It also introduced an important concept—energy management—that has been valuable throughout my flight training journey.

For example, I learned that it is much easier to stabilize the descent and land on target when maintaining the proper speed by managing pitch, power, and altitude. This eliminates large, last-minute power and pitch changes on final that can lead to chasing the airspeed, which may cause the aircraft to float and land long—or lose lift—requiring a go-around to avoid landing short of the runway.

Paying attention to energy management paid off during my instrument training. This was especially important during critical phases of instrument flight, such as having to follow a precise flight and descent path while flying an instrument approach and then easing into the transition to landing.

Now, working on obtaining my commercial pilot certificate, I—again—recognize the importance of strict energy management. The demanding flight maneuvers require careful attention to how much energy the airplane has and how it’s spent. Because of this understanding, many of the things I do in flight have become more deliberate and precise. For example, I find it easier to recognize and correct for carrying too much or too little energy into the flare, and I feel comfortable and in control flying to the exacting standards and tight margins of the commercial pilot flight maneuvers.

Just as my flight instructors have always encouraged and advised me, I’d like to encourage and advise you to advance your training and skills to be a safer and more proficient pilot.

So, whether you get a tailwheel or complex endorsement—or obtain advanced certificates and ratings—remember the energy management concept as you train, learn, and hone your flying skills. When we hold ourselves to a high standard, we can make the skies safer for everyone.

Keep on learning and go flying—safely.

AOPA Air Safety Institute intern Alden Baartz-Bowman learned to fly at Aurora State Airport in Oregon. He holds a private pilot certificate with an instrument rating and will be completing his commercial pilot training in the fall of 2023. Alden is enrolled in a university program in Central Arizona, where he’s pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science with an eye toward landing an airline pilot career.