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Flying season is officially here, which means it’s time to take advantage of the warmer weather and begin planning your next summer flying adventure. From earning a new rating to attending fly-ins, here are some great reasons to get more flight time this summer.

Share your love of flight

There’s no better way to share the joy of aviation than by taking someone for their first flying experience in a personal airplane. This summer, help someone discover the freedom of flying by giving an introductory flight. You can fly with a friend or relative, or even volunteer for a youth program such as EAA Young Eagles. Who knows, you may even inspire someone to become a pilot themselves!

Learn a new skill

The summer flying months are an ideal time to brush up on your skills and pursue a new rating or certificate. For example, a seaplane rating is fun and relatively inexpensive to add on to your private pilot’s license. Seaplane schools are often located in adventurous locations, making it easy to combine your training with a trip or family vacation. Summer also gives pilots a great excuse to practice soft field landings. While you may never need to make a soft field landing, it’s always wise to test this skill on a regular basis to make sure you’re well prepared for emergency situations.

Attend a fly-in

Summer is the perfect season to attend fly-in events near or far. Fly-ins occur around the country all summer long and offer opportunities to make new friends while enjoying exhibits, family-friendly activities, educational events, and even airshows. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the ultimate fly-in destination for any pilot, whether you’re interested in vintage warbirds or want to get a sneak peek at cutting-edge aviation technology. With daily airshows, hundreds of airplanes to check out, and industry-leading exhibitors – including Hartzell Propeller – Oshkosh is bound to be the highlight of your summer.

Fly for a charitable cause

Did you know that your love of flying can help others in need? There are many aviation-related charities around the world that depend on pilots to donate their time and skills to public benefit flying efforts. From health-related transportation services to animal rescue organizations, volunteering for an aviation charitable cause is a rewarding way to use your flying skills.

Get checked out in a new aircraft

Learning to fly a different aircraft than you’re accustomed to flying will challenge your abilities and help you gain valuable experience. Before making the transition to a different type of aircraft, take time to familiarize yourself with the pilot operating handbook to ensure you understand the operating procedures, systems, and controls. In some cases, you may need a certified flight instructor endorsement to fly a tailwheel, high altitude, or high-performance aircraft. While transitioning to flying a new aircraft may not always require a formal checkout by a flight instructor, it’s wise to receive some training to mitigate the potential risks of flying an unfamiliar aircraft. 

What’s your top reason to fly this summer? Let us know in the comments below.