Dickenson Aviation

Quality ground instruction for pilots pursuing their instrument rating and other advanced endorsements such as mountain flying.

I’m Matt Dickenson, a pilot and instructor in Chapel Hill, NC. As a pilot I fly around the country with my family and friends. I’m happy to answer questions about becoming a private pilot, obtaining your instrument rating, or planning cross-country trips.

Instrument Ground Instruction

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay, CA, Sep. 2025

I can help you prepare for the instrument written exam (airplane or helicopter). We will work through ground lessons and I will provide the logbook endorsement you need to take the exam. If you have already used an online ground school or test preparation software such as Sheppard Air, I can review with you before the exam and provide an endorsement.

Simulator Instruction

Getting experience in a simulator is a great way to fast-track your instrument training. I can work with you on an instrument training syllabus to get you more comfortable talking to ATC, briefing approaches, and flying to minimums in your preferred simulator.

If you want to use a simulator to regain or maintain currency I can also provide packages of simulator missions for you to work through to refresh your skills.

Checkride Review, Mock Oral Exams, and Other Preparation

Is your instrument checkride around the corner? I’m happy to review key concepts with you and go through a mock oral exam to make sure you feel confident and prepared. We can meet over a video call for your convenience.

Instrument Proficiency Check

If you are preparing for an instrument proficiency check, we can review major topics and updated regulations so that you are ready to take your IPC.

Mountain Flying

Leadville

Leadville, CO, Nov. 2024

Interested in getting more comfortable flying into mountain airports? Let’s work together to cover weather, flight planning, and performance considerations that are key to success at high-altitude airports.

Weather and Flight Planning

Want to talk about the weather and other details of a planned cross-country flight? We can talk together one or more times before the flight to ensure that you are making the best use of available information and resources.