Dubuque, Iowa. The Eighteenth Annual University of Dubuque Flight Team Fly-in/Drive-in Breakfast takes place April 6 at Dubuque Regional (DBQ).
It's 173 nm, so around 1:45 to 2 hours each way. This is a great excuse to grab a safety pilot and have breakfast! If anyone is interested, we could arrange for a CFI to go along and file IFR or do instrument, VFR Cross-country practice, or other training. It's great to sit in the back and watch someone else receive instruction, you learn a lot more than you would think!
Let me know if you're interested, I can organize groups and/or instructors.
Barry
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Actual Instrument Opportunities
It seems that we're reliably hitting the upper 30's and even mid 40's for highs these days. Besides meaning the end of snow (and brushing off airplanes), it also means that we'll be able to fly in actual instrument conditions again without risking airframe icing. There is no substitute for getting experience in actual! No matter your skill or certificate level, you can benefit from sticking your head into the clouds.
When a nasty, cloudy day is forecast, schedule up! If it's a Saturday or Sunday and there don't appear to be instructors around, give us a call. I'm often on my way down to the Northfield area (or already there) on weekends and can schedule you in for an instrument lesson. The other instructors live near the airport and are often available if you call them! Keep in mind your CFI doesn't need to be an Instrument Instructor (Double-I) in order to conduct training in actual instrument conditions. That certification is only required for Instrument Rating practical test prep and Instrument Proficiency Checks.
So when it's 500 overcast, let's go fly!
When a nasty, cloudy day is forecast, schedule up! If it's a Saturday or Sunday and there don't appear to be instructors around, give us a call. I'm often on my way down to the Northfield area (or already there) on weekends and can schedule you in for an instrument lesson. The other instructors live near the airport and are often available if you call them! Keep in mind your CFI doesn't need to be an Instrument Instructor (Double-I) in order to conduct training in actual instrument conditions. That certification is only required for Instrument Rating practical test prep and Instrument Proficiency Checks.
So when it's 500 overcast, let's go fly!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Private Pilot Ground School
Time sure flies! Our winter Private Pilot Ground school is coming to a close. The students have all done a great job and are now looking forward to their reward. No, not a sign-off for the written exam (really, how exciting is that...), they're headed off on a tour of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Control Tower! Unfortunately, pictures aren't allowed, so I can't post any after the trip. However, if you're interested in ground school or know someone who would like to earn their pilot certificate, let them know of this super-cool field trip!
Contact Barry in the AFT office to enroll for the Spring session. I'd like to get it started in mid-late April.
Contact Barry in the AFT office to enroll for the Spring session. I'd like to get it started in mid-late April.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Memorial Day Plans
Ok, so I realize that it's about 35 degrees out, and we're going to get another 5 inches of snow tonight, but it's time to start thinking about Memorial Day. This year there's going to be a party! The Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will be hosting an event, complete with WWII Warbirds, airplane rides, and of course, food. Expect there to be lots of noise and airplanes!
Airlake Flight Training will be giving rides all day during the festivities. In addition, I'd like to sell T-shirts and other souvenirs. Maybe make root-beer-floats. If anyone has additional ideas, please send them my way!
On a similar note, I'd like to have a Spring Barbecue sometime in April. Maybe we could make it a monthly thing if enough people show up. Keep it in mind, and check back here often. This will continue to be my preferred method of keeping in touch with all of our pilots!
Barry
Airlake Flight Training will be giving rides all day during the festivities. In addition, I'd like to sell T-shirts and other souvenirs. Maybe make root-beer-floats. If anyone has additional ideas, please send them my way!
On a similar note, I'd like to have a Spring Barbecue sometime in April. Maybe we could make it a monthly thing if enough people show up. Keep it in mind, and check back here often. This will continue to be my preferred method of keeping in touch with all of our pilots!
Barry
Friday, March 14, 2008
New ATC Frequency
Remember calling up MSP Approach on 125.0 kHz? Well, they changed that nice, easy to remember frequency on us. Effective immediately, MSP Approach south of the 12/30 centerlines has changed to 134.7 kHz. I have no idea why. Anyway, tell a friend.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Gas, gas, gas...
Well, it was bound to happen. After remaining stable for about three months, Avgas prices have risen $0.25 to keep pace with the Twin Cities market. As a result, we've had to raise our rental prices $1.50 (~7 gallons/hr X $0.25) to absorb the additional cost.
N733GL----> $99.50
N734HZ----> $99.50
N380SP----> $120.50
Since instructors don't burn gas, their rates remain at $45/hr. I'd also like to remind everyone that since we rent 'wet', it is up to you as pilot in command to lean when appropriate. That is, in cruise and under 75% power. Our rental rates are computed for a fleet average of 7 gallons/hour. Full-rich in cruise burns 1.5-2 gallons/hr extra, which throws off your cross-country fuel planning and costs the school $6-$9 extra to operate! To further increase our fuel efficiency and keep rental rates down, consider cruising at 65% (or even 55%) power, even back-and-forth to the practice area. On a one hour flight it takes over 1 gallon/hr of fuel to fly an extra 5 knots. Is it worth $5 to get there 5 minutes sooner?
We really appreciate your help in keeping Airlake a great place to train and rent. Our conscientious pilot/customers are a huge part of keeping costs (and therefore rates) low!
Barry
N733GL----> $99.50
N734HZ----> $99.50
N380SP----> $120.50
Since instructors don't burn gas, their rates remain at $45/hr. I'd also like to remind everyone that since we rent 'wet', it is up to you as pilot in command to lean when appropriate. That is, in cruise and under 75% power. Our rental rates are computed for a fleet average of 7 gallons/hour. Full-rich in cruise burns 1.5-2 gallons/hr extra, which throws off your cross-country fuel planning and costs the school $6-$9 extra to operate! To further increase our fuel efficiency and keep rental rates down, consider cruising at 65% (or even 55%) power, even back-and-forth to the practice area. On a one hour flight it takes over 1 gallon/hr of fuel to fly an extra 5 knots. Is it worth $5 to get there 5 minutes sooner?
We really appreciate your help in keeping Airlake a great place to train and rent. Our conscientious pilot/customers are a huge part of keeping costs (and therefore rates) low!
Barry
Monday, March 10, 2008
Crosswinds, Anyone?
Looking at the weather this morning we're supposed to have a high pressure center move over us. That means sunny weather, but it is ALSO bringing light to moderate direct crosswinds. Get on that schedule, get 90-day current with 3 (or more) landings perfecting your crosswind technique!
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