The college tour is an almost inevitable part of raising teenagers, but with the help of your trusty rented or owned aircraft, you can turn it into something special. Flying GA won’t work if your high school student wants to check out institutes of higher learning on the other side of the nation—the airlines will make more sense. But a well-planned tour of two or more schools in the same area will show you the utility of general aviation, as well as give you a good excuse for a cross-country.
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Plan the flight, fly the plan. Use AOPA Airports to research airports near colleges and universities—some, including Kent State, Ohio State, and Purdue, even have airports of their own. If planning to land at a smaller GA airport, check for availability of rental cars, nearby motels, and the like. If flying into a larger airport, by all means brush up on airport signs, markings, and air traffic control communication.
Minimums, minimums, minimums. You have a mission, but don’t let it overwhelm your pilot-in-command sensibilities. Establish and maintain personal weather, visibility, and wind minimums and don’t deviate from them. You can always drive.
Enjoy your time together. Your fledgling is about to leave the nest. Savor your time together in a way that doesn’t include stopping for traffic and tolls.
