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  1. DanWilkins

    Would you choose to learn to fly in a tailwheel aircraft?

    Yes, that is how the thread started. Heck, I started it. So, on that note, get a buddy to teach the rudiments in a champ and then take lessons in a 172. Total cost for 10 hours in a champ could be as little a few cases of beer. I did that with my nephew and he is grateful for the wonderful...
  2. DanWilkins

    Would you choose to learn to fly in a tailwheel aircraft?

    Well said. Many grass fields were big squares with a wind sock in the middle. Pilots could always take off and land into the wind.
  3. DanWilkins

    Would you choose to learn to fly in a tailwheel aircraft?

    There are folks who learn to fly a tailwheel airplane without an instructor and at a very low cost. Then they go for a checkride with a CFI, demonstrate proficiency and get an endorsement. I've seen it done many times.
  4. DanWilkins

    Would you choose to learn to fly in a tailwheel aircraft?

    I've been told that learning to fly in a Stearman wasn't considered a monumental challenge. It is a solid, honest plane that teaches so many things well. I've never flown one; however, maybe one day I'll take a stab at it. These days many view the Stearman as a challenge to fly because many are...
  5. DanWilkins

    First cross country solo...and a big mistake!

    We have both made excellent points. Look underneath our plane. Keep our eyes out of the cockpit at least 80% of the time, or more when around any kind of airfield, and make sure our cockpit mate has his/her eyes outside the cockpit during instrument practice.
  6. DanWilkins

    First cross country solo...and a big mistake!

    You got me there unless you had a gps or some other gadget that shows airfields. Flying under the hood is the most dangerous situation for mid-airs. I learned that in an AOPA seminar a few weeks ago. I would hope your instructor had his head on a swivel while you were focused under the hood...
  7. DanWilkins

    First cross country solo...and a big mistake!

    You should have known you were over an airport before he pulled the throttle. Be proactive. How high were you? Often planes hang out above the traffic pattern.
  8. DanWilkins

    Should I be happy or scared?

    Congratulations. If you haven't got your tailwheel endorsement, get it. If you haven't become proficient spinning an airplane, get proficient. Of course soloing a sailplane is a good foundation builder too. Just my two cents.
  9. DanWilkins

    How safe is flying?

    When we fly we are in charge of our destiny. On a motorcycle we have less say. I doubt there are many 'dead right' pilots; however, there are plenty of 'dead right' motorcycle riders.
  10. DanWilkins

    How safe is flying?

    "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." Mark Twain
  11. DanWilkins

    Provided VFR operations and private use only

    Always get permission unless it is an emergency. I fly out of a private field and enjoy the privacy. Landing without permission is rude, irresponsible and inconsiderate. There could be liability insurance issues as well. Crashing at a private field is bad manners. That being said, with an...
  12. DanWilkins

    Gotta love a pretty spring day

    Yup. Hydrolock check. The drain valve is to release oil that could accumulate in a lower cylinder.
  13. DanWilkins

    Gotta love a pretty spring day

    Pleas feel free to watch part of my preflight. Do you know what the yellow rag is for? And why do I pull the prop through at least seven times?
  14. DanWilkins

    5 Safety Rules every Pilot should have in the bag

    Stay hydrated. Bring water.
  15. DanWilkins

    Most Frightening Experience?

    The first spin is an eye-opener. Too bad there are oodles of pilots that have never experienced spins during training.
  16. DanWilkins

    How safe is flying?

    I am a glider pilot
  17. DanWilkins

    How safe is flying?

    How many of us received training that could help us deal with an in-flight fire? I know I did! Still a tough situation
  18. DanWilkins

    How safe is flying?

    How can one get killed in an airplane? My biggest fear is engine failure. Other than that, what else other than being careless?
  19. DanWilkins

    How safe is flying?

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