting to get up close with the airplanes they flew years ago.
Spring is the time of the “rediscovery flight.” If you’re one of these pilots, welcome back—let’s get you restarted on your journey.
Some things may have changed since you last flew. For starters, you may not need to have an FAA medical certificate, depending on the level of privileges you seek and what kind of flying you intend to do. BasicMed is an option.
To qualify you must have a state-issued driver’s license and previously held a medical certificate after July 14, 2006. You must complete a physical exam by a state-licensed physician every 48 months and complete an online medical education course every 24 months.
As long as you can comply with cFAR 61.53—“prohibition against pilot operations when experiencing a medical condition that makes a person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation” or “is taking medication or receiving treatment for a medical condition that results in the person being unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate”—you can qualify.
The holders of a sport pilot certificate can fly using a state-issued driver’s license—again, provided you can comply with cFAR 61.53.
Student pilots training for a private pilot certificate are required to have an FAA medical and a plastic student pilot certificate. I stress the latter, because I have encountered current-only-on-paper CFIs who didn’t know the rules changed around 2015 requiring student pilots to have a plastic student pilot certificate. Prior to that the student’s medical certificate was also their student pilot certificate, and CFIs endorsed the certificate as well as their logbooks for solo privileges.
On the subject of plastic, the FAA’s change to create “non-expiring CFI certificates” just means you will keep the same piece of plastic. You will still have to renew based on recent experience, a check ride, or a FIRC (flight instructor refresher course) every 24 calendar months.
Other Changes for Return-to-Flying Pilots
A few people asked about MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) because it will make more rentable aircraft available to someone with a sport pilot certificate. Under the new rule, a person with a sport pilot certificate could, after some training, legally fly a Cessna 172 or larger aircraft.
However, finding aircraft to rent might be a challenge as many flight schools have limited rentals for recreational flying as their focus is on candidates training for airline careers.
You may find it challenging to find paper sectionals, VFR navlogs, terminal area charts (TACs), and instrument approach plates. These days, a good portion of the flying community utilizes ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot, which both supply the charts electronically. Because of this many brick-and-mortar pilot supply shops are ordering fewer paper products because there’s a limited market for them. Also, the VFR sectional and TACs expire after 56 days, as opposed to approximately six months in the past. For many years the Seattle sectional came out in June and December.
Many More Weather Products
It’s easier to access a weather briefing now. If you have ForeFlight, for example, it’s a few taps away.
You can also log in to aviationweather.gov (for free) to get an online weather briefing.
Some Tips for Success
If you plan to regain your flying privileges and fly on a regular basis, sit down and work out a budget. For every year you have been away from aviation, figure one hour of dual instruction to get your skills back.
You may want to save up for at least three or four lessons and schedule them when good weather is the norm and not the exception, because long gaps between lessons will hinder your progress.
Once you get your skills back, join a flying club that will permit you to fly at least three times a month. These can be very effective as they split the cost of flying and provide camaraderie. Finally, you won’t be the only pilot in the room.
