TazzyTazzy
Pre-takeoff checklist
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2013
- Messages
- 359
- Display Name
Display name:
Mitch
Hey everyone. As the title says, I'm just getting started with this.
A little background - I wasn't always fascinated with planes, but about 5 years ago a co-worker took me out in a sailplane. WOW! That was amazing. So quiet, and peaceful...But, having to depending on a lift. A couple years ago, at a party at a friends house, and a friend of a friend brought their friend with them that has a PPL. He said he loved flying and being able to go anywhere, nearly whenever. Too bad, I didn't keep in touch with him and I think he lived in AZ. Those two things started the seed for flying.
So, I'm just getting started here in Sacramento (oh, wait, that's the title - must be getting to the point). Here's where I'm at:
I'm 6'4, 180# and live near Gold River, CA (east of Sacramento by about 13 miles). I've scheduled an intro flight at EDU (UCDavis airport) this weekend in a 152 (hope I'll fit). I've also scheduled a discovery flight with Executive Flyers out of SAC next weekend. ExecFlyers doesn't have 152s, but 172s.
The goal is to check out both operations and decide where I want to work on my PPL. Is this a good way about doing this (paying for two intro flights)? Any advice on what to look for? What to ask? I PM'd someone here that went to EDU and he said they were great, but also said ExecFlyers is good too).
Here's also a big item: EDU is 32 miles (34 minutes says google) while SAC is 17 miles (23 minutes, google speaks again). I'm in a fuel sipping car, so distance isn't the but added time. Doing the math on price, is also a big factor. Assuming 55 hours of plane rental + 55 hours trainer (30 hours flight + 15 hours pre/post flight), the difference in price really adds up (about $2200 difference). EDU rates are lower since it's a not for profit operation and I'm in a 152 vs 172. Club dues are the same rate.
I appreciate any feedback on what to look for, questions to ask, and on deciding where to go.
A little background - I wasn't always fascinated with planes, but about 5 years ago a co-worker took me out in a sailplane. WOW! That was amazing. So quiet, and peaceful...But, having to depending on a lift. A couple years ago, at a party at a friends house, and a friend of a friend brought their friend with them that has a PPL. He said he loved flying and being able to go anywhere, nearly whenever. Too bad, I didn't keep in touch with him and I think he lived in AZ. Those two things started the seed for flying.
So, I'm just getting started here in Sacramento (oh, wait, that's the title - must be getting to the point). Here's where I'm at:
I'm 6'4, 180# and live near Gold River, CA (east of Sacramento by about 13 miles). I've scheduled an intro flight at EDU (UCDavis airport) this weekend in a 152 (hope I'll fit). I've also scheduled a discovery flight with Executive Flyers out of SAC next weekend. ExecFlyers doesn't have 152s, but 172s.
The goal is to check out both operations and decide where I want to work on my PPL. Is this a good way about doing this (paying for two intro flights)? Any advice on what to look for? What to ask? I PM'd someone here that went to EDU and he said they were great, but also said ExecFlyers is good too).
Here's also a big item: EDU is 32 miles (34 minutes says google) while SAC is 17 miles (23 minutes, google speaks again). I'm in a fuel sipping car, so distance isn't the but added time. Doing the math on price, is also a big factor. Assuming 55 hours of plane rental + 55 hours trainer (30 hours flight + 15 hours pre/post flight), the difference in price really adds up (about $2200 difference). EDU rates are lower since it's a not for profit operation and I'm in a 152 vs 172. Club dues are the same rate.
I appreciate any feedback on what to look for, questions to ask, and on deciding where to go.