Sport Pilot and Powered Parachute Training and Information

In most places it has been a long and cold winter (at one point our hangar door was blocked with 2 feet of snow).  Most areas are beginning to warm up and thawing out and which means more of us will be in the back in the air in the coming weeks.  

Are you and your aircraft ready to get back in the air?   If one or the other isn't ready you should take a little time now and get them ready so when that nice day does roll around soon you won't be tempted to fly when you shouldn't.   Here are a few suggestions and a checklist to use to get you back into the swing of things after a winter break......

First lets get you ready.   

1. Your Currency:
   • If you are a student pilot make sure your student license has a current 90 day endorsement from your CFI. That is the little yellow card you probably stuffed in your wallet.    Pull it out and check the dates.   If it has been 90 days since your instructor endorsed the solo section you need to get with that instructor and get it current.
     
   • If you have a Sport Pilot or higher level pilot certificate double check you logbook and make sure you have a current Biennial Flight Review.   As long as you either got your certificate or a BFR less than 24 months ago you are good.   If it is the 24th month or beyond get with an instructor and get your BFR done before you fly.   
     
   • If you are a Sport Pilot remember you should have 3 takeoffs and landings within the past 90 days to carry passengers.
2. Your Proficiency:
   
   • If you are a student pilot get your written tests done.   Getting back into the books will tune your mind back into the world of aviation.   If you are sick of the books check out what is available here at Sport Pilot Academy.   You will find many tutorials to help you learn (or re-learn) the subjects and a quizzes to help get you ready for the test.  Get a glimpse of the Sport Pilot Academy Classroom here.
   • Check the events calendar to see if there are any online webinars or training near you coming up and plan on attending.   These are great for training and adjusting your mindset to get into flying.
   • After having had some time off from flying plan your first flight to be a conservative easy going profile.   A good profile to fly is one similar to what would be done on a practical check.  For an example of a baseline proficiency profile check out Module 1 of the Pilot Proficiency Program.
   • It is also a good idea to schedule some time with an instructor.   If that sounds like a good idea to you schedule early.   There is still a shortage of CFIs nationwide and the sooner you can nail down one of them the better.
3. Your Aircraft:
   • Make sure your aircraft has a current annual inspection and the proper entries are in the aircraft's logbook.
   • Ensure your canopy has been professionally inspected recently in accordance with the canopy manufacture's and your aircraft manufacturer's specifications.
   • Ensure your engine has had all the recommended maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.