So, student pilots.. Who are we and where do we stand?

At long last. Today 70 degrees wind variable. We had tentatively planned a short cross country which I was a bit stressed about, new field and all, but I got to the FBO and he says this is a beautiful day for pattern work. Ok with that, lets go. Preflight and head out into the wild blue pattern. Round and round we go with three touch and go's and a new player wants to change the runway in use. Fine we go around with her but the tiny tailwind is making for lots of float. She leaves the pattern and we go back to the original pattern which proved the ticket. Evan says lets make this a full stop and I thought that peculiar. He says, this is where I get out, your going to keep going and do three to a full stop....is this that day? Really that day now? He shakes my hand and congratulates me and says he's on the radio and closes the door. Deep breath and elbow room. Out I go, and what seemed like thirty seconds later I had performed three of my best landings ever and had come to the end of my ride for the day. Pictures ensued and I realized walking back to the FBO that the back of my shirt was wringing wet. Half a day later and I still can't stop thinking about it and how amazing it felt. Have to check the schedule and see if I can go tomorrow. Oh and I realized that I soloed in the same plane I took my introductory flight six years, five instructors and two airports ago. I want to thank you all for the support you've given me and allowed me to lurk and learn from so many of you. See you in the pattern!
 
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CONGRATS!!!
Ain't it marvelous to have all that extra weight (and chatter) gone from the right seat? :)
 
His chatter was on loop in my head even without him there!
 
Finally making some progress in my training. At about 4 hours and plugging my way through the Jeppesen 141 syllabus. I have mixed feelings about the 141 route.. I like the structure and guidance to help you know what to study. I've been bouncing back and forth between 2 instructors which probably isn't the most conducive to training and I may just settle on one. What I've found with 141 is if we do anything that is a little ahead of the syllabus, I won't get credit for it when we get to the next lesson. I'll keep chugging along and keep collecting hours :)
 
I'm going to meet the instrument instructor at 6 today and get started on ground/sim for the IR. It's a slower start than I wanted but I have to take what I can get. My life is crazy busy/complicated right now.
 
I passed my CFI checkride yesterday, May 24. Bar none the most difficult ride I’ve had, and the most difficult to prepare for.

Now I need to find students to put this certificate to work.... I’m in north central Ohio if anyone knows of an FBO looking for an instructor.

I don’t post here much, but I do visit often and have learned a lot just reading the posts. Thanks POA.
 
flybub said:
I passed my CFI checkride yesterday, May 24. Bar none the most difficult ride I’ve had, and the most difficult to prepare for.

Now I need to find students to put this certificate to work.... I’m in north central Ohio if anyone knows of an FBO looking for an instructor.

I don’t post here much, but I do visit often and have learned a lot just reading the posts. Thanks POA.
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Congrats!

I live in the Atlanta area and with a couple of instructors I've found with both of them they basically get all the hours they want and weren't connected with an FBO. Somehow independently they were really busy just working on their own. One was younger and since gone to the airlines, and the other is older. Both of them at one time taught though flight schools, and maybe that's how they got known. Just bringing that up as an option, just getting your name out there somehow.
 
2 1/2 hour mockish IR oral. He said I did quite well. He figures another hour or so of that and I’ll be ready for the oral. Next up we go fly. He thinks if I’m as good in the airplane as in the oral I’ll be ready in 3 hours. I’m more skeptical...
 
Upgrading (??) from SP to PP. I was signed off for my checkride 3/31 but haven’t been able to make the DPE, the wx, the plane, and life align. Finally had a date to do it yesterday.

Got the oral done (3 hours worth) but winds were too gusty and variable for the ride. Now trying to reschedule the flight.

Sigh....
 
35 hours in. I got my second XC in this AM. I am approaching 9 months since I started. Scheduling has been a real battle. Since I got my solo check off, the burden of scheduling has been lifted somewhat. I feel I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel to PPL. I intend to roll straight into IR.
 
I finished reading the IFR flying handbook and I'll be seating down with my cfii to plan my instrument planning.
 
First XC solo yesterday. Even more exciting than my solo around the pattern. For the first time, I think I get it... why we do this. Why it is so exciting and amazingly cool just to be able to go from point a to point b in the air 60nm away taking off from a class D inside the sfra, talking to ATC, getting flight following, landing at another class D (that you pretty much didn't have in sight and had to get the tower to vector you to, but they did so and sounded really happy to help). Then hanging out at an FBO you have never been to in your life, grabbing a coke and some (free!!) snacks. Doing pilot stuff... Then doing it all in reverse. And the great feeling of seeing your home field on the way back knowing you are going to grease the landing (but then not greasing it, but still getting down without bending anything including yourself!).

It finally hit home. That this is the most amazing thing a person can do. Take off, fly somewhere else and land. Just amazing. I wanted to do my second XC the next day (today) but no availability! I'm officially hooked on this.
 
Deelee said:
First XC solo yesterday. Even more exciting than my solo around the pattern. For the first time, I think I get it... why we do this. Why it is so exciting and amazingly cool just to be able to go from point a to point b in the air 60nm away taking off from a class D inside the sfra, talking to ATC, getting flight following, landing at another class D (that you pretty much didn't have in sight and had to get the tower to vector you to, but they did so and sounded really happy to help). Then hanging out at an FBO you have never been to in your life, grabbing a coke and some (free!!) snacks. Doing pilot stuff... Then doing it all in reverse. And the great feeling of seeing your home field on the way back knowing you are going to grease the landing (but then not greasing it, but still getting down without bending anything including yourself!).

It finally hit home. That this is the most amazing thing a person can do. Take off, fly somewhere else and land. Just amazing. I wanted to do my second XC the next day (today) but no availability! I'm officially hooked on this.
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Congrats! You mentioned the SFRA, do you fly in the DC area? Im also based on a field inside the SFRA. Always interesting navigating out of it to the maneuvers practice area.

f.
 
Deelee said:
First XC solo yesterday. Even more exciting than my solo around the pattern. For the first time, I think I get it... why we do this. Why it is so exciting and amazingly cool just to be able to go from point a to point b in the air 60nm away taking off from a class D inside the sfra, talking to ATC, getting flight following, landing at another class D (that you pretty much didn't have in sight and had to get the tower to vector you to, but they did so and sounded really happy to help). Then hanging out at an FBO you have never been to in your life, grabbing a coke and some (free!!) snacks. Doing pilot stuff... Then doing it all in reverse. And the great feeling of seeing your home field on the way back knowing you are going to grease the landing (but then not greasing it, but still getting down without bending anything including yourself!).

It finally hit home. That this is the most amazing thing a person can do. Take off, fly somewhere else and land. Just amazing. I wanted to do my second XC the next day (today) but no availability! I'm officially hooked on this.
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Congrats! The solo xc was when I actually started to feel like a pilot. Well done!
 
Scheduled to go fly Saturday morning the 8th of June to see just how rusty I am with IR flight...
 
Punched my ticket today in my Commander. Celebrated by taking the family to dinner.
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Second cross country on Saturday. Best flight of my life. Weather looked great before departing, then after exiting the SFRA and turning south to Tappahannock/XSA cumulus popping up all over the place at my altitude. Don't panic. Just let ATC (I had flight following) know what's up and I'm descending to maintain VFR. Then hearing about five other calls for the same thing. It was actually a blast dodging the clouds (nothing dangerous or IMC about it... widely spaced and easy to dodge). Managed to maintain my course, hit my waypoints and avoid all the restricted no problem. ATC super helpful with the flight following. Nailed the descent to my destination and all my callouts were spot-on on the CTAF. Great landing and taxi to the little terminal they have there. Got out, secured the aircraft, went in and chatted with some of the folks in the terminal.

I never felt more like a pilot. I finally feel like I know what I am doing with this aircraft - the checklists flow nicely. The radio is not scary at all and in fact I love talking with ATC and getting the handoffs. Feels like a real pilot to say "[callsign] over to [new freq] thanks for the help, good day" (I know it's not terribly proper to do the thank you, but I can't help it.... I truly am thankful to all the controllers)

I feel confident, but not cocky. I know my limits. I know I'm not completely ready for the checkride. But I am looking forward like crazy to the long, three-stop cross country. The problem is, this is addictive. With every flight, and especially these cross country flights, I get more and more hooked and it has become more fun than scary. LIke I said, I'm not cocky and it is still scary in some ways (I guess it always should be a little bit scary...) but so much more fun. My hands don't sweat like crazy now when I go solo. So I guess that's a good sign... Anyway thanks for listening!
 
After my instrument instructor passed unexpectedly and a variety of problems with new instructors/weather/scheduling and money, I'm finally scheduled to complete my IFR cross country on Wednesday. Since I haven't been able to fly with an instructor for 6 months, I've completed the written and feel like I've got to be close for the oral. Now just to get the flying done. :fcross:
 
Just took the FAA aeronautical knowledge test and passed with a 97%. This was after studying and taking practice exams for weeks on end.

There were 61 (not 60) questions on the test. The proctor told me the FAA has been throwing in a bonus question to test out new content on students. A bit odd, but whatever. I had 2.5 hours. I was done in 2 hours and then went back and reviewed the whole thing again. All the studying and practice test taking paid off.

The two questions I missed were: question related to the use of the displaced threshold. Honestly, the provided answers were a bit of a gray area. I selected the answer that said something like you can use the displaced threshold for taxi/takeoff, but not for landing. The other end of the runway had an overrun area marked. Somehow I got that one wrong.

The other one I missed was just a dumb one on my part. It was about how the CDI needle is centered during a VOR test. I think I picked 180 with a FROM indication and it should have been 0 with a FROM indication.

I'm pretty sure I can study up on these two areas if the examiner wants to grill me. I nailed all the airspace, weather, regulations, aerodynamics, systems, airport ops, flight planning, etc.... So I'm pretty happy with it and I hope it helps me with the oral part of the exam with the DPE.

Now I just need to finish up a long x-country and some night t/o and landings and it's checkride time.... Can't wait!! This is getting real.
 
jsstevens said:
Scheduled to go fly Saturday morning the 8th of June to see just how rusty I am with IR flight...
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Had to scrub because I got sick. :(

We will try again in a couple of weeks.
 
Just got my first 1.5 hr under the hood towards my IR. We did timed turns and pattern A.
 
Started on my check ride preparation work today. Scheduled my mock ride with our chief CFI for July 17th.
 
What are you using for prep? I have begun reviewing parts 61 and 91 of the FAR again. Got the ASA book with the nice tabs. Makes for really really good sleep medicine. Also got this on the way: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/152028795X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

had good reviews and from the preview it looks like it is well laid out and if you want more detail, it points to the FAR parts to dig into. Also ordered the ACS so I can have it with me when I meet with the DPE.

I haven't scheduled my exam yet. Still need .9 hours of hood and 6 night takeoffs and landings. Doing my long xc this weekend (weather permitting). My CFI is also going to do a mock oral/ride with me. Probably around the same time you are doing yours.

I'm ready to be done. Can't wait!!
 
Got the long cross country done today! Got up at zero dark thirty to get out early as to beat the forecast winds later in the day. Great flight with flight following to Charlottesville. Perfect landing. Full-stop, but taxied back to take off right away to Hanover OFP. Really unexpected gusty crosswinds there that forced a go-around on the first attempt. Second attempt was.... ugly, but safe and sound. I drifted to the left of the runway (xwind was from the right) and I think I need to work on my aileron correction into the wind more. Ended up rolling to the end of the runway and using the last taxiway... just didn't feel like hitting the brakes so I let it roll. Took off from there back to Manassas and landed just fine at the home field. Funny how after flying for a little bit it feels good to get back to the home field. Almost comforting like when you pull into your home garage after a long day.

Anyway, it was a great flight. Challenging, but great. Only a few tenths of hour for simulated hood work, a few night takeoffs/landings then practice for checkride.
 
First night flight coming up tomorrow weather permitting. So excited!
 
I'm here because I'm trying to learn as much as possible before I start chasing my PPL later this summer. I want to try to learn about all the mistakes I can make in the process before I find a few new and creative ones.
 
Started training in 1996 when I was in college. Stopped in 1997 while preparing for my check ride. It's been 22 years since I've been at the controls.

Currently trying to "brush up" to take the written...again. It seems I've forgotten more than I remembered. I'm finding that between running a small business and raising five kids there's not a lot of quality study time to be had, but am enjoying the re-learning process. What's the most cost effective way to get back what I've lost?

Looking forward to heading over to Clearwater Airpark one of these days and talking to a CFI.

Any advice or encouragement is welcome. Thanks in advance!

Jesse Caya
Rental Guy & Student Pilot
 
Oh my, it finally happened. Friday I took the written, Saturday afternoon my CFI called up and said “short notice, but I can get you a check ride on Tuesday or you will have to wait another three weeks!” So 2.5 days of cramming and flying and it happened. Had my check ride today and am now part of the club! Feels amazing! Now time to refill the bank accounts!
 
Just did a quick sum of costs, and hours...
73.7 hrs
47 flights
216 landings
25 hours solo (much of it just fun time!)
$15,356!

You know, there are cheaper routes, but I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for this experience. I had the most amazing instructor, every flight in the Rocky Mountains, and found a new freedom in the skies!

And just so people know, I am just a carpenter in a small town in Colorado. I don’t make doctor or lawyer wages, but made it happen!
 
I guess I'll jump in here and introduce myself... I've been dreaming of flying since a family friend took me up as a little kid. At age 36 I'm finally reaching a point where I'm financially free enough to pursue it, at the same time as a club based 50mi away bought an archer at my local airport, which is about 15mi away. Joined the club, got my medical scheduled, I'm about 3/4 of the way through the gold seal course, just waiting on my cfi to get checked out in the club's plane so we can start the fun part. Weather has been absolutely terrible here though. Chomping at the bit to say the least...
 
vegabond1 said:
Just did a quick sum of costs, and hours...
73.7 hrs
47 flights
216 landings
25 hours solo (much of it just fun time!)
$15,356!

You know, there are cheaper routes, but I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for this experience. I had the most amazing instructor, every flight in the Rocky Mountains, and found a new freedom in the skies!

And just so people know, I am just a carpenter in a small town in Colorado. I don’t make doctor or lawyer wages, but made it happen!
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Nice, not too far from my numbers, just curious, how long did it take start to finish? I did mine in 2 years almost exactly, at 67 hours before check ride. My rentals or CFI must have been a bit cheaper than yours.
 
it took 8 months with a one month break due to personal issues... the cost is all inclusive, tests medical, supplies etc. I trained out of KGUC, 7700' elevation, and flew a 182, so yeah, costs were a bit more than a 172/150
 
850E8BB8-407A-4394-A5BE-A6542351F9F8.jpeg 850E8BB8-407A-4394-A5BE-A6542351F9F8.jpeg First pax as a pilot, lovely evening flight, his wife snapped a shot from ground... clouds look way more menacing in the pic!
 
My first introductory lesson was last October. Early November met with my AME for the first time. I have been working through the medical issues ever since. Finally got the medical last week. First solo was yesterday. 4 TO’s and landings. Landings weren’t bad but weren’t my best either. Was pretty much uneventful. My instructor was nervous and I had to help calm him down.
 
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