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Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 2:36 am
by AndrewM
OK... unprecedented times for all of us across the globe. Hope this great community across Diamond Aviators are healthy and happy.

Various areas across Europe and now the US are effectively locked down. I am located in Boston, and not in that scenario (as yet). So the question is, I was thinking of getting out over the weekend to do some practice approaches.

Opinions... good or bad idea? I would think that as long as the controllers are there and less traffic, they may actually appreciate the traffic and as we pilots need to maintain proficiency, so too do the controllers. Actually, I did an EAA Webinar earlier this week and one of the things a controller who was presenting said was that they like folks like us doing practice approaches as it adds to their proficiency as well, something I had never really thought about.

Anyhow, appreciate your feedback and opinions.

And again, hope all of you are healthy, and will remain that way.

Re: Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 3:12 am
by jb642DA
I'm planning to fly locally on Sunday - good for us (practice/proficiency) and good for the plane (hasn't run in 2 weeks)!

Re: Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 3:46 am
by Steve
I haven't flown in a couple of weeks. First week I was in AZ hiking and then moving my FIL to San Antonio. Last week weather was bad for flying. I hope to get out early next week - since my aircraft is in the hangar by itself, I can practice social distancing. I do need to get up in the air, my airplane's Annual is coming due the end of the month...

Re: Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 3:56 am
by ZAV
I would think it is perfectly fine to go fly and practice. There is less traffic currently. If you're worried about it, I would suggest calling the airport controllers and just politely asking.

Re: Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 1:40 pm
by Diamond_Dan
Filed last Sunday in the Boston area round robin from KLWM to KPYM and back. I'm trying to build up experience in the system since getting my IFR last year. I was surprised how busy it still is, commercial and GA. They routed me well clear of the Boston Bravo on the way down and skimmed it on the way back. I wouldn't hesitate at all to fly. Looks like it will be less bumpy on again on Sunday. Where is your home airport?

Re: Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 2:22 pm
by AndrewM
Dan, we are on the same field, LWM!

Re: Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 2:25 pm
by Tim H

Re: Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 3:31 pm
by pietromarx
When I've been by the airport recently it has turned into an office park with people working from their hangers ... and occasionally flying, too.

Re: Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 5:57 pm
by Diamond_Dan
Andrew - PM'd you.

Re: Maintaining proficiency in these times

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2020 6:17 am
by Boatguy
I flew today and did a practice approach. A little less traffic than usual and one Oakland Center controller was covering a lot more area.