It’s easy to fall into the winter doldrums at this time of year—especially if you live in a part of the country where low ceilings, snow, or sleet repeatedly ground your training flights. But if winter is a time for nature to rest and regroup for the next growing season, it can be the same for pilots. Since actual flying is limited, the slow winter weeks can be a good chance to focus on some of the other great things about being a pilot—such as the community of like-minded folks who enjoy flying as much as you do.
There’s no better time than winter to host a hangar flying session that brings your fellow pilots out to the airport. Sharing stories and learning from one another is a great way to build friendships and keep aviation in your life, even if you’re temporarily stuck on the ground. For something a little more formal, think about hosting a safety seminar or aviation speaker. Anything you can do to bring pilots together will hold off the winter blahs and strengthen the community, too.
Perhaps you’ve thought about joining a flying club or even buying your own airplane. Why not use some of the time you’d normally spend flying doing a little research instead? Look for flying clubs in your area and find out more about membership. Or start pricing airplanes and considering insurance options. AOPA’s experts can help you with either project—and the service is free with your membership. A call or email to our Pilot Information Center can get you started.
I also recommend simulator time. Whether you have access to a full-fledged simulator, a flight training device, or just a sim game for your laptop or tablet, you can keep your skills and thinking sharp by spending some time behind the yoke (or keyboard). Create a scenario for yourself and then follow exactly the same procedures you would use in the cockpit. See how closely you can follow your flight profile when you throw in some turbulence, traffic, weather, or an instrument failure. This doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Get together with a friend and challenge each other to a friendly competition.
Doing a little “dream flight” planning can be another good way to practice skills while giving yourself something to look forward to. Think about some of the places you’d like to fly. Maybe you’ve always wanted to see the Grand Canyon. Perhaps you’re dreaming of an island paradise, a weekend at the beach, a fly-fishing expedition, or a trip to see family. Go ahead and plan that fantasy flight. Think about fuel burn, routes, and baggage. Will you need special equipment such as life rafts? Are you going to have to tackle customs? Putting together a flight plan is not only good practice, it’s also great preparation for when you actually take that trip.
Winter is also a great time to invite friends and family to share your excitement about flying. If you’ve got teenagers in your family, invite them to join AOPA AV8RS. It’s a free membership for people between the ages of 13 and 18, and it comes with a digital subscription to Flight Training magazine as well as special content just for them. Your teen might be the next pilot in the family.
Don’t let winter stop you from being part of what you enjoy. There are plenty of ways you can strengthen your skills and your community, even when the weather is keeping your feet on the ground. Then, when spring arrives, you’ll be ready for takeoff.
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