Winter flying is magical. The air is cold. Engines run smoother. Wings love the rich, dense air. There are fewer bugs on the paint. The problem is finding someplace to go. Hangar flying is out; it’s just too cold. Runways can be icy. Outdoor tourist attractions can be frigid. Many of us just keep our planes in the hangar until the robins arrive in the Spring. Another option — a better option — is to fly to help others. This winter I flew my first mission for the Veterans Airlift Command, bringing wounded combat veterans to places where they would be honored and respected. It was a great reason to drag the airplane out of the hangar.
