Learning to Fly

[Ed Haywood]

I appreciate the input Ed. My friend that gave me the ride in his Great Lakes said the same thing about getting my TW endorsement.

I have no plans to get my CFI or attempt to instruct anyone.
I'm retired, I just want a hobby to enjoy.

I have considered maybe competing in acro, someday, if it fits my budget, otherwise I'll just fly out over the desert and twirl around in the sky.

Sorry, I misread, thought you aspired to teach. Acro is perfect for you!

 

[Albany Tom]

I can't do acro or any other 'batics, with or without a plane, but agree that tailwheel is a great thing to learn. If you can find a place that will do it, it's very possible to learn in a tailwheel first. I did that, and I don't have any special skills or talent. Primary reasons to do that are it's fun, and you learn right away about the rudder. I don't think there's anything harder about tailwheel, except taxiing. And it's fun.

 

[JeffinNV]

Sorry, I misread, thought you aspired to teach. Acro is perfect for you!

I reread my intro and see where I could have been more clear with my wording.
I would edit that but I see I can't.

I meant "moving onto learning aerobatics instruction as soon as I can".

 

[Crashnburn]

Yes I was taught by at least 6 instructors during my primary training and learned something from each one of them.
Then I had 3 CFII for my instrument training.

I think I have the world’s record for CFIs and FBOs. The more I fly the better I get and the more fun it is. If you like challenges, you will be challenged every time you fly, from your first flight until you hang up your wings. I like challenges. I made my living solving challenging problems. Some were seemingly impossible to solve. Those required 99% perspiration and 1 % inspiration plus 100% persistence but they were all worth the struggle.

 

[WJG-GMT-RootBeer]

Sorry for the TLDR, I included an introduction. I suppose my main question is, how important should flying be to me before I take lessons?

I was interested in airplanes and flying when I was a kid. Somewhere along the way I lost that interest.
I don't know if I didn't think I could do it or if something else caught my attention.
Thinking back on it now, it was probably that I didn't know where to begin.

I hadn't thought about flying for years, though in my mid 20's I looked into flight school with the goal of becoming a professional pilot.
When I learned that I couldn't get a job until I worked as a CFI to get the hours I lost interest.

Several years ago a friend took me up in his Great Lakes bi-plane and did some aerobatics.
I didn't find the flight itself terribly exciting, even the few minutes that I got to fly, however I thoroughly enjoyed the aerobatics.
I hadn't thought about that flight until last week when I saw a picture of him in his airplane, upside down.

I told myself, I can learn to do that.

So now I'm looking into learning to fly, with the goal of moving onto aerobatics instruction as soon as I can.

I'm no stranger to the CFR's or government exams.
I'm a retired Marine Engineer, every step of my career I achieved through self study at home, followed by taking USCG exams.
Currently I spend my spare time and cash on cars and motorcycles, I would divert those resources to studying and flight lessons.

I am concerned about flying holding my attention, I don't feel a burning desire to be a pilot and airplanes aren't all I think about.
I think to maintain skills I should fly a certain number of hours on a regular basis.
How many hours I do not know. There is a local flying club that I can rent planes through once I'm a member.

Currently my plan is to take an introductory flight with a CFI, if I decided to pursue lessons obtain my medical certificate and join the club.

Airplanes are not all you think about?

You might need to see a doctor or something.

In all seriousness---Your plan is solid. Get a few lessons under your belt and see how it impacts you and what desire is there. You need to be enthusiastic because the costs do add up. Personally, I think its the nicest thing you can do for yourself. It's really the only hobby that ever interested me--I have zero desire to play golf or pickle ball or whatever. What I have always enjoyed is getting in a plane and getting to go somewhere or even nowhere.

 

[JeffinNV]

I got a text message at about sundown asking if I wanted to go for a short night flight, I said I can be there in half an hour!
I have been worried about the night flying portion of training and figured this would give me a little taste.

It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, there are plenty of city lights and the mountains are dark, so we stayed away from the dark areas.

Sort of funny, two nights ago I was watching three C172's on adsbexchange doing their night flying in Reno.

 

[Rick A]

I've always had a short attention span and get easily distracted, hopefully I'm self aware enough now to get through the slow parts.

A short attention span, and easily distracted are common denominators in many very successful and happy people I've gotten to know throughout my life. If you continue to express an interest in flying, then begin formal lessons and stick with it, these issues may not be a negative factor whatsoever.

Take Dana's advice and research the ADHD subject throughly before ever broaching the subject with the FAA.

 

[WJG-GMT-RootBeer]

A short attention span, and easily distracted are common denominators in many very successful and happy people I've gotten to know throughout my life. If you continue to express an interest in flying, then begin formal lessons and stick with it, these issues may not be a negative factor whatsoever.

Take Dana's advice and research the ADHD subject throughly before ever broaching the subject with the FAA.

Yep---no need to waive a red flag in front of an angry bull.