[Talk] Aviation

[Javier Lombillo]

On 5/14/07, Danny Rathjens <dannyr@wirespring.com> wrote:

> I've thought about doing that but I am the king of procrastination.
> But I thought it required a lot more than 6 hours to get a certificate.
> Oh, you are saying how many hours into the certification process you are
> so far?  How much of the training/certification do you do on simulators?

Depending on your certification path (FAR part 61 or 141), you need a
minimum of 40 or 35 hours of flight before you can take the FAA
practical test for the private pilot cert.  Most of that time is spent
in dual flight, with your instructor in the right seat; once you've
reached a subjective level of competence (essentially, when both you
and your instructor feel you are ready), you begin flying solo.

>From what I understand there's very little simulator time, if any, in
getting your private pilot ticket.  Once you have that, though, the
simulator becomes a viable training option, especially for an
instrument rating.  Obviously simulator time is much cheaper than
renting an airplane, though never as fun. :)

Anyway, I highly recommend you take what they call an introduction
flight.  Find a general aviation airport near you and then find a
flight school that flies out of it.  Give them a call and set up an
appointment "to see what it's all about".  You'll sit in the left seat
of a small plane and get to take-off, fly to some scenic sites, and
then, if the winds are kind, you'll land the plane.

That experience will very quickly solidify if flying is for you or not
-- you'll instantly love it and devour every website, book, and
magazine on aviation you can find, or you'll walk away with "thanks
but no thanks" and a new appreciation for what it means to fly.

I procrastinated for a long time, too, but am so glad I finally
started.  Let me know if you have any more questions -- I have the
aviation bug and am very happy to share what I've learned.

j