Well, I’m happy to say I’ve kick-started the process and am beginning to work on my flight review! No, it won’t consist of just the minimum one hour on the ground and one hour in the air, but I’m ready to put in the time and finally experience the freedom of flying GA.
So far, there are a few things that stand out to me: first, getting started is an obstacle; second, persistence is key; and third, finding the support to get going and keep going is important. Getting started was difficult because there are a million reasons why I can’t complete my flight review. I don’t have the time or the money for flying, and it can be a stressful addition to anyone’s already busy life; however, none of these are reason enough not to try. It’s all about making the first call to the instructor, buying the updated charts, and scheduling the first lesson. Second, I’m learning to be persistent when it comes to finding an instructor and scheduling lessons. There is no perfect set of circumstances; if you love something, you should go for it. For me, that’s flying – so here I am! Lastly, I’m in the process of lining up the support I need to help me through my flight review and keep me motivated to stay current afterwards! There is certainly a lot left to do, but things are finally starting to come together.
I’d love to hear from anyone else who is working on their flight review or has some tips for me! I’ll check back in throughout the process to let you guys know how I’m doing!
Amber
Great to hear your, very timely, story. Thanks for sharing. Where are you flying out of?
So, you asked, so here goes...
I got my SEL ticket in the early 2000s at KDMW (right around the corner from AOPA in Frederick, MD). Flew until eight years ago and then had to hang it up. Not because of lack of interest, but that is a story for another day. I'm right with you in that there has never been anything like the joy of flying. There is never a good time and never enough money. For the second time, my bride gave me a kick to move forward. First time was to get my license and second time was a few weeks ago. Nothing serious mind you and no big plans. Just going out to have some fun...so I thought.
After an exchange of a few emails, I ended up flying with Helen Woods, owner of Chesapeake Sport Pilot at Bay Bridge Airport in MD. She offered to take me along on quick jaunt she was making in a little SeaRay. She referred to me as ballast - What a joy it was to talk shop with her and jump into this little bundle of joy plane and skim along the waters of the bay. The fire was officially lit again!
Just to add to the strange path this has taken me, the Monday after the bay flight I was in my office. The receptionist came in and introduced me to a new tenant. He was the owner of the flight school at my local field. Oh, someone is really giving me a nudge to so something here. Of course, I had to go check out the operation since it was not around when I was flying before. Hey, they have a flying club and the rates aren’t bad. On top of that, they have a sim. Always thought that would be a good way to get some practice without burning 100LL.
What's the plan now? I immediately purchased the King Schools refresher series. No way was I going to take any chances of allowing my rusty brain from obscuring safety and knowledge. That little refresher has been great, and now is the time to get a bit more serious.
- First I need to do the flight review at my old stomping ground, KDMW – Shoot, it’s 10 minutes from my office.
- Then follow it up with more refresher work until I feel competent, not just legal to be PIC again.
- Then a return to Helen to do my seaplane and tailwheel. That Searay was just too fun not to spend more time in.
- Finally, make some decisions on doing my instrument work and start thinking about purchasing another plane.
Well, that should take me into next year. I thought about doing a GoPro series on the return to flying. If I decide to do so, I'll be sure to post it here. Not sure yet if I want to world to see what is left of my crosswind landing "technique". So much for casual. If you have any suggestions, feel free to post back here. I’ve also love to hear more about what others are doing and the process.
Blue Skies,
Tim
Tim Niles:
Hi Amber,
Great to hear your, very timely, story. Thanks for sharing. Where are you flying out of?
So, you asked, so here goes...
I got my SEL ticket in the early 2000s at KDMW (right around the corner from AOPA in Frederick, MD). Flew until eight years ago and then had to hang it up. Not because of lack of interest, but that is a story for another day. I'm right with you in that there has never been anything like the joy of flying. There is never a good time and never enough money. For the second time, my bride gave me a kick to move forward. First time was to get my license and second time was a few weeks ago. Nothing serious mind you and no big plans. Just going out to have some fun...so I thought.
After an exchange of a few emails, I ended up flying with Helen Woods, owner of Chesapeake Sport Pilot at Bay Bridge Airport in MD. She offered to take me along on quick jaunt she was making in a little SeaRay. She referred to me as ballast - What a joy it was to talk shop with her and jump into this little bundle of joy plane and skim along the waters of the bay. The fire was officially lit again!
Just to add to the strange path this has taken me, the Monday after the bay flight I was in my office. The receptionist came in and introduced me to a new tenant. He was the owner of the flight school at my local field. Oh, someone is really giving me a nudge to so something here. Of course, I had to go check out the operation since it was not around when I was flying before. Hey, they have a flying club and the rates aren’t bad. On top of that, they have a sim. Always thought that would be a good way to get some practice without burning 100LL.
What's the plan now? I immediately purchased the King Schools refresher series. No way was I going to take any chances of allowing my rusty brain from obscuring safety and knowledge. That little refresher has been great, and now is the time to get a bit more serious.
- First I need to do the flight review at my old stomping ground, KDMW – Shoot, it’s 10 minutes from my office.
- Then follow it up with more refresher work until I feel competent, not just legal to be PIC again.
- Then a return to Helen to do my seaplane and tailwheel. That Searay was just too fun not to spend more time in.
- Finally, make some decisions on doing my instrument work and start thinking about purchasing another plane.
Well, that should take me into next year. I thought about doing a GoPro series on the return to flying. If I decide to do so, I'll be sure to post it here. Not sure yet if I want to world to see what is left of my crosswind landing "technique". So much for casual. If you have any suggestions, feel free to post back here. I’ve also love to hear more about what others are doing and the process.
Blue Skies,
Tim
Thank you for sharing! I fly out of KFDK. I did my initial training in Indiana (KLAF) so the sights are a little bit different here, and I love it so far!
I am so glad you jumped back into flying again, too. You're right; once you finally get back to it, the fire is lit again! It's so neat that you get to fly out of DMW again - and that it's so close to your office! Your plan for future ratings is awesome. I know you'll be able to get it all done! If you do make a video of your return to the left seat, I'd love to see it!
Please keep us posted, Tim!
- Amber
Scott