As the leaves turn to fall, the morning cold blankets the flight line and the wings with an early morning frost. The first hint of snow is already in the forecast, and the challenges of flying in the winter season can be mitigated through proper preparation and attention to detail.
Disciplined aviators understand the importance of engine preheats and when the airplane is and is not airworthy. The winter season also gives us a greater opportunity to fly at night, seeing the unique color patterns of a variety of airports across Virginia and some of the areas of utter darkness across the state. Flying on a clear night, with a shining moon, is a very calming sensation that really can’t be experienced in any other environment.
If this sounds like an adventure to you, come join us in the FAA Flying Club and feel the exhilaration of flying during the winter season and the inner peace it can bring.
Don’t be afraid of the dark, or the cold!
Doug “Smash” Yurovich
President, FAA Flying Club