Airplane flying over snow covered terrain

Winter Flying - Sometimes a Joy

By Dan
Pilot Training

Winter Flight Training: How to Keep Progressing Despite the Challenges

Winter flying offers several benefits, such as calm air and enhanced aircraft performance. However, for those training during the colder months, the experience is often far from ideal. Frequent cancellations and constant weather monitoring can disrupt progress. In this post, we’ll explore strategies to minimize delays and keep your flight training on track during winter.

Why Winter Flying is More Challenging

Pilots accustomed to sunny skies and mild weather may find winter flying particularly demanding. Here are some common challenges faced in colder climates:

  • Cold starts – Getting an aircraft engine started and warmed up to operating temperature can be difficult.
  • Low ceilings – Reduced cloud heights often prevent VFR flying and, in some cases, IFR flying due to freezing conditions.
  • Strong winds – Winter weather frequently brings gusty, unpredictable winds that add complexity to flight operations.
  • Emergency landing risks – Snow can obscure safe emergency landing locations.
  • Runway conditions – Snow and ice can make takeoffs and landings hazardous.
  • Obstructed signage – Snow drifts can cover airport signs and markings, reducing situational awareness.
  • Hangar access issues – Snow buildup can block access to hangars, making it difficult to move aircraft in and out.

Best Strategies for Maintaining Training Progress in Winter

1. Make Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) a Habit

Winter flying requires careful, data-driven go/no-go decisions. With rapidly changing weather conditions and greater variation over different geographic areas, winter presents an excellent opportunity to refine your ADM skills. Use this heightened awareness to build a habit of diligent decision-making that will benefit your flying year-round.

2. Don't Cancel Your Lesson—Adapt It

Even if your flight lesson is canceled, you can still make valuable progress in your training:

  • Convert it into a ground lesson with your instructor.
  • Review past material or study new concepts.
  • Utilize a flight simulator if available.
  • Practice chair flying to reinforce procedures and muscle memory.
  • Read the FAR/AIM or PHAK to deepen your aviation knowledge.

If you’ve already set aside time for training, use it productively to continue growing as a pilot.

3. Schedule More Frequent Lessons

If you're training once per week, a single cancellation can result in two or more weeks without flying, significantly slowing your progress. To counteract this:

  • Book multiple lessons per week—even if you don’t complete them all, this increases the likelihood of flying when conditions permit.
  • Stay flexible—coordinate with your instructor to take advantage of good weather windows.

By planning for contingencies, you can ensure steady progress despite winter’s unpredictability.

Final Thoughts

Winter flight training comes with unique challenges, but it also provides valuable learning experiences. By building strong decision-making habits, adapting canceled lessons into productive study sessions, and scheduling more frequently, you can maintain momentum and make the most of the season. Embrace winter training as an opportunity to become a more resilient and capable pilot!

Training in Oshkosh offers ample opportunities to train all year long and is ready to adapt your training to winter flying weather. Contact Oshkosh Aviation today!