What did you do after achieving PPL?

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Adamoh

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Adamoh
I successfully passed my practical yesterday at 18 yrs old with 48 hrs
And today I took up my dad and cousin for a quick flight. Now my question is what did you guys do after getting your ppl aside from ifr, high performance, etc? Did you Guys do local flights or far cross country's? One of the things I want to do is take a buddy with me and disassemble our bikes (so it can fit in the airplane) and fly to places we've never been and explore that town or city on our bikes. I also have a big interest for bush and back country flying, even though I live in the Los Angeles area. Not that I'm doing any of this soon is it legal to fly out to the desert and land on a dry lake bed?
 
Congratulations. Go on some longer flights and explore. Respect the weather and stay safe! With only 48 hours, you have a lot to learn still (as do I). Enjoy the ride!
 
Try to fly as often as possible, and maybe start with short missions. You want to develop your single pilot CRM for the critical phases of flight as much as possible. It is very easy to get sloppy soon after the checkride.
 
First thing I did was reserve a plane for a flight across the basin for dinner and a show... and then the marine layer moved in.

Lesson: get your IFR rating before planning on going somewhere.
 
I took each family member flying. Then a week later moved off to college and haven't been in a plane in 3 months. (I am dying)

Already planned to get current with a CFI back home in my favorite rental. Planned a short flight with a friend to take him flying for the first time. Also planning to fly with a CFI friend to do a few IFR lessons and a long XC. Another CFI friend is gonna charge me gas money to get a tailwheel endorsement, then do some aerobatic flying for gas money.

Point being, stay current and fly. Continue to broaden your personal comfort envelope.
 
Once my DPE keyed the intercom and said I passed, I asked her if we could do a few victory rolls. She said sure, so I did some. Then a loop and a hammerhead. Then we headed back, did some paperwork, and she got out and my GF got in and we went and did some more.

After we got back to the airport, I washed the belly of the plane, and fixed a leaky brake caliper, then we went to dinner, and after that - boomchickamowmow!
 
Just start flying. Like has been said, do some cross countries of increasing length, explore. But respect the weather, don't push it too much.

In respect to ratings and endorsements, get your tailwheel endorsement. It will really help your stick and rudder skills. Try to find something simple like a Champ or Cub to fly, it will get your head out of the cockpit and help you develop your basic VFR and "flying by feel" skills and make you understand the airplane's responses without all the fancy gadgetry
 
First off, congrats! Second off, I'm going to be a bit of a downer on you: fly within your limitations, continue instruction with a CFI from time-to-time, and most of all, don't be an idiot.

I'm on with a timeshare here in Utah. The company that runs it lost a plane earlier this year, a 19-year-old pilot and his 16-year-old brother. He was flying low in a gorge and probably lost control due to winds. Here is one link. Please read and try to put yourself in the shoes of that young pilot:

http://fox13now.com/2014/07/20/crews-respond-to-plane-crash-near-virgin-river-gorge/

Have fun, but don't be an idiot.

To answer your question: I got my PPL just last August at the age of 42. First ride was the wife, then one of my kids, and finally the second (reluctant) kid. The second one made it about 5 minutes before saying: "daddy, this is amazing, but would you be mad if we were on the ground?" I rounded the pattern and ended the flying day. Other than that an a couple of local flights (including one night), I made one long KSLC to KBOI x-country. Had lunch with a friend.
 
You got some really good replies in this thread. My suggestion would be to read "The Killing Zone" and while doing that, do some airport hopping to get comfortable flying into various unknown airports. On each of these flights do two things; practice holding accurate heading and altitude, and do some practice maneuvers of some sort on each flight.

My $0.02,
 
Adamoh said:
What did you do after achieving PPL?
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I quit my job and started a business that necessitated the use of my airplane to get to/from work. Then logged almost 1500 hours over the next 10 years.

I made it a part of my life...What else would one do after getting a PPL?

;)
 
Adamoh said:
. Not that I'm doing any of this soon is it legal to fly out to the desert and land on a dry lake bed?
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Depends on who owns the plane (and what their insurance says):
If you don't own it, ASK before you get in trouble and maybe banned from the FBO you rent from.

Ditto if you are flying/landing somewhere/anywhere off airport --- depends on who owns the property
 
To tack on to what Gwen said, that dry lake bed probably belongs to someone or some government entity, and whoever that is controls landing rights. Landing on property which isn't a public-use airport creates the potential for anything from a chewing out by the landowner to being arrested and charged with trespass and having your plane held by the landowner against any perceived damage to that property. IOW, this is not one of those situations where it is better to ask forgiveness than permission.
 
I could only afford to fly an hour or so a week when I got my PPL. I had about 100 hrs and quit flying for over a year because I got tired of seeing the same stuff a 1/2-1 hr radius of the airport. I found a Great Lakes for rent and got my tailwheel check out and aerobatic instruction in it. Also checked out in their Super Decathalons. Now it was a blast to fly for an hour and as a bonus I could get most of my friend's to pay the rental cost of the Great Lakes. Everybody loves an open cockpit ride. (I know it was not legal for them to pay the rental but that was 35 years ago and the statute of limitations applies). That gave me the skills to be able to own and fly a lot of warbirds, aerobatic, homebuilt and antique/classic airplanes over the years. There is a lot more to flying than droning around ina spam can. Don
 
I added a glider rating and went glider racing for 10+ years.

...couldn't afford a plane and Manhatten at the same time.
 
You have the right idea re: grab a buddy and bikes and go have fun. If you are puttering around a landing >50 miles makes it count as XC, otherwise just have sensible fun. Glider rating is a good idea and an easy add-on.
 
From my experience dealing with FBO's the do not like their airplanes to be landed off airport or even on non paved runways. That is the way mine is.
 
Ordered a complete RV-10 slow-build airframe kit. Flew a rental 172 every month or two until finished building two years later. My wife and two kids helped occassionally and have really enjoyed our family trips together. Some trips we don't even rent cars. Do study weather and take your time lowering your ceiling/visibility limits and raising your direct xw limits. Stick with those limits on every flight. Don't be afraid to land or make a 180...I have twice and those times can be fun too. The lives of your non-flying passengers are in your hands and they will trust your judgment...good or bad. Carry the phone numbers of your CFI and some old experienced pilots to get advice from along the way. Have fun!
 
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got my IR
bought a plane
got my commercial
became an airport manager
got my cfi
sold above plane
got seaplane rating
bought different plane
got multi rating

Mixed in there I've flown to the 48 contiguous solo.
 
I was much older than you when I got my PPL, 20:rofl: We went to a few local airshows with the other airport bum kids, taking 2 planes, great fun way to go somewhere with a purpose. $100 dinner runs with my gf and a buddy and his gf, worked well, we're both married to these girls 30 years later! :D Just find an excuse to go somewhere, keep an eye on the weather, keep the risk low, and like everyone else has said, "Don't do anything stupid"!!!!:D
 
warthog1984 said:
First thing I did was reserve a plane for a flight across the basin for dinner and a show... and then the marine layer moved in.

Lesson: get your IFR rating before planning on going somewhere.
Click to expand...

Good thing charles Lindbergh didn't take that advice. I've flown all over the east coat without an IFR ticket.
 
Thanks for all the replies!
I definitely want to fly as often as possible and take my friends and family up. I know better to not mess with the weather. I've also heard countless stories of people hitting something while flying low, which is something I won't be doing any time soon. I do plan on getting my hp add on and instrument. Airport hopping, cross country's, and sightseeing LA are at the top of my list.
 
Jimmy cooper said:
Good thing charles Lindbergh didn't take that advice. I've flown all over the east coat without an IFR ticket.
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Things were much different in those days. I don't think many people today would accept the mortality rate from back then. I don't really dispute that you can do it VFR, in fact I prove it all the time, rarely flying IFR and flying mostly long cross continent type trips. However, his point is valid if you read it again. If you are planning on being somewhere at a certain time, you need an IR in much of the country. Even in Lindbergh's day, they would have to land in a paddock and wait out weather frequently.
 
Adamoh said:
I successfully passed my practical yesterday at 18 yrs old with 48 hrs
And today I took up my dad and cousin for a quick flight. Now my question is what did you guys do after getting your ppl ?
Click to expand...

Bought a plane and flew 3500 hours VFR over the next 38 years.
 
I took my GF for a ride. She barfed and never flew in a small plane again as far as I know... haven't seen her in nearly 20 years. :D
 
I.started my multi engine training not even 24 hours later. Check ride is this Saturday
 
MBDiagMan said:
You got some really good replies in this thread. My suggestion would be to read "The Killing Zone" and while doing that, do some airport hopping to get comfortable flying into various unknown airports. On each of these flights do two things; practice holding accurate heading and altitude, and do some practice maneuvers of some sort on each flight.

My $0.02,
Click to expand...
A lot of good information in this book. Currently taking a class with the author, he's a faculty member here and he has a lot of very practical knowledge and experience that's worth taking in.
 
Ron Levy said:
To tack on to what Gwen said, that dry lake bed probably belongs to someone or some government entity, and whoever that is controls landing rights. Landing on property which isn't a public-use airport creates the potential for anything from a chewing out by the landowner to being arrested and charged with trespass and having your plane held by the landowner against any perceived damage to that property. IOW, this is not one of those situations where it is better to ask forgiveness than permission.
Click to expand...

Most of that land out in that area belongs to the Federal BLM, which is public access property. Should be relatively easy to look up ownership. That said, it would really, really suck to find that the lake bed you thought was dry was actually a foot of soft mud.
 
Took girls flying to dinner, took friends and family flying. Tried to do cross countries as much as I could to build the time for the instrument rating. Did the complex, high-perf., and tailwheel as well.
 
Henning said:
Things were much different in those days. I don't think many people today would accept the mortality rate from back then. I don't really dispute that you can do it VFR, in fact I prove it all the time, rarely flying IFR and flying mostly long cross continent type trips. However, his point is valid if you read it again. If you are planning on being somewhere at a certain time, you need an IR in much of the country. Even in Lindbergh's day, they would have to land in a paddock and wait out weather frequently.
Click to expand...

I didn't read that he was on a schedule, just what or where he might fly. Plenty of flying VFR. If one reads the monthly accidents, many low time IFR pilots buy the ranch or are seriously injured. Last month , a few died this way. Happens constantly. IFR is not for the occasional pilot, or poorly trained.
 
Took my grandpa out for a flight. He's a high-hour private who lost his medical a few years back, and it was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had inside or outside the cockpit. My second favorite flight was soon after, when I took a buddy and his girlfriend of about a week up to see Lincoln from the air. He was one of those all-too-common student pilots who just ran out of money before getting his ticket, and that flight convinced him to pick it up again.

My point: find people for whom the gift of flight will really mean something and give your new skill away. It'll mean far more than any fly-in for your own edification.
 
Adamoh said:
I successfully passed my practical yesterday at 18 yrs old with 48 hrs
And today I took up my dad and cousin for a quick flight. Now my question is what did you guys do after getting your ppl aside from ifr, high performance, etc? Did you Guys do local flights or far cross country's? One of the things I want to do is take a buddy with me and disassemble our bikes (so it can fit in the airplane) and fly to places we've never been and explore that town or city on our bikes. I also have a big interest for bush and back country flying, even though I live in the Los Angeles area. Not that I'm doing any of this soon is it legal to fly out to the desert and land on a dry lake bed?
Click to expand...

Joined the Mile High Club.
 
Jimmy cooper said:
I didn't read that he was on a schedule, just what or where he might fly. Plenty of flying VFR. If one reads the monthly accidents, many low time IFR pilots buy the ranch or are seriously injured. Last month , a few died this way. Happens constantly. IFR is not for the occasional pilot, or poorly trained.
Click to expand...

Which is why I haven't pursued it. I'm afraid that on top of sole ownership, I couldn't afford to maintain the proficiency that IFR demands. Plus I don't have the avionics for it, although I do have a glideslope.
 
iflyvfr said:
Which is why I haven't pursued it. I'm afraid that on top of sole ownership, I couldn't afford to maintain the proficiency that IFR demands. Plus I don't have the avionics for it, although I do have a glideslope.
Click to expand...

Knowledge is never a bad thing. Knowledge of IFR procedure, even if not currently to proficient levels, is still a benefit when weather goes bad underneath you mid flight and you need to make an approach to get down. I can count on both hands the amount of times I needed to file in over 25 years of having an IR, but each of those time I would have been screwed without it. I do an IPC every 6-12 months regardless how much I am flying, and I will sit there and hand fly on instruments intermittently on every flight. You can maintain a lot of your proficiency just doing 5 minutes here and 5 minutes there as you fly along VFR talking on Flight Following. I would also program in and fly approach procedures VFR, all you have to do is ask for the 'practice approach' you want.

A lot of IFR operations is about remembering standards and procedures. You don't really need that level of proficiency for an IR to benefit your safety though. ATC is your friend in an emergency, they will feed you everything you need to know, you just have to be able to fly the airplane. For that level of skill, if you have good foundation training for your rating, and adapt your VFR flying technique to include your your panel scan, you significantly up your capabilities when things are unpleasant by having an instrument rating.
 
Ron Levy said:
To tack on to what Gwen said, that dry lake bed probably belongs to someone or some government entity, and whoever that is controls landing rights. Landing on property which isn't a public-use airport creates the potential for anything from a chewing out by the landowner to being arrested and charged with trespass and having your plane held by the landowner against any perceived damage to that property. IOW, this is not one of those situations where it is better to ask forgiveness than permission.
Click to expand...

Not a problem in most of Nevada. Most areas with dry lakes are under BLM management and are public use. One or two airplanes camping out, no issue. Clean up and fly out what you bring in. Larger groups will require a use permit which allows you to schedule and reserve the area so as not to conflict with other large users such as desert racers or major events.

The PRK (Peoples Republic of Kalifornia) does not approve and will fine you appropriately.
 
iflyvfr said:
Which is why I haven't pursued it. I'm afraid that on top of sole ownership, I couldn't afford to maintain the proficiency that IFR demands. Plus I don't have the avionics for it, although I do have a glideslope.
Click to expand...

I'd say it also depends on the mission you have for IFR flying. Actual "in the clag" flying takes a lot of work. Keeping up the IFR currency so you can legally be 500ft under a cloud layer at night, spiral through broken ceilings, or follow the ILS through fog to the home 'drome is less demanding.
 
My first few months were spend checking out in 3 additional types at 2 different airports and cross-countries to "spread my wings."
 
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