Private pilot's license

[Straight Arrow]

As a pilot who initially flew small planes, then flew US Army helicopters for twenty years, I encourage and commend someone wanting to aviate. However, keep in mind that it is not like riding a bicycle or driving a car. Proficiency as a pilot is a skill and ability gained through practice after practice, constantly and continuously. Often you see aircraft practicing touch & go's. Soaring with delight above the landscape, challenging the grip of gravity is the easy part. Take-offs, landings, and emergency procedures are a different realm and require study, thought, and lots of practice. Rules, regulations, and helpful knowledge are gained and maintained through constant study, update, and implementation.

 

[Hem]

I came pretty close to taking flying lessons back in '87. Talked with a guy at that airstrip North of Gardiner right above the Yellowstone. Its pretty windy there.
I realize now I'd rather not lawn dart.

 

[Straight Arrow]

I am the only non-male pilot in my family including uncles and cousins. Even my mom had her pilots license.

??? Confusing.

 

[Nuts]

??? Confusing.

all my male cousins and uncles are/were pilots. My mom had her pilots license. I see how that was confusing especially in this day and age

 

[Straight Arrow]

all my male cousins and uncles are/were pilots. My mom had her pilots license. I see how that was confusing especially in this day and age

You are female? Is that correct? It's the "non-male" expression that confused me.

 

[338win]

Do a sport pilot license first. Flying has become increasingly expensive. Make sure you learn about risk assessments and make objective go/no go calls for flying. Too many people burn in.

 

[Nuts]

You are female? Is that correct?

Ok. I will go back and correct it. It should have read. I am the only non-pilot male in my family. Good grief. lol

 

[Straight Arrow]

Ok. I will go back and correct it. It should have read. I am the only non-pilot male in my family. Good grief. lol

Good grief! How else could one interpret the phrase "non-male pilot"?

 

[Deez Nutz]

I bought a cub and got my ppl a few years ago. It's been a blast. It's the coolest thing I've ever done. My interest is in "backcountry/bush" flying so I've been flying around landing anywhere I can find. No interest in landing on pavement although sometimes it is necessary.

 

[Straight Arrow]

I bought a cub and got my ppl a few years ago. It's been a blast. It's the coolest thing I've ever done. My interest is in "backcountry/bush" flying so I've been flying around landing anywhere I can find. No interest in landing on pavement although sometimes it is necessary.

Where? What state?

 

[Deez Nutz]

Where? What state?

I'm over in Dillon.

 

[Straight Arrow]

I'm over in Dillon.

SW Montana ... what great country to fly, especially in a Super Cub!

 

[Deez Nutz]

SW Montana ... what great country to fly, especially in a Super Cub!

Its a blast, lots of BLM 2 tracks which are legal to land on. I've got a j-5 currently but hoping to sell and get into a super cub in the somewhat near future.

 

[Wallydeuce]

Just a few suggestions that will help save you time and money. I started flying at age 48 before social media and would have appreciated some of the following advice.

Find the right instructor. My first instructor taught by yelling. 3.5 hours in a tight cockpit was enough. Another couldn't show up on time. I lived 18 miles from the FBO and he lived 3 yet he'd be at least 30 minutes late. Twice was enough. My third instructor was a great pilot and teacher but hated flying in controlled airspace talking to ATC. Ironically, after 16 hours of instruction with me, he left to fly with the airlines. My best instructor got me through my private and most of my instrument rating. She had a lesson plan, was always prepared and taught to my learning style. She now flies for Delta. Don't hesitate to change instructors if you're not getting your monies worth.

Speaking of ATC, if at all possible, train at an airport with a control tower. Talking to air traffic controllers is inevitable so learn early.

Get your instrument rating and stay current. Fly as often as you can. The more time between lessons, the longer it's going to take you to get your goals.

Good luck and enjoy your ride!

 

[Straight Arrow]

Just a few suggestions that will help save you time and money. I started flying at age 48 before social media and would have appreciated some of the following advice.

Find the right instructor. My first instructor taught by yelling. 3.5 hours in a tight cockpit was enough. Another couldn't show up on time. I lived 18 miles from the FBO and he lived 3 yet he'd be at least 30 minutes late. Twice was enough. My third instructor was a great pilot and teacher but hated flying in controlled airspace talking to ATC. Ironically, after 16 hours of instruction with me, he left to fly with the airlines. My best instructor got me through my private and most of my instrument rating. She had a lesson plan, was always prepared and taught to my learning style. She now flies for Delta. Don't hesitate to change instructors if you're not getting your monies worth.

Speaking of ATC, if at all possible, train at an airport with a control tower. Talking to air traffic controllers is inevitable so learn early.

Get your instrument rating and stay current. Fly as often as you can. The more time between lessons, the longer it's going to take you to get your goals.

Good luck and enjoy your ride!

That is good advice. Ask around and find a good instructor and a mentor who will ask tough questions and demand much.

My primary helicopter training instructor was a seasoned Vietnam war experienced pilot, who never gave me a bad grade but continually was on my case. He once told me to go buy some Saran Wrap underwear over the weekend, so that "I could see out when I got my head up my butt!"
As we trained at FT Wolters in Miserable Wells, Texas, he told me, "It's a good thing we have north to Oklahoma and south to the Gulf of Mexico ... because it will take all that space for you to learn how to hover!" He was great and I left there much more accomplished as a rotor head "cyclic stickman" than some of my classmates.

 

[Nuts]

Good grief! How else could one interpret the phrase "non-male pilot"?

no other way. Good grief was toward myself not you. It was a mistype on my part originally. Sometimes my brain thinks faster then my fingers type. Then someone comes in my office before I finish or I get a phone call. Makes it super hard to finish a train of