spdracer888
Pre-takeoff checklist
Passed my PPL checkride today! Two attempts and 19 years in the making.
Three MIG-21s flew over my head when I was six and pardon the cliche: but that's when I knew I want to be a pilot. (btw, I grew up overseas hence MIGs and not F-16s).
I started my first lesson in 1995 (I was a Junior in college) at Aviation Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Regrettably, graduation and a full time job took priority over finishing up my PPL: the last logbook entry was dated 4/2/97 for a total of 48.9 hours.
While cleaning out my basement last year, I found my old logbook. Though dusty, the sight of it brought back great memories. I "re"started at Nassau Flyers at KFRG last March (almost to date) and after another 48.2 hours, I passed my check ride today. It's been 19 years in the making.
I won't bore you with another check ride write up as both Owad1971 and TheHulk did an excellent job with theirs. I will however share the following:
- regardless of the flight school, you will have good and bad instructors.
- how well you "gel" with your CFI makes a world of difference.
- if you are unhappy with your CFI, speak up early because you are essentially flushing $200 down the toilet for every hour you waste with the "wrong" CFI.
- CFI do make mistakes and I have observed both "knowledge" and "practical" mistakes. If something doesn't seem right, look it up and confirm it yourself.
- some CFI doesn't have his/her interest aligned with yours. I'm grateful that none of mine are (except for one and I "fired" him after one lesson).
- regardless how hard you prepare, you are not going to have a perfect check ride. Making mistake(s) and more importantly recognizing your mistake(s) are part of the process.
- you are always more critical of yourself than your DPE.
- those plastic "SureCheck" or equivalent checklists are not legal. The only legal checklists are the ones in your POH.
- I love being a pilot.
- do sit down before you add up all your receipts.
Three MIG-21s flew over my head when I was six and pardon the cliche: but that's when I knew I want to be a pilot. (btw, I grew up overseas hence MIGs and not F-16s).
I started my first lesson in 1995 (I was a Junior in college) at Aviation Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Regrettably, graduation and a full time job took priority over finishing up my PPL: the last logbook entry was dated 4/2/97 for a total of 48.9 hours.
While cleaning out my basement last year, I found my old logbook. Though dusty, the sight of it brought back great memories. I "re"started at Nassau Flyers at KFRG last March (almost to date) and after another 48.2 hours, I passed my check ride today. It's been 19 years in the making.
I won't bore you with another check ride write up as both Owad1971 and TheHulk did an excellent job with theirs. I will however share the following:
- regardless of the flight school, you will have good and bad instructors.
- how well you "gel" with your CFI makes a world of difference.
- if you are unhappy with your CFI, speak up early because you are essentially flushing $200 down the toilet for every hour you waste with the "wrong" CFI.
- CFI do make mistakes and I have observed both "knowledge" and "practical" mistakes. If something doesn't seem right, look it up and confirm it yourself.
- some CFI doesn't have his/her interest aligned with yours. I'm grateful that none of mine are (except for one and I "fired" him after one lesson).
- regardless how hard you prepare, you are not going to have a perfect check ride. Making mistake(s) and more importantly recognizing your mistake(s) are part of the process.
- you are always more critical of yourself than your DPE.
- those plastic "SureCheck" or equivalent checklists are not legal. The only legal checklists are the ones in your POH.
- I love being a pilot.
- do sit down before you add up all your receipts.
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