Phew! Kind of like riding a bike

[nddons]

I'm embarrassed to say that my BFR expired 10 months ago, and the last time I flew - before today - was 14 months ago. I don't know how in the hell that happened.

I guess life got in the way.

But I got my BFR done today, and it felt very natural. That's how I envisioned it in my mind, but I'm so happy to have proven to myself that I can still be a good pilot. I had a nice 40 degree 14G22kt crosswind to test myself, and while I was doing some wing waggling about 100-200ft AGL, every landing was smooth, straight, and safe.

It's nice to be PIC again.

Now to commit to flying at least once per month, do a XC, and push myself. And not let this happen again.

 

[douglas393]

Congrats on getting into the cockpit again. Keep on flying.

I personally go nutso if I have to go a weekend without flying, 14 months I would probably be in the funny farm. For me it is as much therapy as it is relaxarion.

 

[Bill]

I'm embarrassed to say that my BFR expired 10 months ago, and the last time I flew - before today - was 14 months ago. I don't know how in the hell that happened.

I guess life got in the way.

Life does indeed happen. I've only flown 2-3times/year the last 2 years. The loss of both parents over a three year time span (cancer both), a working wife who's getting her MBA at night school, and a very active child (swim team, piano, drama club) has kept me hopping and squeezed aviation out of my life. Not really mad or bitter, it just was(is).

But, the family house closes later this month and the estate business can be wrapped up. I'm back on the POA board to get my aviation juices flowing again. I hope to get out next week some evening and head to the practice area. Last time out was back in April. After getting my VFR flying going I need to attack the rust and get my IFR chops back.

Oh well, life happens, there is only so much time per day, and family came(comes) first.

 

[VWGhiaBob]

If you're embarrassed, I should be shot! My break was 41 years. Had the same experience...twice around the pattern with no help from CFI. The look on his face when he saw the last entry in 1972: priceless!

 

[LDJones]

I'm currently flying with a gentleman who got his license 40 years ago, but hasn't flown since. He decided he now has the time and money to enjoy it, so came to me to get current. I was pleasantly surprised to see that, despite a 40 year gap, his flying skills weren't in bad shape. By the third landing he was making them completely unassisted (the first two only required some minor intervention.). His biggest hurdle was getting radio communications back since he doesn't have much towered field experience. But he's progressing quickly. He assumed it would take 20+ hours to get back in the game. We've flown three hours (plus a few hours of ground review) and he's almost ready to be signed off.

No one should ever feel they've been away too long. Once those skills are acquired, they stick with you. Welcome back!

 

[Florida Cracker]

It had been a number of years since I flew a Quicksilver. Back to my ultralight days, in fact but since I needed a BFR anyway, I called an instructor and had him take me up and do it in his.

Had I ever forgotten how much fun flying can be. No windshield, no unnecessary instruments, no radio, nothing to detract from just poking holes in the sky, practicing the old set of maneuvers and enjoying the view.

 

[nddons]

I'm currently flying with a gentleman who got his license 40 years ago, but hasn't flown since. He decided he now has the time and money to enjoy it, so came to me to get current. I was pleasantly surprised to see that, despite a 40 year gap, his flying skills weren't in bad shape. By the third landing he was making them completely unassisted (the first two only required some minor intervention.). His biggest hurdle was getting radio communications back since he doesn't have much towered field experience. But he's progressing quickly. He assumed it would take 20+ hours to get back in the game. We've flown three hours (plus a few hours of ground review) and he's almost ready to be signed off.

No one should ever feel they've been away too long. Once those skills are acquired, they stick with you. Welcome back!

The CFI was particularly happy with my zoom climb. Man that 160hp C172 really climbs in a 2,900 ft density altitude!

 

[flyingron]

I have a ten year hole in my logbook. Oddly when I got my act together and went for my initial BFR after the absence my landings weren't that bad and the airwork was fine other than the rather laughable attempts to track a VOR while passing over the station. Instructor said she thought I was demonstrating S turns.

 

[frfly172]

I went twenty three years,raising kids and working multiple jobs.Then I was invited to fly to sun and fun and back I came with gusto.Have now owned four airplanes and hold an ATP rating try to fly twice a week and do several long cross countries a year.Love to hear stories of pilots coming back to flying.Have fun

 

[VA Aviator]

This Sunday will be my first time in the air since 2008 (well, unless you count the ride I got from delta not long ago*) and I'm hoping I've not forgotten that much.

I've been studying very intently. Even fired up MSFS and to my surprise I was able to remember a lot of instrument procedures. Then again, before my career change I worked in the industry and ate/breathed/slept aviation and everything related to aviation, so I'm sure that helped.

But, my God has everything gotten expensive Last time I flew regularly I was flying a DA-40 for $120 an hour... oh well. I've run the numbers a few times and finally rationalized it - the prototypical 50 hours a year costs about as much per month some people's car payments - and I would never have that kind of car payment

*pretty sure that the ride in the sardine can was the swift kick in the rear I needed!