Ground Schools

IA offers several different ground schools to help the student prepare for the FAA knowledge exam, the practical test, flight reviews and even airline interview preparation.

These classes are designed to be interactive and interesting, and convey aeronautical knowledge in a practical manner.

Classes are continuous, so refer to the calendar of events to see what is being offered, or call us at 303-858-1600 for more information.  You may also click on the Registration link to sign up.

• 06/05/2012 - Private Certificate Ground School - New Class:

  The purpose of this ground school is to help the student learn the concepts necessary to become a proficient Private Pilot.  This should prepare the student to pass the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam but more importantly give the student a real-world feel for why the concepts are important to an aviator.

  The next session of the class is scheduled to begin June 5, 2012.  To be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the IA offices, it is an 10-week program that will cover all of the topics in depth.  There will be several guest instructors and extra-curricular activities.  The cost is $290 plus required materials.

  Contact Kevin Shepard or Taylor Albrecht, 303-858-1600, GroundSchools@ia-kapa.com to sign up or for more information.

   

   

• 06/07/2012 - Private Certificate Ground School - Regular Class:

   This ground school meets regularly every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

  Contact Kevin Shepard or Taylor Albrecht, 303-858-1600, GroundSchools@ia-kapa.com to sign up or for more information.

  

   

• 06/18/2012 - Instrument Rating Ground School - Preliminary Start Date:

  Prepare yourself for the Instrument knowledge exam and practical test by taking this comprehensive class.  Planned as an 7-week, interactive and informative course, our instructors will make this class come alive.  In keeping with our team-teaching concept, several instructors will participate.

  Plan to combine this class with one or several of our Aviator Pro scenarios to prepare you to be the best instrument pilot you can be.

   

• 07/14/2012 - Right n' Ready:

  From Passenger to Partner:  Making a difference in the right-hand seat

  This is taught by Master CFI Rich Barclay as a one day course intended for those of us who are not yet pilots, but who ride along with our loved ones as a passenger. Rich presents this class in a very easy to understand way because its focus is on those who have no prior flying experience. Sign-up now for this informative, fun course which could one day ultimately save your life, or at the very least, your sanity!

  Download Right n' Ready Course details in PDF format

  

Aviation Weather Seminars

Michael Cetinich, Meteorologist from Jeppesen, will continue his excellent weather classes in 2012.  These help pilots of all levels better understand the atmosphere and aviation weather. Sessions include: theory and classroom lecture, sample flight planning scenarios, and aviation accident reviews where weather has been a causal factor. Please join us for these interactive and informative sessions on the following dates below.  All classes are held at Centennial Airport (KAPA), either at the Independence Aviation classroom or the Ramada Hotel and Suites and run from 9:00 am until Noon.

Download Aviation Weather Seminars details in PDF format

• 06/16/2012 - Summer Weather Hazards:

  Density Altitude = Pressure Altitude corrected for non-standard temperature.

  Not only this, but it affects the performance of the aircraft in many different ways.  Mike Cetinich will provide insight into this and other weather that is hazardous to our flying health.  As usual, his presentation will include a scenario, some theory and classroom lecture, and an accident review pertinent to the topic.

  

  or call 303-858-1600 to register.

• 08/11/2012 - Aviation Weather Decoded:

  Ever wonder what the real weather looks like behind those METARs and TAFs?

  Mike Cetinich will help clarify these issues from his expert meteorologist point of view..  As usual, his presentation will include a scenario, some theory and classroom lecture, and an accident review pertinent to the topic.

  

  or call 303-858-1600 to register.

• 10/20/2012 - Winter Weather Hazards:

  Seriously?  Clocks fall back already?  Oh yes, that means the looking at the fall colors from an aerial point of view, and the impending cold and low density altitudes of Winter!

  Mike Cetinich will give us his cool presentation on winter weather hazards with his usual interesting and interactive way.  As usual, his presentation will include a scenario, some theory and classroom lecture, and an accident review pertinent to the topic.

  

  or call 303-858-1600 to register.

• 12/15/2012 - Mountain Flying Hazards:

  Many a pilot has ventured into the cumulo-granite west of Denver an found an unfortunate end.  Mountain flying is like none other, with various wind and weather patterns that require careful study.

  Michael Cetinich of Jeppesen will provide us with valuable information about weather phenomena to be careful of as we pursue flight over those wonderful Rockies.  He is sure to include an accident review to make his point.

  

• 04/21/2020 - Spring Weather Hazards:

  "When it's springtime in the Rockies, it's 30 below...."

  Perhaps up in the flight levels, and on rare occasion lower. But there are many other weather hazards that impact flight during this active transition period.   Mike Cetinich will provide insight into this and other weather that is hazardous to our flying health.  As usual, his presentation will include a scenario, some theory and classroom lecture, and an accident review pertinent to the topic.

  

  or call 303-858-1600 to register.

IA Safety Seminars

These courses promise to expose even the most seasoned aviator to new and cutting edge information. Why spend the massive quantities of time researching various topics when you have IA instructors doing it for you?!? Come join us for the presentations followed by Q&A on every odd numbered month from 9:00 am to noon.

Some of the topics that have recently been covered are WAAS Procedures and Jeppesen Charts, ADS-B and what it means to us and more. We also take a fresh perspective on various topics that you may not have considered. The regs, or FAR's as many call them, are a sinister and formidable opponent for all too many pilots, however, it doesn't have to be this way. Once you truly expose the FAA regulations for what they are you may begin to see why certain rules are structured the way they are, and you will also have the ability to use them to your advantage instead of being hindered by them. These topics and more are regularly covered in our monthly meetings and we are always open to suggestions from our clients on what they would like to see us present next.

Download IA Safety Seminars details in PDF format

Special Events

Various other special events here at Independence Aviation

• 05/01/2012 - Emphasis of the Month - The Hazards of Thunderstorms:

  Our April safety seminar dealt with the hazards of Spring weather.  This month's emphasis is specifically on thunderstorms (t-storms.)  As you approach your flying this month, consider these questions with your instructor:

  • What conditions are necessary for t-storm development
  • What are some specific hazards related to t-storms
  • What pre-flight planning resources can you use to assess the threat
  • What in-flight resources can you use, and how effective are they?
  • What is virga?   What is a micro-burst?

  The photo here is taken from the recent deadly t-storm activity that took place in Texas and Oklahoma.  Talk about a squall line!

  To see Mike Cetinich's presentation, visit our videos page.

  To see previous months' emphasis, please visit the Ask the CFI section of our website.

• 05/17/2012 - North Metro Aviation Safety Meeting:

  Metro-area pilots have taken it upon themselves to try and control their own airspace destiny by meeting to discuss airspace usage in the northern area.
  
  The second meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 7:00 pm.  Once again, Colorado Heli-Ops has generously offered their offices for the meeting.  They are located at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) at 11844 Corporate Way.
  
  The invitation from the FAA Safety mailing reads:
  
  "You are invited to our second open forum to further discuss possible new
  collision avoidance procedures and guidelines that the GA community can
  mutually create and adopt to improve the safety margin in the aviation
  practice areas bounded by LMO, EIK, BJC and BDU."
  
  All metro-area pilots that fly in that area are encouraged to give their input so that a solution is not forced upon us.  Please plan to attend.

• 05/19/2012 - Rocky Mountain Light Sport Expo:

  The Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category is the fastest growing segment of aviation. While the Rocky Mountain west is one of the hotbeds of LSA activity in the US, until now there has not been a show in this region specifically dedicated to this segment of the aviation community. Thanks to the Colorado Pilots Association, that is changing!

  

  The Rocky Mountain Light Sport Exposition is taking place May 19 & 20, 2012 at Front Range Airport (KFTG).  IA is delighted to introduce IA Sport at this exposition, a new division dedicated to flight training for the Sport Pilot certificate and light sport aircraft.  We will have our fleet of light sport aircraft on display.  Barbara Marx, Lead Instructor for IA Sport will be speaking at the event and be available to discuss LSA and IA Sport with you.

  Plan to drop by and say hi at this fantastic aviation event!

• 06/30/2012 - Kelly Airpark Pancake Breakfast:

  The Kelly Airpark homeowners extend an invitation to their aviation and non-aviation friends and neighbors for their annual Pancake Breakfast.  Fly down and practice your narrow-runway landings while meeting with the great folks at Kelly.
  
  Watch for the flyer announcement here when it becomes available.