Special to The SUN
Photo courtesy Anne KautzkyThe end of summer is rapidly approaching and the new school year either has started for some or is about to start for others.
This is the time of year when summer activities are about to come to an end and you can start to focus on those projects and goals you have been wanting to accomplish.
Fall in Pagosa Springs is a great time to start toward your goal of becoming a private pilot or getting current and back in the air. The summertime weather (afternoon winds and monsoons) ease up to clear blue sky, calm winds and smooth air. The fall colors visible from the air are a great bonus, too.
Starting the week of Sept. 9, Anne Kautzky, local flight instructor and member of the San Juan Flyers, will lead a combination eight class and 12 class private pilot ground school.
The eight class ground school will go through the basic material the student will need to know as he/she goes through the private pilot flight training. This class will go over airplane systems, preflight, aerodynamics, airports, airspaces, aeronautical charts, radio communications, performance and weight and balance, cross country planning and navigation. The eight class ground school will meet once a week for three hours each class for a total of eight weeks.
The eight week class is designed for:
• The person who is interested in learning to fly and wants to get the basics before starting flight training.
• A pilot who is not current or it has been a while since they have done a good review. This class will provide the pilot the new regulations and information needed to get current again. This class will complete the oral requirement for a biennial flight review.
The 12 class ground school will coincide with the eight week class, meeting at the same times. However, the students in the 12 class ground school will have four extra classes to cover the materials needed to pass the Private Pilot Written Test. These extra classes will include information on federal regulations, fundamentals of ground and flight operations, weather, aeronautical decision making, aviation physiology and practice tests for the final test.
The 12 class course is designed for the person who is interested in studying for the written test required for the Private Pilot Certificate. This is a great way to prepare for this exam.
For more information on classes, contact Anne Kautzky at 903-7718 or ladyjetpilot@skywerx.com. Dates and times for these classes will be set to accommodate the majority of the students attending.
