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I feel guilty...

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abev107

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2002
Posts
58
...that I have to seriously curb my lesson frequency. MONEY, or lack there of. I was so gung-ho in the beginning.

I feel bad b/c my instructor kind of took it like a knock on him. Instead of flying 2x a week, it's gonna be 2x a month.

I will have funds available in about 6 weeks, but by then I will be working 60+ hrs a week so time will be at a premium. I will be able to resume 2-3x week flying in Nov 03. My question: is it even worth it to fly between now and then, 2x a month? Or should I just stop and start again in Nov?

One thing I was thinking of...Just 'flying around' may be good for me without the anxiety of completing maneuvers and will hopefully increase my confidence.

My original thought back in NOV was to complete my training and get my PPL by mid Feb (I have the winters off from work), but never thought the anxiety would slow me down so much.

Your thoughts and views are welcomed... :D
 
I'm getting two messages here.

One, that you need to increase your confidence (be less afraid of flying), and two, that you have insufficient funds.

This requires examination of your money and time situation as well as your heart.

Do you really love to fly, and you simply have yet to feel good about controlling the airplane, or do you think that you will like to fly if you can become skilled at it, and are unsure that you feel like this is really for you?

Is your anxiety just about meeting the standards? It's early for checkrideitis. The time/money paradox applies to many of us.

If you love to fly, you find the money and the time, or you plan to follow this dream on a shcedule that fits your needs.

Twice a month is VERY difficult to learn any kind of skill, whether it be flying or playing the trumpet. I would not recommend that approach.
 
Frequent Flyer (sorry)

Flying twice a month just will not cut it. You have to fly at least twice a week - three times a week is better. Flying frequently and on a regular schedule promotes success which, in turn, promotes momentum. You need both to get the most from your learning experience. Doing neither will cause you take longer to learn and cost you more in the long run.

Maybe you'd be best advice to work, save your pennies, and start anew in November, when you'll have the time and lack of distractions you need to learn how to fly. Take it from someone who knows, you need both and especially the latter.

Best of luck with your plans.
 
bobbysamd: i agree that flying more often is helpful, but flying "at least twice a week" is definitely not necessary. during my private pilot training i averaged about 2 or 3 flights per month. i took and passed the checkride about 17 months after my first flight, with 51.8 hours TT

abev107: since you, according to your profile, have 9 hours and probably haven't soloed yet, i agree that it would probably be best to take a break until november :(
 
hmmm replies I just wasn't expecting.

I guess it doesnt make any sense to fly twice a month?

I can't believe I am 'one of them' who stops training. :mad: I had such confidence that I was going to get this thing done this winter.

I like to jump in with both feet. I was always one to take tests first, then study what I got wrong after. But I guess that's not the best method when it comes to flying.

Maybe someone is trying to tell me to hold off for now.
 
Maybe.

But the more important part of this is the opportunity.

Between now and November, you can become a ground school "expert" through home study. Then, you will have all of the academics at your command.
 
I guess for me the only question is why? Why are you learning to fly, that is. If you are doing it for recreation, man, keep going once a month if that is all you can swing. Just be upfront with yourself and your instructor. Let them know that you are short on funds, but love the PROCESS of learning to fly, and enjoy your once, or more if money permits, a month flight lesson. Look forward to it. Love it. Enjoy it for what it is.

When I taught flying some time ago, I was amazed at how people would get so stressed out about their schedule, or money, or whatever. Learning to fly is great. Enjoy the process. No one says you have to get your private in 40 hours, and in only 3 months time. If you realistically can only fly once or twice a month, tell your instructor, set up a sylabus that will emphasize review and a slow pace and forget the rest.

If you want to do this for a living, what are you smoking crack? Just kidding. If that is your goal, then a more intensive, structured curriculum with few breaks are what is needed. I would still go up the once a month that I could afford, just to stay in the game, but you need to be open with your instructor.
 
I like the different view

Why: Cuz it's fun, Cuz I am always staring up at planes, flying flight sim, reading flying message boards. It's not going to be my career. But I love the idea of getting in the plane and and flying to ACY or upstate NY, or Montauk, or anywhere... I kinda think that flying once a month - even if it does me no good other than gets me more acclimated - will help me, not hurt. After all, flying *is* fun. It's not like you're sitting in a classroom.

Aside from the financial issue, I have an anxiety issue that I need to get over. Maybe it's my perception. I remember back in High School I'd get the same feeling before Baseball games I was playing in. At the time I chalked it up to [convinced myself] being psyched up, not scared. I am getting it right now just thinking about flying ;)

I have been accused of thinking about things too much. Anyone know an aviation psychologist?:D
 
I like to jump in with both feet. I was always one to take tests first, then study what I got wrong after. But I guess that's not the best method when it comes to flying.

And especially not skydiving!



So very sorry, please excuse me, back to topic now :)
 
abev,

That preflight feeling is completely and absolutely normal...some call it the butterflies. I remember it well. It does go away for the most part, except for the most challenging flights. Checkrides, low IMC, a new CFI will all do it to ya. I definitely had it all through private.

I flew about once a week to once a month in private training while going to college. Finished in about six months with 40 hrs on the button. Just make sure you fly frequently before the checkride and keep your head in aviation when not flying. Sometimes the ground knowledge is much more valuable than the flight time. Keep those procedures sharp in your mind, study your butt off, visualize flying, and you'll be fine.

Enjoy that nervous, adrenalin filled time while you can. I still love flying more than anything but I miss those days. An old CFI once told me, "if you really love aviation, don't do it for a living." Not sure I believe it fully but some of the shine does wear off.
 
I really liked my CFI *but* he had/has absolutely no fears, and says he had no hurdles to eclipse during training. It was a bit hard to relate.

He wasnt arrogant at all, he just had a "matter-of-fact" demeanor. Sure if something went wrong I knew he could fix it. But for those of us that are human, we need someone to relate to.

172Driver has the right idea...looking for a student? Where do you teach? :D
 

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