Winter Flying at AV8: Better Performance + Stunning Views

Flying in colder months offers smoother flights and breathtaking views.

Cold weather does not mean we’re stuck on the ground at AV8 Flight School. In fact, it makes flying better in ways you might not expect. Many folks think snow means no flying, but our pilots and instructors will tell you it’s actually prime time to get in the air. With fewer crowds, calm conditions, and top-notch aircraft performance, winter lets you train smarter and see the sky in a whole new light.

The Science Behind Cold Weather Performance

“Winter temperatures don’t make planes less safe. Quite the opposite.” George Lichty, General Manager and Primary Helicopter Instructor

Here’s the cool part about cold air: it gets denser. That means more oxygen for the engine and more lift for airplane wings. You’ll take off in less runway, sometimes 1,000 feet shorter than in summer heat, and climb quicker with better control. Our Archers and other aircraft just feel more responsive.

Dry winter air clears out haze and smooths the ride by eliminating thermals. Thermals develop from the sun during warmer months, but during winter the air can stay calm throughout the entire day. Superior visibility lets you easily spot landmarks from miles away. It’s why our pilots love logging hours when it’s crisp outside.

Keeping Warm: You and Your Aircraft

You’ll stay warm thanks to effective heating systems built into our aircraft. Our Archer fleet is equipped with cabin heaters that pull air around the hot exhaust manifold, piping warmth right into the cabin. Dress for the drive over, and you’ll stay just as comfortable at altitude.

Tanis preheaters take care of the rest. They warm engine oil and the cabin before startup, so everything’s ready without the cold-start stress. Pair that with clear skies and your perspective on winter flying will soar.

A View Like Nowhere Else

“My favorite thing about flying in the winter? It’s the view. The sky is so blue and clear. The sunshine is pretty and pure—it’s like magic. And at night, the entire world beneath you turns into an endless, twinkling constellation of Christmas lights.” Brenda Briggs, Accounting and Human Resources at AV8 Flight School.

Nothing compares to a Minnesota winter seen from above—day or night. Snow blankets the lakes and fields below, turning everything crisp and brilliant. On a moonlit night, snow reflects and brightens your view, producing a unique glow and added visibility. This is an effect you won’t get in summer!

Skill Building Through the Season

From November through March, Minnesota’s clear, cool days give you ideal conditions to sharpen your piloting skills. It’s your chance to build hours fast and also to practice in a variety of weather conditions. Winter schedules tend to open up, and fewer students means more aircraft available and instructors with time to focus on you.

Learning and living by personal minimums: Winter excels for training in so many ways, and learning to set personal minimums is one of them. Those self-imposed limits, different for every pilot, keep flying experiences safe. Weather, visibility, your own proficiency and experience in recent flights, and surroundings like terrain are all considerations you’ll evaluate each time you fly. At AV8, we walk you through it on every lesson. Icing? Gusty crosswind? You’ll learn to call “no-go” confidently, turning winter into your best teacher for lifelong habits.

The Magic Above the Snow

Winter at AV8 Flight School blends top performance with pure joy. Dense air powers your climbs, calm skies (or occasional weather changes) sharpen your skills, and the scenery reminds you why you signed up. Students progress quicker, pilots rediscover the thrill.

Book a lesson today, and see how cold air turns good flying into great!