Much as some people say they like winter flying, there’s no way around the fact that, for most pilots, winter only seems to muck things up. Hangar flying replaces cross country flying and a whole lot of airplanes have just had an annual inspection done.

With spring comes a new commitment to flying, new chances to spread our wings and the reaffirmation of why we took this thing up in the first place. It’s easy to get distracted by the prospects of a season full of new adventures and fresh challenges. Maybe a new airplane or another rating is in the works, maybe not. Regardless, this is the time of year…