Incredible days for flying at Northern Air
Northern Air
Between the several hazardous weather outlooks and winter weather advisories we endured early this month, we sporadically experienced a few incredible days, perfect for making holes in the sky. Now that spring is here, we're hoping for many more such days!
Monica
Johnson of Bonners Ferry followed in the
footsteps of her siblings to officially become a
private pilot February 28, just a few days after
her 17th birthday.Flying her family’s Cessna 150, she soloed at 16, the minimum age solo requirement, and has worked hard since to earn her wings.
Congratulations Monica!
Danley Bistline excitedly earned his tailwheel endorsement in the Citabria on February 26. With clear blue skies, temperatures nearing 40 degrees and a calm atmosphere, the weather could not have been more perfect.
Danley
earned his private pilot license and additional
ratings with us in years past. With another
rating under his belt, his next aviation goal is
to obtain his instrument rating.Airplanes with conventional gear, or a “tailwheel,” have two main wheels forward of the center of gravity and a small wheel to support the tail. Tailwheel configurations (compared to a tricycle landing gear with a nosewheel) have less drag.
They are also a blast to fly, but require additional training for student pilots to master the takeoff and landing techniques.
For years, nosewheel aircraft have been more popular than taildraggers. As a result, most pilots learn to fly in tricycle gear aircraft, then transition to taildraggers later on.
Bush pilots and those flying the backcountry generally use tailwheel aircraft equipped with bushwheels, skis, or even floats.
Congratulations to both these pilots on their new ratings and endorsements.
With several students interested in earning an instrument rating, Northern Air is contemplating on holding an official IFR ground school beginning April 3. Classes will be each Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. through May 22.
Please call (208) 267-4359, email us at tana.northernair@gmail.com, or inquire through our website at www.northernair.biz if you are interested in joining the accelerated IFR ground school program.