free ground pilot school starts Jan. 26

Since 1957, the Mentone Flying Club has provided an outlet for enthusiasts at all levels of skill and experience to explore the world of aviation.

But this nonprofit organization also makes itself available to nonmembers, most notably through its free private pilot ground school, which starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at Fulton County Airport, 545 N. SR 25, Rochester.

It’s not exactly easy to become a licensed pilot, and the ground school has been created to help aspiring aviators with the many “hurdles they need to jump over,” particularly the Federal Aviation Association’s written exam, explained instructor Kevin Morrison.

“The class is intended for anyone who thinks they may want a pilot’s certification,” said Morrison. Short of actually flying, participants will be exposed to the “basic information you need to know to be a safe aviator.”

The classes are designed for private pilot students who want to prepare for the private pilot knowledge test or supplement their flight training, current pilots who would like a refresher and anyone interested in becoming a pilot and wanting to see what it involves.

Like the club itself, Morrison ex- plained, “There are no limits whatsoever on experience level. … It’s for anyone intrigued by the idea of flying airplanes. And we cover the gamut.”

Students attending every session should come away with knowledge about the types of training aircraft, the underlying concepts which govern how aircraft fly, the instrument panel, equipment needed aboard an aircraft, navigation, how to read and interpret weather information, how to plan a trip — the necessary calculations of direction, fuel, weight, balance, etc. — Federal Aviation Agency regulations and more, including the costs associated with earning a license and further necessary training.

While not required, Morrison recommends buying the textbook, “Rod Machado Private Pilot Handbook,

Third Edition.” “If you’re serious you’ll get more out of it.” Other materials include an E6B flight calculator and a visual flight rules aeronautical of the immediate flying region.

“All that takes place in eight to nine weeks,” said Morrison. Each class runs from 7-10 p.m. Thursdays in the Fulton County Airport terminal building.

According to Morrison, there has been a “crush of demand” on aircraft since the COVID pandemic, and Continued on page 3