Spring is almost here. At least the calendar says so. It won't be long before the flowers are ready to burst into bloom (not in my yard, but that's another story). The days will soon be getting warmer, and you're ready to take to the air once again after a winter's hibernation.

Are there some piloting skills you need to burst into bloom again? Perhaps the first time out you might want to run through some of the basic maneuvers, or practice some touch-and-goes. How about your medical? Is it current? Do you need a quick refresher on weather perhaps?

Not having flown since last October I felt the need to "bone up" on some things the other day before I took to the air once again. Nevertheless, when I got in the plane it did all come back to me. Sort of like riding a bike, you never forget. Except that if you fall off a bike, you might scrape a knee. You have a problem in the air....well, you catch my drift.

My instructor told me one time a "good pilot is always learning." (He also said "As long as you got altitude and airspeed, there ain't nothing to worry about!")

Maintaining proficiency is nothing to be overlooked or ignored, imho, no matter how seasoned the pilot. One of the ways to do that is to read. Check out this link to some good books that might help you.