Jamie Kirk
Line Up and Wait
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2018
- Messages
- 644
- Display Name
Display name:
JamieK
What kind of aircraft did you purchase?
Rockwell Commander 112A
What kind of aircraft did you purchase?
I am absolutely just getting started. I haven’t even done my first flight. I’m on here looking for information on where/how to start.
I am absolutely just getting started. I haven’t even done my first flight. I’m on here looking for information on where/how to start.
Welcome, Jeff!
Whereabouts do you live, and what airport(s) are near you?
There are plenty of books to read, "learn to fly!" brochures to peruse, and videos to watch, but I think the best place to start is at an airport near you that has a flight school. Call 'em up, and ask to schedule a "discovery flight". You'll be paired with an instructor, and taken up for a short flight. You can ask all kinds of questions to the instructor. Just jump in and get a taste! And you're not committing to anything by doing this; you can even shop different schools and instructors this way. Have fun!!
Start with a discovery flight. If you still want to become a pilot after that, first make sure you can pass a class 3 medical exam by having a consultation visit with an aeronautical medical examiner (AME). You can find a listing on the FAA website. You will need a medical certificate prior to flying solo.
If there’s a medical issue, you can still get your Sport Pilot license if you have a valid drivers license, or you might be able to get a “special issuance” but that can get expensive. A sport license will limit you to light sport aircraft (LSA), daytime VFR flying only, and no more than one passenger.
Then, knowing whether you want to pursue a Sport or a Private ticket, schedule your first lesson. If you’ll be doing sport, make sure your school has an LSA. Download the Airplane Flying Handbook and the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) from the FAA website and start studying.
And take one last fond look at your bank balance....
Thanks for the info! I’m in fairly good health, I’m assuming it won’t be an issue. I have been looking at costs, and it goes from expensive to REALLY expensive. I will for sure be shipping around for lessons.
My end goal is to be able to fly my family around from where I am to my family that is all over the Midwest... it’s going to be private license or bust.
Soloed finally! After 50 hours. New instructor had to teach me landings from scratch and to actually fly, to what does what, what happens if. Rainy season is coming, but now I have more time to do it, so I against weather. But finally soloed! Yes, Virginia, there is light at the end of the tunnel
I am absolutely just getting started. I haven’t even done my first flight. I’m on here looking for information on where/how to start.
Thank you for this info!!!This is an excellent info booklet. Owner is also a member of POA. There’s a few outdated items referred to, such as PTS and Airport aFacility Directory. These are now called ACS and Chart Suplement respectfully.
http://www.goldsealgroundschool.com/Library/learn-to-fly-2016.pdf
That’s fantastic!Soloed finally! After 50 hours. New instructor had to teach me landings from scratch and to actually fly, to what does what, what happens if. Rainy season is coming, but now I have more time to do it, so I against weather. But finally soloed! Yes, Virginia, there is light at the end of the tunnel
Did my checkride on Saturday and passed! Got to carry my first passenger on Sunday. The wife loved it! We went down to KMER and took the tour at the air force museum. All in all a great day!
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Did my checkride on Saturday and passed! Got to carry my first passenger on Sunday. The wife loved it! We went down to KMER and took the tour at the air force museum. All in all a great day!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Congratulations!!
I am getting ready for my Check Ride, How long was it, any advice?
Passed the written exam yesterday, and am very happy to have that out of the way... I can see the end and its looking good
Passed the written on Tuesday! Got some questions that were not in the prep material at all, like ICAO plans, plans with multiple cruise altitudes. But passed, so that it what counts! Scored 87.
I've been side-tracked the past handful of weeks. Last flight was on February 10th. Then I had to go take care of my dad, who was having brain surgery (surgery went well, in and out in 48 hours! Modern medicine is truly amazing).
Once back, I had to travel for work, and then this week has been go-go-go with work as well. Finally scheduled a flight for next Monday AM. Hoping we can get it in, we are nearing our windy season here in the high-desert, so lots of cancellations are in my future I'm sure.
I've got to get past the stage check, then my solo cross countries and hone my skills for the practical test. SOOOO CLOSE!
Checkride is scheduled for 11/5...