For over nine years Axiom Aviation has proudly instructed countless students out of Ogden-Hinckley (OGD) airport. In that time the airport and surrounding region have proven to be a prime location for flight training operations. But what sets it apart from the thousands of other airports nationwide? The answer is a combination of many unique factors. Let's look at what makes OGD such an incredible place to fly.
Towered Airspace
OGD resides within a class D (Delta) airspace, which means it has an operating control tower, and all movement of aircraft within the airspace is dictated and directed by Air Traffic Control (ATC). Frequent exposure to ATC helps students become better at communicating over the radio and helps them build confidence in themselves and their capabilities as pilots.
There are many flight schools located at nontowered airports. While these schools can still offer adequate training, they frequently give their students very little mic time (time spent on radios) with ATC. This frequently leads to students having minimal exposure to busy airspace and in some cases creates an unhealthy fear of ATC. At Axiom Aviation our focus is on helping students become proficient pilots in all areas including flight in busy airspace and communicating with ATC.
Proximity to Hill AFB
One of the unique features of OGD is its proximity to Hill Air Force Base (Hill). The two airfields are roughly four miles apart. Both airports are towered and reside within class D airspace which typically extends outwards for four miles. This means that on one side of the airport, the airspace is condensed leading to a nonstandard traffic pattern for certain runways giving pilots exposure to nontypical flight paths.
Additionally, the Hill Arrival Corridor (HAC) passes directly overhead OGD. Because of this, the traffic pattern at OGD is 300 feet lower than standard. At most airports, the standard pattern altitude is 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL). OGD’s pattern altitude is 700 feet AGL. This lowered altitude forces pilots to be more precise with their actions as the margin for error is smaller and they have to remain more adaptable to unique traffic patterns and ATC instructions.
Proximity to Salt Lake International Airport
Hill poses a unique set of challenges and opportunities for pilots, but all operations at Hill and OGD take place in the shadow of Salt Lake International Airport (SLC). SLC resides within Class B (Bravo) airspace. B airspace is reserved for the largest airports in the country as they are far busier and need additional controllers to provide adequate aircraft separation services. It is a large airport that gives Axiom students the incredible opportunity to fly into class B airspace and land at SLC.
SLC’s B airspace extends as far north as North Ogden and as far south as Lehi encompassing a very large area. This airspace is layered like an upside-down wedding cake, meaning that underlying airports such as OGD are exempt from certain B regulations under specified altitudes. Axiom students have the opportunity not only to learn about but operate within this highly regulated and busy airspace.
Countless Nontowered Airports in the Region
Flight in towered airspace is essential to becoming a proficient pilot. But non-towered airports also teach valuable skills. While generally easier to master, these nontowered airports offer their own set of challenges as ATC is not there to regulate aircraft movement leaving pilots to follow prescribed flight paths, communicate directly with other pilots, and adapt to ever-changing situations.
There are dozens of nontowered airports across Utah and hundreds across the western US each possessing its own set of challenges. Axiom Aviation students frequent these non-towered airports as a way to improve their skills.
Special Use Airspace
The western US has been used for military training and testing operations for decades. This high volume of hazardous operations has left much of the airspace across the west, particularly in Utah, subject to restrictions. This high level of special use airspace, primarily restricted areas and military operating areas (MOAs) provides Axiom students the ability to talk with military ATC and engage in flights in and around these special use airspaces.
Mountainous Terrain
Situated on the Wasatch Front, OGD resides at an unusually high altitude of 4473 feet above sea level. Flight at this high altitude results in a decrease in aircraft performance as compared to operations at or near sea level. This benefits students in two ways. First, it requires them to utilize their Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) more often as they will be operating closer to their limitations. Second, it helps them see and understand the adverse effects of high-altitude operations. Despite these drawbacks, Axiom Aviation maintains an exceptional fleet well suited to the high altitudes.
With mountains in all directions, Axiom students obtain dozens of hours flying over, around, and near mountains helping them hone their mountain flying skills and understand how to stay safe in these hazardous regions. All career students will get a sizable amount of experience flying to small airports in remote locations that will push them to become safe, proficient, well-rounded pilots.
Land of Adventure
Situated in the Rocky Mountains, OGD is the gateway to countless adventures as our career path students get to explore the mountain west from the sky giving them a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our students and instructors see destinations ranging from Glacier National Park to the Grand Canyon on a fairly regular basis.
So Why Ogden?
Many airports across the country promote proficient learning, but very few can compete with OGD. From challenging terrain to unique airspace, OGD offers everything a student pilot needs to not only pass a checkride but become a great pilot.
Interested in attending Axiom Aviation in Ogden, Utah? Or have any questions about our incredible St.George location? Reach out to us any time at (262)297-4568, or email us at info@flyaxiom.com
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