Prez Sez
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The springtime weather is always changing (as evidenced by the snow the week before Easter). It is hard to predict and as we have see even the weathermen have a hard time predicting a day in advance, let alone a week into the future. I bring this up because we have seen scheduling patterns that are reflective of the weather predictions a week in advance. The outcome is that students are missing great flying days because they have not scheduled. They expected the weather to be bad and it was not. Weather is important to a pilot, and looking at all the information at hand and making a go/no-go is difficult. It is therefore important to schedule your lessons, and wait to see how the weather progresses. You can always cancel, but it is difficult to get on the schedule at the last moment if the sun comes out.
Training
This month I would like to talk about the FBO and Flight School and the instructors and staff that make everything work. A & M Aviation, Inc serves as both the Fixed Based Operator (FBO) and Flight School at Clow. As the FBO, we provide fuel and a helpful hand to those on the field or visiting from other airports. The FBO also coordinates car rentals, hotels, tie downs, hangar space, courtesy car and sells charts and pilot supplies. The front desk and line staff also provide necessary assistance to the flight school. They handle reservations, dispatch the aircraft, answer phones, move planes in and out of the hangars and are there to answer the questions that come from a variety o people that visit our office. As you can imagine, they are kept quite busy on a nice Saturday or Sunday. The instructors are the lifeline of any good flight school. Since A& M Aviation is a Cessna Pilot Center, our instructors follow the standardized training methods and programs of Cessna; they deal one on one with the students, provide excellent training in a variety of aircraft, and are knowledgeable in the system and avionics of the aircraft.We have a variety of full- and part-time instructors. These are well trained instructors that are devoted to your success. As with any endeavor,good communications are necessary, so ask questions of your instructors and ask the Front Desk too!
Flyouts
The April 16th flyout to Watertown, WI was scrubbed due to weather. Because we fly VFR to these events, and frequently invite significant others or friends with, we look for goo conditions, and they just were not to be found that Saturday. Hopefully you will be able to join us on the next dinner flyout on May 21 to the Final Approach Steakhouse in Sheboyban WI. This is a wonderful restaurant that you won't want to miss! We will depart around 4:00PM and meet at the restaurant (near the approach end of runway 3). For those of you who have gone on dinner flyouts with us in the past, you know the good times we have. If this is your first flyout you will enjoy the group and we always have a good time. As our trips are VFR we will be looking for good weather that Saturday. Take an instructor for an instruction flight or bring a friend. Also be sure to subscribe to the flyouts mailing list, where any last-minute changes will be posted.
Miscellany
As Spring approaches, we will start having more days when the wind is light and variable (or blowing directly across the runway). We all need to pay special attention under these circumstances because the active runway may shift during the day. Monitor 122.9 before you enter the traffic pattern to determine the active runway. You can always check the wind at Lewis on 118.525 to get an idea as to what is happening at Clow. As the weather warms up the grass will be getting soft, and any excursions off the runway or taxiways could cause a plane to sink down and get stuck. If you happen to get caught in the soft grass or mud, call the office on 123.5 for assistance. Do not use the engine to try to power out of the mud; it will cause damage to the wheel fairings and possibly ding the prop.
April marks the start of the seasonal change to warmer flying weather. There is, however, a period of instability that will be with us for another month or two. This instability will manifest itself with fast moving cold fronts meeting warm moist air from the south. The outcome will be some strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds. As pilots, we all study the weather carefully and watch these storms move across the area. Since these weather conditions will be with us the next few weeks, we need to watch the weather and plan our trips to avoid severe weather. It is always better to delay your flight a few hour or overnight if necessary to ensure a safe outcome.
Training
We also offer accelerated Private, Instrument, and Multi-engine courses along with an accelerated CFI course. These are designed to get your rating in a time frame that matches your goals. Our instructors are flexible and can work with you to complete your next rating. Why go to Florida or Arizona to do what you can do in your own backyard. Stop in and see me to discuss your needs and my staff and I will make it happen.
90 Day Discount Instrument Program
- 20 hours of flight time in a Cessna 172
- 20 hours Sim time in Frasca 141
- 12 weeks ground school (one evening per week, 2 hours)
- Gleim Instrument Pilot Knowledge Test Prep
- Approach Plates and Low Altitude Charts included
- Additional Sim time as needed
- FAA Knowledge Exam
- 40 hours of instruction time by a CFII
- Actual instrument flight when weather permits
- 1.5 hours flight time for check ride
Requirements:
- Students must be dues paying members of A & M Flying Club
- Students must have at least 40 hours of cross country time as PIC
- Students enrolled in this program that do not meet the cross country PIC requirements can use the C-152 at a discounted rate (10% off)
- Recommend at least two lessons per week plus ground school
- All training must be completed in the 90 day period.
Program will start mid- to late-April and finish mid- to late-July
Payment: 50% at sign-up and 50% in 30 days
COST: $5,500.00
Spring is great. We hope the added daylight and extra hour will allow many of you to enjoy the great evening flying Spring can bring. We will be closed Easter Day, the 24th of April. Remember, TIME SPENT FLYING IS NOT SUBTRACTED FROM YOUR LIFESPAN!
Happy Flying,
from JIM
