Way off topic
 

I recently decided to follow up on something that I have been wanting to do for 20+ years and decided to enrol in Flight school for a PPL.

This actually scares me a lot as there is a ton of stuff to know and learn and because doing classroom work unfortunately is not feasible for me I am doing the online classroom which in itself is daunting. Now take a guy that has not had to study or do homework for 26 years it becomes even scarier.

The end result is though if I carry through and pass all the TC exams I will be one more person to watch out for in the skies.

Congrats.. I'll keep my head up!

Do it. It's a bit of work, but the reward and satisfaction is more than worth it. Then you can do this... Here's a youtube of a flight I did just 2 weeks ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keP5ECKgQaY

Finding out the government really really likes to nickel and dime you to death

Also finding out plane ownership is entirely achievable however you need some fairly deep pockets too

Good news about airplanes, is that they are a bit like real estate, if you get the right one. They go up in price over time. Don't think about them like cars or boats with huge depreciation. But yes, initial entry costs are high (incl getting your license), which is what holds so many people back from getting into flying.

And ongoing costs (incl maintenance and insurance) are not bad either (again need to get the right plane). My ongoing costs are less than my car (and truck).

Ownership definitely has its merits, but the typical cost savings isn't seen until you fly around 100hrs a year.

http://www.chickenwingscomics.com/co...8-cw2L0112.jpg

Again, depends entirely what plane you choose and how it is certified. A small Cessna or Piper might cost 30 to 40K to buy, and 2 or 3K per year for maintenance if no major repairs or parts required. But a high quality amateurbuilt like a Vans RV or a Murphy Rebel (like mine) costs next to nothing to maintain and parts are a lot cheaper, too. The initial costs may be higher for an amateurbuilt, but you get a much better plane (newer design and technology) so the total cost of ownership is less in the long run (incl appreciation) for what you get and what you can do with it.

For example, I have been flying my plane for 14 years now, and have not spent more than 2K over that time on parts and maintenance (excludes discretionary upgrades). And in my case, it is worth at least 30K more than I have put into it (incl discretionary upgrades).

Oh, and hangars also appreciate like real estate, so that cost can be very minimal as well. That cost or rental is very dependent on where you live.

100 hours a year is quite a bit actually for a non commercial pilot. Most fly 50 hours or less. But for sure, ownership can still be very cost effective at 50 hours and less. And if less than 25 hours, not sure anyone would even rent you a plane (would need more recurrent training).

Another option that is becoming more popular, too, is fractional ownership.

But your first challenge will be to get your PPL. It's good that you are not underestimating that effort. Too many do, and quit because of their very unrealistic expectations.

Best of luck.

I have learned throughout the years never to underestimate anything because if you do expect heartache, spending more money than needed and way more paperwork than expected.

As far as flying goes I figure to get my license will spend around 7-11k and for now rental and want to get over a hundred hrs on my licence so if I rent elsewhere they aren't going to be so unwilling to rent but all that takes time and a lot of it looking earliest for licence maybe December if I pass everything then wonder what to do next

Getting your PPL by Dec may be a little optimistic, unless you are not working and have lots of time available. Most take 6 months or more (1 year is not unusual). Remember, you also have to schedule around weather (winds, low clouds, etc). I think the avg PPL takes 60+ hours and I know some that have taken over 100.

Despite what I said in my previous post, renting initially is good to start off with (I did that, too). It may take a while before you know what type of flying you will want to do (off airport, floats, $100 hamburger flights, etc.)

Providing I have the money I can actually fly up to 6 days a week as I am a shift worker and I work 4 on and 4 off it is of course dependent on money, weather and plane availability plus the flight school here also trains for northern climates which means mountain flying and unplanned weather events from valley to valley not a lot of flying schools teach that

Well, good luck. Certainly lots to learn,... and that is a good part of the fun. The PPL is just the license to learn. After many years and hours, you will still be learning and expanding your own limits, and your plane's. I have over 1700 hours now (all non commercial) and most of that is floats and off airport here in the mountains. And I am still learning new things incl about my plane. And of course having great fun, with a great community of pilots and like minded people.

All the best!

Awesome! It's well worth all the work and effort in the end. I just completed mine about 2 years ago at 71 hours and now working on the commercial. Personally I didn't think it was too bad and I did mine with a family of 5 and cutting back to a part time job while schooling.

Did my first flight I was actually impressed with myself I didn't death grip the controls and didn't panic my instructor is awesome and patient

I am just interested in VFR and maybe further down the line night flying nor interest in commercial or multi


Sadly I have to learn to use my right hand a lot more as a leftie it is a tough thing to learn to use your non dominant hand for most of the tuning why is everything designed to torture us lefties......

Well, good news for you is that with flying you learn to fly left and right seat (later) so have to get used to flying with either hand. And with some planes controls are in opposite hands (eg tandem seaters). But it really doesn't matter, as you fly with your brain and it learns how to command your hands accordingly.

Flying lessons really are great fun. There is so much going on sometimes, that you will no doubt have a few headaches afterwards (from concentration and tension). Always a good idea to be well hydrated beforehand. But the euphoria after you land makes up for that, although there will be times of frustration as well.

I have a friend here that often flies with me, that also just started his lessons. He completed his ground school a couple months ago and now is doing the flying part. He does have a head start, though, as on longer flights I would often give him the controls. Only thing I wouldn't let him do is land or take off. So it will be fun to watch him progress as well.

Well it appears I've impressed my instructor and have picked up the basics quite well I am a long way from being a competent flyer however one thing I have noticed is that the headsets that I have been using have definitely seen better days and are hit and miss with being able to clearly hear the radio.

So for you long time flyers what is a decent headset for a beginner all the headsets the school has are David Clarks and have been through the wringer a time or two and I am quickly finding out I need to hear stuff not static.

So what would you suggest within reasonable price for a beginner like me to look for

David Clarks are my preferred choice, it all depends on which model.
These head sets range from few hundred dollars and can exceed a grand.
I suggest around the $800 mark.

Yeah, good headsets make a flight so much better. I would not skimp on headsets. Get an ANR at the minimum.
http://pilotshop.ca/pilot-supplies/h...oise-reduction
I have a pair of Zulus, and boy, they sure are wonderful compared to my old David Clarks (non ANR). Bose are good, too.

I agree.

I would definitely advocate spending the money on an active noise canceling set right from the start.
Bluetooth pairing to your cell is another major plus in my books.

Having suffered a comm failure (intercom) in controlled airspace #2 to land with 2 more in the circuit, having the ability to call the tower easily on your cell would be a huge asset.
Sure you can squawk 7600, but in congested airspace its not fun being uncertain.

I have many non active noise canceling David Clarks.

Well I have had my first bit of excitement practicing circuits and touch and goes had the cloud cover suddenly drop my instructor took over and just as he did my pilots side door popped I didn't panic but did some serious butt clenching managed to get door closed as he did a short final weather cancelled rest of days flying but made for an interesting talk after landing

Also did some serious research in ANR headsets and purchased a set of Faro ANR headset works quite well comfortable and easy to adjust plus are fairly rugged especially for our northern climes

Also according to my instructor I am advancing quite well don't panic easily and have a fair grasp on basic flying but still have a long ways to go and getting close to first cross country flight and controlled airspace currently flying from an uncontrolled airport and I am really enjoying flying so far but lots to learn still and gotta start on my online ground school again (Tough to stay focused sometimes)

Glad you're having fun, and your first pucker factor wasn't too high. As I'm sure you've heard, "It's better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than in the air wishing you were on the ground". Those can be pretty bad...

Not familiar with those headsets. Hope they work out for you.

How many hours are you up to now?

I'm up to a whole 5.5 hrs so far going to try to double that next weekend if weather cooperates it's been tough to get flight time In between work and the weather and because snow is expected to start falling any day it's going to be a crap shoot


As to the headset
http://www.aircraftspruce.ca/catalog...et13-16042.php