Answers for Pilots

Getting back into flying

When you first became interested in flying, your life was probably a lot simpler. Perhaps you were young and single and had few responsibilities. The idea of flying your own airplane just for fun or to nearby vacation spots seemed not only exciting but actually realistic; you had all the time and money in the world, or at least it felt like you did.

Many years later, you're not so young and enthusiastic. Life costs a lot more time and money than you ever anticipated, and that private pilot certificate looks good in your wallet but is only a memory of great times and great expectations. If you're wondering whether you still have the right stuff to return to the skies, a call to the AOPA Pilot Information Center can offer you the advice, information, and encouragement that you need.

The good news is that your pilot certificate never expired. It's just been sitting in your wallet waiting for you to pull it out again, wondering why it has been so long since you climbed aboard an airplane as pilot in command. Returning pilots are often fearful about their ability to handle the changes they have heard about or imagine. "'Things must really be complicated now' is a comment we hear a lot from returning pilots who call the center," said Rodney Martz, operations manager of AOPA's aviation services department. "Actually, the basics haven't changed; it's just like riding a bicycle."

Returning pilots who are concerned that they will have to "start from scratch" will be pleasantly surprised to discover that in fact their comprehension will probably be accelerated. "You'll be able to tell within the first hour of ground school whether most of that knowledge will simply need to be dusted off," added Martz. "Little things have changed, but overall there have been no significant changes in aviation since you started flying - whether it was as recently as 10 years ago or longer."

So what has changed since you last flew as pilot in command? In 1993, the U.S. classification of airspace was changed. Gone are the TCAs, airport traffic areas, control zones, and ARSAs; they have been replaced with airspace designations such as Class A or B to be more closely aligned with ICAO classifications used in most areas around the world. AOPA's Air Safety Foundation has published Airspace for Everyone, which outlines those changes.

The first automated weather observation system (AWOS) was commissioned in the 1980s and automatically reports airport weather conditions. Newer systems called ASOS - automated surface observation system - include measurements of precipitation. Information on AWOS and ASOS is available from AOPA. Another change in aviation weather - from a pilot's perspective - occurred in 1996 when the FAA replaced terminal sequence reports (SAs) and terminal forecasts (FTs) with ICAO counterparts, METARs (aviation routine meteorological report), and TAFs (terminal aerodrome forecast). AOPA offers members a free publication to assist in decoding these reports.

"Don't be intimidated by the new stuff," added Mike Brown, AOPA aviation technical services manager. "It's the same environment, just with changes and enhancements that can add to your flying experience."

Doug Bourdeau, 34, AOPA 1412774, of Allen Park, Michigan, started flying lessons before he married a few years ago, but time and money kept him from completing his certificate. A few years later, he's making more money but is still pressed for time. "I'm really close [to earning my certificate], but it's hard to do," said Bourdeau. His Michigan address doesn't help; bad weather also conspires to keep him out of the pattern.

While general aviation took some hard knocks in the mid-1990s, new pilot starts are on the increase. Thanks in part to the efforts of AOPA, including the successful Project Pilot mentoring program, student pilot starts have been on the increase since the downturn in 1990.

Information packets available from AOPA's aviation services department include A Pilot's Guide to Getting Back Into Flying, which highlights regulatory changes from as far back as the 1970s (there have been just a few); Currency vs. Proficiency, which will help you to determine how much proficiency training you should undertake; Choosing a Flight School and an Instructor, a good resource if you had completed only a portion of your training before you stopped flying; and The Wings Program, information designed to encourage pilots to seek recurrency training.

As an AOPA member, you have access to the best resource anywhere for information and answers for pilots. The AOPA toll-free Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The center, 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672), is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. All of the information mentioned is also available on the Web (www.aopa.org) .