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Published: 09 December 2018

Winter is here with freezing temperatures and icing. Those living in the higher and northern parts of the state are facing new challenges in doing a preflight on an airplane that has been sitting outside. Now, instead of being concerned about density altitude, there are proper engine start-up procedures and making certain the wings are clear and frost free. The improved

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Published: 09 December 2018

Our flying season is in full swing! Over 29 airplanes attended our Grapevine weekend fly-ins, we’ve had an incredible getaway to Alamogordo and the nearby White Sands Missile Range, and by the time this goes to press, we’ll have had our first day trip to Grand Canyon National. Of course, the calendar is chock full of breakfast destinations, backcountry adventures in Arizona

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Published: 09 November 2018

Winter is obviously approaching with its shorter days because I’m having to turn on the lights to preflight the airplane to make the early Saturday morning breakfast flights. The days are cooler and there is a lot of competition to decide which aviation event on the calendar to go to. Like a friend told me, this is why we put up with the super-hot summers. Some of the

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Published: 09 November 2018

Another month has come and gone in the desert and the heat continues its gradual retreat from much of Arizona. October was wild, with a tropical depression and snow in the same month! While Arizona weather can sometimes be wild and amazing, most of the time it simply lends itself to great flying weather. Take advantage of it and get out flying. With our winter flying season

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Published: 09 October 2018

The mornings are cooler, and the days are slightly cooler, so it appears fall is finally arriving with the promise of great flying weather. At least for now, longer comfortable morning flights are possible. With the onset of the fall weather, our flying season activity is starting to pick up with the notices of upcoming aviation fly-in events. It’s unfortunate that one of the

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Published: 09 October 2018

It’s October in Arizona. As the rest of the country starts to buckle down and prep for winter, we’re putting the final polish on our planes and planning weekend destinations. Arizona is unique in that we are blessed with so many amazing destinations. With 80+ public-use airports to choose from, a growing list of backcountry airstrips, and nearby states with airports close to

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Published: 17 September 2018

I’ll be glad when the monsoon season is over and the atmosphere dries out once again. The mornings seem to be getting a bit cooler, so I guess it shouldn’t be too much longer. I know, be patient; it’ll be cooling down again before too long. Unfortunately, patience just isn’t one of my strong points. In the meantime, let’s get out there early and enjoy the freedom of flight

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Published: 09 September 2018

The mornings have become ever so slightly cooler, and the nights are noticeably longer. What a difference a month makes. That can only mean one thing: Flying season is almost here! Your APA has a whole host of fun, interesting, exciting, relaxing and challenging adventures planned for this year. We have long-distance getaways, local day trips, fly-ins, fly-outs, backcountry

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Published: 17 August 2018

Well, it’s summer, it’s hot, and the comfortable flying time is rather limited. Fortunately, I’m in Wisconsin attending the EAA AirVenture fly in while writing this. As a result, this month’s report is going to be a bit abbreviated. It’s different to see everything green and relatively lush. It’s also going to be interesting to see what’s happening and what’s new at AirVenture

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Published: 09 August 2018

100 degrees at 7am? Wow, summer is definitely here! While often uncomfortable, flying in the heat offers unique challenges and opportunities. Density altitude calculations for many popular destinations become critical and may actually exceed the data in your Pilots Operating Handbook. Stick and rudder pilotage skills are honed when the autopilot can’t keep up with the