With winter fast approaching, Northern Air is occupied with airplane maintenance, flight instruction, and a new addition to the training fleet, the first and only REDBIRD XWIND-Se landing simulator.

Competent crosswind control remains vital among all pilots. Even today, crosswind landing techniques are learned through trial and error, often leading to disastrous results. Crosswinds are the most common contributing factor in twenty-five percent of aircraft accidents, more than rain, thunderstorms, icing, and fog combined. Ninety-eight percent of those accidents occur below fifteen knots!

That’s where the XWIND-Se Simulator comes in. We are able to put pilots in gusty, crosswind, and turbulent conditions for extended periods of time over a continuous runway.

The XWIND trainer adjusts up to 30 mph winds left and right, 15 mph wind gusts, and switches turbulence levels. In addition, a landing can be performed every ninety seconds! While on approach to land, the simulator swings side-to-side as if in windy conditions, and does not stabilize until the pilot maintains adequate control.

3 LCD monitors provide exterior visuals, and a scoring system provides the operator with feedback of each landing. Not only is it safe, efficient and fun, but this new simulator saves time and money with no risk, no fuel burn, and no aircraft damage.

Schedule a full training session with one of our instructors anytime to master windy flight conditions and become a better, safer pilot.

Private Pilot Ground School is scheduled to start on Tuesday January 10th, 2017 at 6:00pm.

Ground School runs once a week for sixteen weeks. It is a comprehensive course designed to prepare you to pass the Private Pilot written knowledge test and the Private Pilot oral exam. The cost of ground school is $299 per person. Books and supplies are an additional cost.

Give us a call at 208-267-4359 to sign up and experience the thrill of flight, an adventure you don’t want to miss!