Continued training
During a trip to Colorado, an acquaintance discovered that I was a student pilot. A pilot himself, he suggested that on my next trip I fly with him from Leadville. While he told me that the airport there was one of the highest-elevation airports in the country (Lake County Airport is 10,152 feet above sea level), the significance of flying there as opposed to my home airport here at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland, didn't sink in until later. Flying in different areas of the country — as well as flying different aircraft — is a great learning experience, and recalls an aviation truism that even the most jaded pilot should remember: A good pilot is always learning.
"There are ratings and experiences that are required, and then there are those that can be more for fun," says AOPA aviation technical specialist David Wright. "Whether it's new flying areas, flying a different aircraft, or earning a new rating such as seaplane, any new experience enhances your flying and increases your skills, knowledge, and overall success as a pilot."
Challenging yourself to new experiences — or going back to old ones — guarantees you'll learn something. Wright suggests that geography or technology can inspire a different flying experience. "Obviously in Colorado a mountain flying course would be helpful. That's a whole new world for a pilot from the East Coast. However, maybe you've never flown a long VFR cross-country. Instruction in extended VFR navigation including pilotage and deduced reckoning is a good way to improve skill and confidence," he says. "Then there's all the new technology. Perhaps you could organize a course with fellow pilots at your local FBO to familiarize yourselves with new equipment such as GPS."
Learning more about your aircraft also can enhance your skills. Take some time with your local airframe and powerplant mechanic and really learn what goes on under the cowling. "You'll have a knowledge base to build on if something goes wrong with your engine," says Wright.
Delving into information supplied through courses offered by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and reading aviation periodicals (such as AOPA Pilot and AOPA Flight Training) also help to increase your knowledge. "For example, being more familiar with weather terms and concepts could help you make better decisions when faced with changing conditions," says Wright.
Other ways to enhance your flying skills include:
- Flying with a different instructor or someone new.
- Getting a tailwheel, high-performance, or complex endorsement.
- Practicing various techniques with another pilot, such as coping with crosswinds or landing on a grass strip.
- Taking a cross-country flight to a new destination.
"Any training or new experience will enhance your piloting skills," says Wright. "You learn something new from everything that you try."
As an AOPA member, you have access to the best resources anywhere for information and answers for pilots. AOPA provides information for its members through a vast array of communications technologies.
You can reach experts in all fields of aviation via AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/), the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA), and e-mail ( [email protected]). Aviation technical specialists respond promptly to member requests while AOPA Online provides members with access to information and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The toll-free AOPA Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The center is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
AOPA Web resources
These subject reports provide answers to frequently asked questions. The AOPA Aviation Services department (800/872-2672) answers more than 100,000 calls a year from members needing assistance with a variety of aviation-related issues.
www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/
AOPA's A Pilot's Guide to Mountain Flying is a compilation of articles that includes information on mountain weather conditions, density altitude and aircraft performance, suggested western mountain routes, and supplemental oxygen use.
www.aopa.org/members/files/guides/mntfly.html
Information on obtaining a seaplane rating, including how-tos and where-to-go destination suggestions.
www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/seaplane.html
Instruction and training resources such as glider-rating information, formation flying, helicopter training, hang gliding, instrument ratings, simulators, aerobatics, and more.
www.aopa.org/members/files/pilot/idxinst.html
The AOPA Air Safety Foundation presents a wealth of knowledge through its Flight Instructor Refresher Courses, Seminar-in-a-Box programs, and safety seminars.
www.aopa.org/asf/
Discover how AOPA can help you obtain financing for initial training or for certificate and skill upgrades.
www.aopa.org/info/certified/funds.html
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