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As the northeast brings us that "all too Familiar" Ohio weather,
it's a great time to hone in on some of those skills which may have faded since
your last check ride. We're talking about actual IFR, crosswind landings, cold
weather operations and weather planning. The best way to learn and master
something is to simply do it. As always, those things that are not often
used are most forgotten. With safety always the top priority, I will be happy to
help you brush up on some of those dusty old skills. If you're like the
majority of GA pilots, the top things that scare you away from flying on a given
day include; moderate crosswinds, actual IFR and ATC communications at larger
airports. Learn to be a safe pilot, but not a scared pilot. Learn to deal
with ATC on a regular basis instead of flying the long way around all those
colored rings on your sectional. Feel free to come in and discuss those
things that make you uneasy about your skills. We'll make sure you come out a
safer and more confident pilot.
New Computer “Flight Simulator” - The Benefits of Simulator
As everyone already knows, the winter is in full swing now and so is the weather. Winter in Ohio can make for some fairly difficult flying conditions and sometimes prevent it altogether. This is no reason why your skills as pilot should have to suffer. For those of you that know and understand aviation, you realize the amount of work and dedication it took to master the required knowledge and skills to obtain your Private License, and other advanced ratings. We have brought a flight simulator into our fleet so we can all keep our skills as sharp as they need to be.
The flight simulator has more benefits than you can put a price tag on. While there may be no substitute for an actual airplane, the cockpit at times is a very poor learning environment. With turbulence tossing us, other aircraft buzzing close by, ATC shouting in our ears, flight instructors demanding unthinkable tasks, all while the approaching runway speeds towards us, learning anything new may be impossible. This is where simulator software can save you a lot of grief, and also a lot of money. The amount of new learning and recurrent training that can be accomplished from a short simulator session that could take hours in the real aircraft. Why? Because we can only change so much in the real world. Many things can’t be simulated in the real world unless all the proper conditions are met. We have total control over everything in the simulator. Many types of real emergency situations cannot be practiced in the real world without putting us in harms way.
The software we have is called “ON TOP”. It will be very helpful to practice some of those abstract areas such as VOR or NDB navigation for both VFR and IFR pilots. Much can be learned about various instrument indications and instrument failures. Pilots of any skill level will find the software extremely useful to hone in on procedural issues, checklists, and situational awareness.
The private pilot student will find the software extremely helpful to master the basics including takeoffs, landings, slow flight stalls, and navigation / communication equipment. IFR pilots will be able to challenge themselves with new approaches and emergency situations.
Kits and Training Aids
All Students enrolled in a training program will be required to have all of the Training Aids Required to meet their needs within the program enrolled.
Private and Instrument Pilots
As PIC, you re required to have with you current charts and information for the airport you are departing from , airport directory and approach charts for the destination and alternate airports.
Included in the above are : airports in the state you are departing from - in addition to states you over fly and the final destination state airports.
Weight and Balance
Know your aircraft, a complete W/B review before each flight and for each aircraft you are authorized to be Pilot In Command (PIC) of.
Review useful load with full fuel. Remember that passengers and baggage plus pilot shall not exceed "Useful Load". Use Flightsoft. "Be Careful Out There"
Fuel Level
If you expect your tanks to be topped off before your flight : "Don't Assume", "Check Visually".
Instructors : "Check fuel and oil levels yourself". This is in addition to the student check.
Extra oil is in hangar #10 and in the CAC storeroom during winter. Mark info on the pad when taking oil for invoicing control.
Weather - Thunderstorms
We know as Pilots and Golfers, the critical nature of being around Thunderstorms.
"Don't Penetrate a Thunderstorm !"
Weather information prior to your departure is plentiful. Visual screens are the best to know where serious weather is and how it is moving. FSS is to be contacted before you leave, and Flight Watch enroute. N5300T is equipped with a storm scope and N5164C is equipped with weather radar. Know your equipment; it's limitations and your limitations.
Respect That !!