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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Zigrat on May 13, 2003, 09:50:08 PM

Title: private pilot!
Post by: Zigrat on May 13, 2003, 09:50:08 PM
passed my checkride today, feels good to be in the club! my examiner was an awesome guy, we chatted for hours. He has 16,000 hours in dc-3s and has flown alll soorts of cool airplanes.
Title: Re: private pilot!
Post by: GrimCO on May 13, 2003, 10:06:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Zigrat
passed my checkride today, feels good to be in the club! my examiner was an awesome guy, we chatted for hours. He has 16,000 hours in dc-3s and has flown alll soorts of cool airplanes.


WTFG Zig!!!!!!!!!!!  Always love hearing another added to the ranks of the elite :)

BTW, how did you get such a nice examiner?  When I took my multi-engine instrument check ride the guy ran me through the ringer. Made me do engine out instrument approaches with half the instruments covered.

He was a real bastard.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: cpxxx on May 13, 2003, 10:13:29 PM
Well done Zigrat, welcome to the club. Now the fun stuff begins.
It's a pity the FAA has such an unimpressive licence. You get a big fat book from the JAA with your grinning mug inside.

Onwards and upwards.

Don't be so hard on the examiner, Grimco. That 'bastard' may save your life one day.  I don't know why they call it a multi engine rating. You spend most of your time flying around on one engine.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: NUKE on May 13, 2003, 10:17:47 PM
WTG!

That's something I wish to do someday :)

Good Job!
Title: private pilot!
Post by: GrimCO on May 13, 2003, 10:20:31 PM
LOL Cpxxx,

Although I'm appreciative of his efforts to make me a better pilot, I was just wondering why the majority of multi-engine instrument pilots never experienced the same level of stress during their checkrides. I think the guy had a bad day or perhaps he was skeptical of my level of ability. I was 19 when I took the checkride. I'm guessing he thought I was just a young punk with no business flying a Cessna 310R. I now have over 1200 hours in the bird, so I suppose he did his job.

At any rate, I passed, so I shouldn't squeak about it. I just thought it was a little extreme at the time.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Dago on May 13, 2003, 10:22:11 PM
Congrats!  You now can scare other people besides just yourself.   :)

Funny thing you will notice is this, you will feel more in command than you did before.

You have achieved what most dont when you got your license, I think its something like 70% who start flight training that will not finish.  You are in the 30% who stick with it.  Enjoy.

dago
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Toad on May 13, 2003, 11:21:41 PM
Congrats Zig!

The first 200 hours are the highest accident rate IIRC.

Be careful out there!

Enjoy!
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Ozark on May 13, 2003, 11:40:22 PM
Hey Zig! Congrats!
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Raubvogel on May 13, 2003, 11:52:11 PM
Congrats dude!
Title: Re: private pilot!
Post by: CyranoAH on May 14, 2003, 01:15:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Zigrat
passed my checkride today, feels good to be in the club! my examiner was an awesome guy, we chatted for hours. He has 16,000 hours in dc-3s and has flown alll soorts of cool airplanes.


W00t!! Congratulations mate!! Just remember to fly safe. At the beginning we fly with the flight manual in mind, but then tend to relax too much when we get experience.

Fly always as if you thought you were a n00b and you'll be better than fine!

Good flights!

Daniel
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Animal on May 14, 2003, 01:20:20 AM
Way to go man. Keep yourself polished with practice. Stay sharp and professional even when joyriding.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: straffo on May 14, 2003, 01:59:25 AM
Congrats zigrat !

Now just don't forget to double-check for cops when taxiing your plane to park it ;)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Lizard3 on May 14, 2003, 07:34:29 AM
Quote
Originally posted by straffo
Congrats zigrat !

Now just don't forget to double-check for cops when taxiing your plane to park it ;)


Dam, I was beaten to the punch line!

WTG Zig! Enjoy it man!
Title: private pilot!
Post by: ra on May 14, 2003, 07:42:05 AM
It's just a license to learn Zig.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: GrimCO on May 14, 2003, 08:24:41 AM
Quote
Originally posted by ra
It's just a license to learn Zig.


Always the optimist...

Love ya anyway ra...  And not in a gay way... LOL

He's right though Zig...  But congrats again on a major accomplishment. I don't even know ya and I'm proud as hell. WTFG
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Zigrat on May 14, 2003, 08:28:52 AM
thanks guys, it has been something i wanted to do for a looong time.. video games were a temporary substitute but the real things a blast. i think i am gonna plan a cross country to the beach :)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Dingbat on May 14, 2003, 09:13:28 AM
Quote
Originally posted by GrimCO
LOL Cpxxx,

Although I'm appreciative of his efforts to make me a better pilot, I was just wondering why the majority of multi-engine instrument pilots never experienced the same level of stress during their checkrides. I think the guy had a bad day or perhaps he was skeptical of my level of ability. I was 19 when I took the checkride. I'm guessing he thought I was just a young punk with no business flying a Cessna 310R. I now have over 1200 hours in the bird, so I suppose he did his job.

At any rate, I passed, so I shouldn't squeak about it. I just thought it was a little extreme at the time.


FWIW, Maybe he saw that you are an excellent pilot and wanted to push you a little harder, just to see how skilled.  I've heard of one examiner who does just that.  If you would have met the basic requirements he would have still passed you.  I dunno if that's legal but seems interesting from afar.



WTG ZIG, I'm a little under halfway there myself with about 26 Hours.  Have FUN

CAVU
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Furball on May 14, 2003, 09:36:59 AM
wtg zigrat!!!!! i would love to get a PPL, but im only 19 and its wayyyyy too expensive for me.  My dad got me a 2 hour lesson for my birthday when i was 18 - got me hooked!

Now all i have to do is earn/ beg/ steal/ forge enough money to do the full course!
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Maverick on May 14, 2003, 09:49:48 AM
Congrats Zig. Now build up some hours, at least 200, then look for a small plane of your own. It's so much nicer when you don't have to schedule your activities around the plane being available!
Welcome to te world of REAL pilots.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: OIO on May 14, 2003, 09:55:18 AM
dont pay attention to these guys.

Take off and start doing hammerheads 1000ft over the tower. :D
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Rude on May 14, 2003, 10:07:26 AM
Congrats Zig!!!

Stay skippy....what Toad said is the truth.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: midnight Target on May 14, 2003, 10:21:26 AM
So, what is step 1 if you happen to be interested in getting a license?
Title: private pilot!
Post by: airbumba on May 14, 2003, 10:41:02 AM
WTG Zig..i hope you have a long and uneventfull flying career. Remember to always turn carb heat off on dirt runways, keeps the ground crew happy:)

Grimco reminds me of a story, there was a guy who had trouble starting his twin engine plane, (Seneca II i think) so he started it with a boost from his car,heheh. So on climb out the engines died, the guy did a very good emegency landing, saving himself and his ride. At the FAA hearing , when informed about losing his liscence for 6 months, he squeaked at the decision complaining that nobody took into consideration his great emergency landing....lol. Ya gotta wonder sometimes.

Airbumba
Title: private pilot!
Post by: ra on May 14, 2003, 10:50:56 AM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
So, what is step 1 if you happen to be interested in getting a license?

Go to your local GA airport and talk to a flight instuctor.  And don't be too fond of your money.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Dingbat on May 14, 2003, 11:58:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
So, what is step 1 if you happen to be interested in getting a license?


Goto Be a Pilot and get a voucher (http://www.beapilot.com)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: udet on May 14, 2003, 12:55:14 PM
congrats Zig
I'm hoping to get mine this summer. How fliying hours did you have before you passed the checkride? The minimum is 40 but a CFI told me that the average # it takes for people to get their PPL is 70. I really can't afford 70 hours:eek:
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Zigrat on May 14, 2003, 12:58:33 PM
70 is a lot. it took me 57. national average is 65. it all has to do with how often you fly, it took me 10 months because of various problems ranging from school conflicts to weather. the more often you fly the less hours you'll need to get the license.

i think my total costs are around 4500 bucks including all examination fees, instructor and rental costs, books and materials, and club dues. so it is not cheap but i think its worth it :)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: udet on May 14, 2003, 01:01:44 PM
yeah, I hope you are right. I will be able to fly as often as I want since I don't have anything better to do this summer. My friend is trying to do it in a month, she flies twice every day. had her first solo yesterday after 25 hours.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: udet on May 14, 2003, 01:06:34 PM
hey Zig, did the fact that you had flight simming experience help you in any way?
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Zigrat on May 14, 2003, 02:06:42 PM
not really flying for real has a very different feel. plus the skill set is completely different. it probably helps that you already know what an aileron is etcera but not that much
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Dingbat on May 14, 2003, 03:20:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Zigrat
not really flying for real has a very different feel. plus the skill set is completely different. it probably helps that you already know what an aileron is etcera but not that much


I disagree somewhat, It's great for IFR training and Basic VOR Usage.  Other than that I agree.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: GrimCO on May 14, 2003, 03:38:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by airbumba
WTG Zig..i hope you have a long and uneventfull flying career. Remember to always turn carb heat off on dirt runways, keeps the ground crew happy:)

Grimco reminds me of a story, there was a guy who had trouble starting his twin engine plane, (Seneca II i think) so he started it with a boost from his car,heheh. So on climb out the engines died, the guy did a very good emegency landing, saving himself and his ride. At the FAA hearing , when informed about losing his liscence for 6 months, he squeaked at the decision complaining that nobody took into consideration his great emergency landing....lol. Ya gotta wonder sometimes.

Airbumba


Hey, any landing you walk away from is a good one! LOL
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Zigrat on May 14, 2003, 04:57:51 PM
yeah it is definitely good for ifr if you use fs2002. not much for your private pilot though. and if your only experience is air combat really it helps zero, very little time is spent in aces high trying to perfect landings, keep an eye out for traffic, maintain heading and altitude, etcera which are all things that definitely take getting used to.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Animal on May 14, 2003, 05:01:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Zigrat
yeah it is definitely good for ifr if you use fs2002. not much for your private pilot though. and if your only experience is air combat really it helps zero, very little time is spent in aces high trying to perfect landings, keep an eye out for traffic, maintain heading and altitude, etcera which are all things that definitely take getting used to.


Actually, many people who go take their introductory flight have no idea how a plane flies, what does what regarding controls, what is a stall, etc.

A person who flew any kind of decent sim knows this stuff, has a general idea of what is involved in flight, and probably how to recover from stalls.

It does help a little.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Scootter on May 14, 2003, 05:12:23 PM
Welcome aboard mate.

Now join AOPA, the real learning begins now that you are on your own. Enjoy and fly as often as you can, be cool if you take a newby with you, no stalls or steep turns about a point to show off, we need new flyers, dont turn them off, get them started with your instructer.

Get good at cross wind landings so you will feel comfortable going cross country when its a bit windy, now you prob. feel like they are no fun (they are!).

When you get to about the 250 hour mark watch out that's about the time you get cocky and start to do dumb things (guilty as charged by my own log book)

You will never forget the day you got your ticket (like your solo) it will be one of those days for ever in your mind.

Glad to have your with us if you ever get to Vero Beach look me up. I'm buying

N42588
KVRB  T-hanger T-3
Title: private pilot!
Post by: cpxxx on May 14, 2003, 05:48:52 PM
FS2002 has it's uses for IFR practice but even then it never really replicates the sheer pressure you get in the real thing. My Instrument rating flight test was easily the most pressure filled 2 hours in my life. 100% concentration all the time.  
I think it may be counterproductive for VFR flying.  As Zigrat will no doubt tell private pilot training emphasises visual flying and keeping a good lookout. That big panel in FS encourages people to fly the instruments rather than the aircraft. In real flying with some experience you can fly around the pattern without reference to the instruments at all, just power settings and the attitude of the aircraft. A good instructor will make you do that sometimes.  

But simming does help as Animal says. If you know the basics and the terminology before you start to fly it can only be good.

Sometimes though AH is almost like the real thing. If you get up high and fly along in and out of the clouds looking at the ground below. You almost forget it's not real. Until you get bounced by some hero who snuck up on you.  AH does not help with landings though. If I landed in real life like I do in AH. I'd be arrested and shot at dawn!!

The one big difference, I find:eek: is that when you crash in real life you don't end up back in the tower and you can't fly through friendly aircraft.


Udet you could consider doing a full time residential course somewhere in the sunbelt, FL or TX during the summer. It could be done in about a month, flying every day. That gets the hours up and you could even pass the checkride and come back with a licence. Of course you need the money up front but it works out cheaper in the long run and it's great to spend all that time as a full time pilot with nothing else to think about.  A lot of Europeans do that because of the uncertain weather in Europe.

There are quite a few schools who do full time private pilot courses.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Bluefish on May 14, 2003, 06:50:17 PM
Congrats, Zig, and welcome to the club!   Lots of good advice in this thread for the new pilot, too, especially the "license to learn".

I also heartily second the recommendations about joining AOPA and/or EAA; they both provide great pilot resources and information and also help protect general aviation's interests in the political arena (and these days that's a pretty tough job).
Title: private pilot!
Post by: airbumba on May 14, 2003, 08:37:43 PM
A few things above caught my eye.
Here in Can. we had to do 5 hrs under the hood, IFR training as part of the single engine private VFR lisc. Is that the same in the US? A certain % of that could be done on a REAL old fashion sim machine that had a Cess. 172 panel, with dual nav radios and an ADF, I think 10% of the sim hrs counted , not exceeding 1 hour total IFR time, it was even singed off by your instructor.

The other thing I want to ask my fellow pilots, has to do with above mentioned crosswinds.

I took extra hrs of training in crosswind landings because once when my real instructor was on holiday, I flew with a rookie instructor and when we came in on final we had a gusty 25knt crosswind at about 60 deg. off our nose,(aprx 310 deg on runway 25), and the rookie instructor used the crab technique for landing. Well sure enough as we crabbed in , with the nose into the wind, just at flare out, the wind stopped dead and we hit the runway like a rock with our nose off center. thankfully we pogo sticked back up the wind returned and we landed. well I was scared. I wouldn't stand for being scared in a plane as PIC, so when my real instructor returned I told him what happened, and we spent an extra 5 hrs only flying when there was a severe crosswind.

All my long windedness aside, this is my question. How many of you learned the harder, but more sure technique of landing always nose to runway, fighting rudder all the way in, as opposed to the easier 'crab' into the wind and straighten out on flare technique?

Just wonderin, cause it really came into play when I went for a float rating.

Bumba
Title: private pilot!
Post by: GrimCO on May 14, 2003, 08:53:55 PM
Hey there Bumba,

Never crabbed in a crosswind in training, and don't do it now.

I've always kept the nose straight with the runway, wing down into the wind using rudder to keep alignment.  I would think crabbing in a crosswind landing would be absolute hell on the tires. As an A&P mechanic also, that's probably explaining all those flat spots on tires where the pilot didn't lock up the brakes on landing...LOL
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Dingbat on May 14, 2003, 09:01:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GrimCO
As an A&P mechanic also, that's probably explaining all those flat spots on tires where the pilot didn't lock up the brakes on landing...LOL


Yeah Right :D   I thought that was the boneheads stepping on the brakes before the wheels are on the ground.:rolleyes:
Title: private pilot!
Post by: GrimCO on May 14, 2003, 09:48:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Dingbat
Yeah Right :D   I thought that was the boneheads stepping on the brakes before the wheels are on the ground.:rolleyes:


That's what I meant! LOL  Can't tell you how many times I've seen that.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: CyranoAH on May 15, 2003, 03:09:32 AM
Quote
Originally posted by airbumba
I took extra hrs of training in crosswind landings because once when my real instructor was on holiday, I flew with a rookie instructor and when we came in on final we had a gusty 25knt crosswind at about 60 deg. off our nose,(aprx 310 deg on runway 25), and the rookie instructor used the crab technique for landing. Well sure enough as we crabbed in , with the nose into the wind, just at flare out, the wind stopped dead and we hit the runway like a rock with our nose off center. thankfully we pogo sticked back up the wind returned and we landed. well I was scared. I wouldn't stand for being scared in a plane as PIC, so when my real instructor returned I told him what happened, and we spent an extra 5 hrs only flying when there was a severe crosswind.

All my long windedness aside, this is my question. How many of you learned the harder, but more sure technique of landing always nose to runway, fighting rudder all the way in, as opposed to the easier 'crab' into the wind and straighten out on flare technique?

Just wonderin, cause it really came into play when I went for a float rating.

Bumba


Hi Bumba,

here in Spain we are always taught to keep the nose to the runway and make a slightly faster approach (75 kts compared to 70 kts in a Robin, for example).

The rule is to get everything done as soon as possible so you can concentrate on the flare. As they say, "a good approach is 80% of a good landing".

Daniel
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Dingbat on May 15, 2003, 06:24:56 AM
Quote
Originally posted by GrimCO
That's what I meant! LOL  Can't tell you how many times I've seen that.



U'd probably hate me, I don't do that, but sometimes on SFL I hit the brakes a little too hard AFTER i'm firmly on the ground,  I'm Hard Of Hearing so I don't always catch the brake squeals, but in the words of the man in Holy Grail,
"I'm getting Bettar"  
:D
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Dingbat on May 15, 2003, 06:32:51 AM
Quote
Originally posted by airbumba
The other thing I want to ask my fellow pilots, has to do with above mentioned crosswinds.

I took extra hrs of training in crosswind landings because once when my real instructor was on holiday, I flew with a rookie instructor and when we came in on final we had a gusty 25knt crosswind at about 60 deg. off our nose,(aprx 310 deg on runway 25), and the rookie instructor used the crab technique for landing.
All my long windedness aside, this is my question. How many of you learned the harder, but more sure technique of landing always nose to runway, fighting rudder all the way in, as opposed to the easier 'crab' into the wind and straighten out on flare technique?

Bumba [/B]



I was always told the Crab method was harder...  I've had two instructors my first one preferred to crab all the way in and then switch to the low wing to the wind just over the threshold.  He said it's good practice because sometimes you have to use Crabbing over low wing in higher cross wind situations...

My current instructor doesn't like students using the crab method because generally their reaction timing is not as sharp nor is their ability to recognize a bad situation quickly enough.  Of course your milage may vary... IMHO I guess it's a case of fish or cut bait...   I've been unluckey in the aspect of X winds, I haven't had much at KNYG.  It's been a calm and varible lately.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: X2Lee on May 15, 2003, 06:47:34 AM
Quote
Originally posted by cpxxx
Well done Zigrat, welcome to the club. Now the fun stuff begins.
It's a pity the FAA has such an unimpressive licence. You get a big fat book from the JAA with your grinning mug inside.

Onwards and upwards.

Don't be so hard on the examiner, Grimco. That 'bastard' may save your life one day.  I don't know why they call it a multi engine rating. You spend most of your time flying around on one engine.



Congrates Zig!
 there is no picture on my license and theres no book....
Title: private pilot!
Post by: X2Lee on May 15, 2003, 07:01:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Zigrat
not really flying for real has a very different feel. plus the skill set is completely different. it probably helps that you already know what an aileron is etcera but not that much



flight sims will give you very bad flight habits. they tend to make you lazy. You get "no wind" complacent. and tend to make long flat approchs among a few other bad habits that develop.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: bikekil on May 15, 2003, 07:21:57 AM
WTFG Zig :)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Dingbat on May 15, 2003, 07:30:09 AM
Quote
Originally posted by X2Lee
flight sims will give you very bad flight habits. they tend to make you lazy. You get "no wind" complacent. and tend to make long flat approchs among a few other bad habits that develop.


That's why you download ACTIVESKY to get real world weather, while not 100% better than no wind at all...

As far as approaches go I never have a long flat approach in FS2002, I always fly a standard patten 1000AGL complete with Downwind entry, base and final.  

FS2002 can make it real as possible but it still no subsitute for Real Life Flying.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: hblair on May 15, 2003, 09:00:02 AM
Way to go zigmund! I knew this 'ol boy would amount to something someday. :)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Maverick on May 15, 2003, 09:58:22 AM
For those interested in getting a private pilots license as inexpensively and as quickly as possible. There is an article in the June 2003 Private Pilot magazine that tells how to cut a couple thousand $ off of the cost of getting the license. This is not a speculation about it, it was done. Check it out and see if you can use the same method.

As a final note about this. If you are waiting to be able to afford it, you never will. If you are waiting till you have time, you never will. The major theory about life is that you go through once, you can't expect to put this off until your next life and get it done. There really is NO justification for doing this, you just have to want to do it and make it a part of your life. It is YOUR life, do what makes it a worthwhile experiance.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Manedew on May 15, 2003, 10:30:30 AM
WTFG!..


One day when I have the money I hope to be up there too :D
Title: private pilot!
Post by: muckmaw on May 15, 2003, 10:28:41 PM
Congratulations!!
Title: private pilot!
Post by: udet on May 16, 2003, 12:00:21 AM
Quote
Originally posted by cpxxx

Udet you could consider doing a full time residential course somewhere in the sunbelt, FL or TX during the summer. It could be done in about a month, flying every day. That gets the hours up and you could even pass the checkride and come back with a licence. Of course you need the money up front but it works out cheaper in the long run and it's great to spend all that time as a full time pilot with nothing else to think about.  A lot of Europeans do that because of the uncertain weather in Europe.

There are quite a few schools who do full time private pilot couses.


I will do it in Mobile,Alabama. I will have about two and a half months to concentrate on getting my PPL. I have a few flight hours already, I remember that I was concentrating too much on my instruments instead of looking outside. However, I do believe that by playing AH I have developed at least a tendency to turn my 'head' around a lot trying to spot 'traffic' , and that will help me with real flying.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: X2Lee on May 16, 2003, 05:42:54 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Dingbat
That's why you download ACTIVESKY to get real world weather, while not 100% better than no wind at all...

As far as approaches go I never have a long flat approach in FS2002, I always fly a standard patten 1000AGL complete with Downwind entry, base and final.  

FS2002 can make it real as possible but it still no subsitute for Real Life Flying.


yeah, its no substitute alright. And I was telling him that sims will build bad habits from experience.

They can and will make you lazy in the air. If I were still after my license theres no way I would fly sims while I was at it.
To each his own...

Oh and activesky, what a joke :D :D :D
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Scootter on May 16, 2003, 07:58:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Congrats Zig!

The first 200 hours are the highest accident rate IIRC.

Be careful out there!

Enjoy!


Actually the first 200 hours are safer statistically then from 200 to 400, according to the NTSB. I get a publication from them and read it to learn about things people do to get themselves in trouble. It seems we are very cautious during the first 200 hours due to the instructor and fear sticking with us in our decision making process. When the average pilot gains some time he gets over confidant, and you know what they say about bold pilots. Most under 200 hour pilots don’t fly in MVFR or IMC conditions or push it past their abilities. Most high time pilots (over 800) have done a few dumb things and lived through them and learned, they also tend to be better-trained and professional pilots.

I found this true in my case also, I was very by the book under 200 hours after that I tended to "get a bit to comfortable". Hope we all get to be old pilots, be careful out there is right.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: GrimCO on May 16, 2003, 08:14:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by udet
I remember that I was concentrating too much on my instruments instead of looking outside.


Hey there Udet,

You're going to have a lot of things happen during training that will be frustrating. At first, it seems overwhelming to have to look outside, watch the instruments, and talk on the radio all at the same time with your instructor right next to you making you nervous. We've all been through it.

However, I think most will agree that there is a magical moment when everything just "clicks", and you start becoming comfortable and enjoying it rather than sweating bullets. When your instructor sees this moment occur, it's SOLO time very shortly thereafter!

My most memorable moment of all that has stuck with me to this day through all my training and ratings was the day I solo'd. I'll never forget it. My instructor and I were doing touch and go's, and he told me to stop the airplane. He got out and said "give me three touch and go's". All I said to him was "by myself?". He gave me a smile, a quick jab in the ribs, and said "yup", and away I went.

It was an intense rush of nervousness, euphoria, and pride all at the same time. That was 17 years ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Zigrat on May 16, 2003, 08:33:46 AM
haha yeah i used to just fly the instruments... you will figure out it is way easier if you look outside!

oh and thanks to everyone for the congratulations :)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: airbumba on May 16, 2003, 04:23:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by GrimCO
[B
My most memorable moment of all that has stuck with me to this day through all my training and ratings was the day I solo'd. I'll never forget it. My instructor and I were doing touch and go's, and he told me to stop the airplane. He got out and said "give me three touch and go's". All I said to him was "by myself?". He gave me a smile, a quick jab in the ribs, and said "yup", and away I went.

It was an intense rush of nervousness, euphoria, and pride all at the same time. That was 17 years ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday. [/B]


Hey Grimco:
Oh yeah! That moment makes it all worth it. Never to be forgotten. I remember at my airport the downwind leg was next to a highway, and for a second I recall saying to my instructor,"look at all the traffic", only to look over and see nobody there! I'd never seen a plane with nobody but me in it before.lol That didn't last tho, training took over and I prepaired for the landing, but what a rush.

I remember one of instructors telling me once that the reason he always tries to be a good human being, is that as a young flier he was told that if you're bad you will get reincarnated as the landing gear of a cessna trainer. hehe, words to live by i guess.


Bumba
Title: private pilot!
Post by: GrimCO on May 16, 2003, 04:30:39 PM
LOL Bumba!

GREAT analogy...  To me, flying is still the most fun you can have with your pants on... hehehe
Title: private pilot!
Post by: udet on May 16, 2003, 04:43:50 PM
Ahhh I can't wait...........a bit over two weeks left. I'll get my medical before I start flying. I am blind as a bat without glasses, but with lenses I should be OK. I found a test on the net that showed I had 20/20 when using both eyes and 20/30 when using one eye. Just in case, I'll get my eyes checked and get a new pair of glasses before I take the medical exam.
I started reading the flying manual, unfortunately I don't have the Jeppensen one which is more comprehensive. I want to review the stuff I already did (3 years ago!!!), hope it will come back to me and I won't have to do it again, just to save some money on hours.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Thorns on May 16, 2003, 09:18:58 PM
Congrat Zig!

Now go take advanced loop, spin, roll training, then continue to practice it.  Life will never be the same :D

Thorns
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Russian on May 16, 2003, 09:30:39 PM
I'm going to ground school right now, ( using Jeppensen books)

Udie if it helps I can write down couple questions just for practice.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: udet on May 16, 2003, 11:22:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Russian
I'm going to ground school right now, ( using Jeppensen books)

Udie if it helps I can write down couple questions just for practice.


In case you were referring to me and not Udie, thanks for the offer, but I have all the questions and answers in the book.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: RTR on May 17, 2003, 12:21:40 AM
WTG! Zigrat..and welcome to the "brotherhood" :)
Couple of things to remember and practice.
1.If you want to fly on only 1/2 tank of fuel, try to fly on the TOP Half.
2. Flying is Mans second greatest thrill... Landing is the First.
3. The 172 is not "perked" as commonly thought.
4. It is considered Bad Form to complain to the tower that "that damn 747 is Warpy"
5. And finally... Flying through "hangar Row" at 10ft, while transmitting "dragging a 172" will not earn you any extra perk points.
:D
All kidding aside, well done and enjoy.
FLY SAFE
RTR
Title: and...
Post by: Golfer on May 17, 2003, 09:43:27 AM
You start flying with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience.  The trick is to fill the bag of experience before you empty the bag of luck :)

Here's me last friday in plane 207:
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Scootter on May 17, 2003, 11:30:23 AM
My wife and I on our three night four day adventure to Sun and Fun in Lakeland Fl. last month.

You need to go to Sun and Fun ond Oshkosh at least once now that you are a Pilot.

Great time, we had friends with three other AC and just overdosed on airplanes for four days.

(http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/ah_57_1053176542.jpg)

Me with my two babes, It don't get any better then this.

1969 REIMS ROCKET (not a C-172) FR-172 or Military Version is a T-41 Muscularo.
With after market Aux. Fuel and Bush STOL kit
Power is Cont. IO-360 (210 hp) and  constant seed prop.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: GrimCO on May 17, 2003, 12:08:52 PM
Scooter,

Awesome picture!
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Gunthr on May 17, 2003, 12:11:02 PM
Congrats Zigrat! :D
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Zigrat on May 17, 2003, 03:23:16 PM
oh 210 horse and constant speed prop, that thing is sporty!
i fly a c172 w/160 hp fixed pitch.. but hey it only costs 56 an hour :)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Animal on May 17, 2003, 03:31:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Zigrat
oh 210 horse and constant speed prop, that thing is sporty!
i fly a c172 w/160 hp fixed pitch.. but hey it only costs 56 an hour :)


That is a very good price for a c172. I pay $70.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: airbumba on May 17, 2003, 05:56:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Scootter


1969 REIMS ROCKET (not a C-172) FR-172 or Military Version is a T-41 Muscularo.
With after market Aux. Fuel and Bush STOL kit
Power is Cont. IO-360 (210 hp) and  constant seed prop.


Hi Lt. Sir:

I was noticing the front nose gear (wheel) and was wondering if that damper has less travel than a 172 ? And does that mean we can't land nose first with a good pogo stick landing.:)

And please tell me that ride has rudder trim.

Also wondering if the Sun and Fun thing is EAA sponsered like Oshkosh.

Thanks in advance sir. Continued happiness to you and your gals.

bumba.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Scootter on May 17, 2003, 06:19:13 PM
Hi Bumba,

The strut is the same as a 172 with more weight on it, so you keep the nose up on landing to protect it a bit, this is one reason I don't want it used for training. The battery is in the back behind the luggage compartment to help with the weight a bit.

No rudder trim just strong right leg, btw the climb with me (250lbs) and no aux. fuel (25 gal). is about 1100 fpm initial.

Yes Sun and Fun is EAA in the spring every year.

Stall clean is 50 knots power off
Stall Flaps 40 is a mushy 38 knots, kind of indicated, as the ASI is dead at that angle of attack and I'm using the GPS for speed readings.

 
Thanks Bumba for you kind wishes, I am working on the wife getting her PPL.
Title: private pilot!
Post by: CyranoAH on May 18, 2003, 07:46:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Animal
That is a very good price for a c172. I pay $70.


Now yours are good prices. We pay around $115 for a 160hp C172

Daniel
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Golfer on May 18, 2003, 10:47:48 PM
when i worked the line last summer it was 51/hr for a 172 and 45/hr for a 152.  now i get the "club rate" aka non employee rate of 66/hr for the 172
Title: pic as promised
Post by: Golfer on May 20, 2003, 12:48:42 PM
heres that photo from 2 fridays ago!


first time adding in a hosted image hope it works!

(http://www.usmc-squad.net/pfs.php?m=view&id=7-Sectionformation01.jpg)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: CyranoAH on May 20, 2003, 12:58:14 PM
Great pic Golfer!!! :)

Daniel
Title: private pilot!
Post by: LePaul on May 20, 2003, 01:01:00 PM
Congrats!  Got mine in 1992 and its the best investment I ever made.

Enjoy, be careful, and by all means, have a great time.
Title: hey thanks!
Post by: Golfer on May 20, 2003, 01:02:55 PM
RV6 took the photo with the digicam he snuck on board his airplane (sneaky sneaky) and emailed it.

Anybody know how to make them come up as images in the post though?  or are they just too big?  here's another with him on my wing :)

(http://www.usmc-squad.net/pfs.php?m=view&id=7-Sectionformation04.jpg)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Ripsnort on May 20, 2003, 01:08:35 PM
Ziggy! How'd you pay for it? Congrats!
Title: private pilot!
Post by: CyranoAH on May 20, 2003, 03:00:56 PM
(http://www.acbsonline.com/images/noticias/rallyprimavera.jpg)

Just place a [ IMG ] tag with the url in the middle of ["IMG"] and ["/IMG"] (take the " out)

Daniel
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Zigrat on May 20, 2003, 05:40:17 PM
hey rip thanks. i took out a loan, since i am a student i get them interest free :) thanks taxpayers :D
Title: private pilot!
Post by: cpxxx on May 21, 2003, 04:11:53 AM
Scootter, Like the photo of the Reims Rocket. A rare enough bird these days. Time was, most of European Cessnas were made in France. The military here use the Reims Rockets and even has hardpoints for actual rockets to use in the FAC role. They really abuse those aircraft, it's a tough old bird. One flew through powerlines and survived.

Liked Golfer's pics of the SF260. The military here use them too as basic trainers, well actually they are also the most capable warplane in their inventory as the Corps lacks any offensive or defensive capability whatsoever. The last actual fighter they had were Spitfires back in the fifties.

They sound great though. I live near the base see them regularly. I'd love to fly an SF260.

Some pics here:

http://www.irishairpics.com/
Title: SF-260
Post by: Golfer on May 21, 2003, 10:17:02 AM
It was a real joy to fly the Marchetti.  Expecting all the things that go along with a high performance aerobatic airplane with razor wings i.e. snap rolls at high G turns, spins difficult to recover from at high AOA low E flight attitudes, it was an extremly docile airplane!  I was completely taken back by its ability to tell you whats going on, pull too hard you buffet, ease back and your right back into a 3-4G environment as it corners.  Even came the time while chasing the slippery sneaky RV6 around in a yo-yo and vertical scissors where i actually departed (lost control) and instead of twisting me from 5000 feet into a deadly spin, it simply dropped the nose and not so much as twitched.   Very forgiving aircraft.  We had our pitot-static system get a plugged somehow on the return trip, and the airspeed indicator was pegged at 50 and wasnt moving.  so we did a seat of the pants ILS approach to about 300 foot ceilings and the airplane didnt let us down.  
Very simple, very predicitible, very easy to fly.  End results of the accelerometer for both of us was 5.5G's, -1.25G's.  We put the airplanes through their paces and had what i am sure is the most aggresive fight the IPs have had in quite a while complete with reversals, snap rolls out of the gunsite, vertical scissors, and agressive yoyos.

And another comment about the WX conditions, that picture is actually from our flight and you can see the marginal at best VFR, well back at the airport it was IMC with 300-400 ceilings with the tops at about 3200 (i think thats what i called it on our pirep).  Anyways, we fought 30NM north of the base (i'll call it a base hehe) at the HWANG intersection where riiiiiight at the end of that 30nm it became "ok" vfr.  Anyhow...flying the SF-260 was the most fun ive had in an airplane, and i get to add it to the list of cool planes ive flown, and not just rode in...
Extra 200
Pitts S2C
Christen Eagle
Stearman
SF-260
Citation I/SP (yep)
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Zigrat on May 21, 2003, 11:46:40 AM
i want to do ACUSA so bad. how much did it run you? how do you think it compares to combat in aces high?
Title: ACUSA
Post by: Golfer on May 21, 2003, 12:40:02 PM
click here (http://www.aircombatusa.com) and find out.  they recently raised their prices another $100 i believe so plan on spending nearly $1000 for your first trip.  if you choose to do the fighter lead in program, that will set you back 1750 or so, thats two flights instead of one, so you'll engage in a minimum of 12 dogfights throughout the day for around 3 hours of flying or more.

Compare it to aces high?  you can't.  Put 5 G's on your body while wearing a 6lb flight helmet...see where i am going?  you're tacking an extra 30lbs to your head in a turn and maintain visual contact AT ALL TIMES with the other airplane.  no glancing at instruments.  Its flown by feel and listen to the plane, it'll tell you what you're doing wrong or right.  If you're in a buffet, ease back and you corner well.  I can't really begin to describe what became my favorite move to do on the merge.  Merge wings level and roll the airplane about 135-140 degrees left and pull through a low yoyo.  puts a lot of G's on the airplane and gives plenty of airspeed to take things into the vertical.  My problem was if i began to "Saddle up" i'd get over excited and try to squeeze in the turn a little sharper and get into a buffet and the next thing i knew RV6 was flying circles around me.  And he "Flew the airplane to perfection" said the IP i was flying with callsign "Bluto".  In all the time hes flown ACUSA he told me, he'd never seen anyone fly the airplane as well as RV6 had that day.  I wont go into any experience disadvantages, because i smiled the whole time even when my cockpit filled with smoke when i heard "guns guns guns" in my headset.  Only problem i had was the WX that day, and had to call off my flight out to the airport and hit the highway at 1am to make it in time for our 9oclock briefing.  UGH!

Fly the airplane, and make fewer mistakes than the other guy and be patient for them to make a mistake before you.  If you're neck and neck through the whole fight, you wont ever have them behind you.  Its only until one guy makes a mistake that something happens.  Two identical airplanes, Identical Altitudes, Identical Airspeeds...its up to the pilots to fly.  And as i said before its the most fun ive had in an airplane!

Enjoy
Title: private pilot!
Post by: Ripsnort on May 21, 2003, 07:01:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Zigrat
hey rip thanks. i took out a loan, since i am a student i get them interest free :) thanks taxpayers :D


Good on ya! Glad to hear you're not depending on your parents at your age!