Keeping your head aviation current in a crummy economy

Published by: michael leighton on 9th Dec 2009 | View all blogs by michael leighton
I fly alot. Last year, I flew colse to 800 hours. The crummy economy has put a damper on the number of hours I will fly this year. There are less students at the flight school and the owners of the planes I manage are flying less to keep the costs down. I have found myself driving some trips Iwould normally fly just so I dont have to spend money on a rental car.
But proficency knows none of this. So how does the serious pilot keep his or her head in  he game when the economics of actual flight are against them?
I have been reccomending the F.A.A.'s FAAST TEAM website and their updated WINGS program, and A.O.P.A.'s Aviation Safety Foundation's on line tutorial programs.
Both of these organizations have brought on line training up to the level that we used to pay for just a few years ago, and for all intents and purposes, it is free. Of course, you have to join AOPA if your not a member.
There is a tremendous selction of subject material ranging from SFAR training for the D.C. ADIZ and the newly implimented Hudson River Corridor proceedures to more esoteric subjects like IFR chart review, Multi Engine Safety and dealing with airframe ice. It is an inexpensive way to learn new things, review subject material you havent looked at in a while and explore areas of knowledge you have no experience at all with.
I would like to hear from anyone who has used any of these services and what you think of them.
Further, I'd like to hear how you are keeping your head in the aviation game.
Michael Leighton
http://web.mac.com/mkleighton

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