Took My Discovery Flight Today!

[777-2H4]

So today for the first time I actually got to "fly" an airplane! I've always been an aviation nut but its been growing....took an airshow quickie ride a few weeks ago, had a sit-down consultation with a CFI, and signed up for the ride.

I got .7 hours, dual given, to put into a logbook if I continue this. Taxiing a C172 using the rudders was quite an experience, and together with the CFI I did the takeoff. After he demonstrated some turns, I tried some. It was VERY easy to fly, just a couple fingers touch to the yoke and we were going over toward a 15 degree bank, and it wasn't that hard to straighten back. he set the trim - it was nice to be able to fly without touching anything! I don't know why I was expecting it to be harder.

I think I needed some nose-up in the turns because I lost a little altitude, though not too bad. And I should look outside more - I tended to be judging my pitch and roll attitudes by the gauge a lot. We were at a un-towered airport so there was no traffic pattern.

I love to fly. Being up there is a beautiful thing and the Cessna 172 is a really tame plane. I am still debating whether to continue. I would really want to do this as a job and change careers. They say you really should do something that you have a passion for....I don't know, I guess I have a lot of insecurity about what would lie ahead if I put myself in debt for this and the job market and stuff. But I really enjoyed the experience, just as I do with every experience when I'm around planes.

 

[SPilot]

Oh, this makes me remember my first solo and the joy I felt during the time when I started flying.

You're right about everything - you need some back pressure on the yoke during turns, you should look outside as much as you can, and pursuing a career as professional pilot may very well lead to debt and a bad credit score.

Its all fun ahead of you, and if you're unsure about going for it, you could set your goals one step at the time, and start by working toward your first solo, and then eventually you'll get your private. By that time you'll have more of an idea what amount of time and money it requires to be a pilot, and you can decide wether you will continue for instrument and CPL, or just be a private pilot and fly for fun as a hobby. If you pook around in the forums, which I believe you allready have, you'll see that pilots and aviation industry personell are beginning to look elsewhere for personal revenue.
Aviation is no longer the best option for money making, you have got to be motivated by something else.

Btw. I'm 200lbs myself, and I've flown C152 once. Its no problem if your instructor is a light guy, say 160 or less. You'll be almost at max weight when you take off, but the CG is well forward, so the airplane still behaves pleasurably. I'd recommend C172 anyhow, because it will get you to the practice area a bit quicker, and it is more roomy. C152 is TIGHT. I cant even stand up under its wing without bending. But you wont fall out of either of them if you put your seatbelt on

Best of luck to you!

 

[777-2H4]

He knows that I'm a photographer...and I brought my camera so he set the window so that it could be open while flying and I took some killer shots. Maybe working for myself as an aerial photographer could work? Real Estate development, accident reconstruction & other legal needs.... the C172 could be the perfect platform for that type of stuff. My CFI told me he's done it with a buddy of his, and I know someone else down south who did it.....

 

[navigator72]

Congrats on taking a discovery flight. I wouldn't focus on whether or not you want to make a career out of it. I would start off with a smaller goal of getting your private license first. Once you get that, you will have a better idea as to what you want to do.
As far as aerial photography, it is a great way to make some good money. I fly aerial photography (part time) and make some serious $$$.

Goodluck

 

[Flying Ninja]

I would really want to do this as a job and change careers. They say you really should do something that you have a passion for....I have a lot of insecurity about what would lie ahead if I put myself in debt for this and the job market and stuff. But I really enjoyed the experience, just as I do with every experience when I'm around planes.

Congratulations on your first flight experience. Sounds like you had a great one. As for doing it as a career, all I can say is, do it if you have a lot of money to burn getting from where you are to where you want to be. It's mad expensive! For now, enjoy the thrill of flying for fun. My flight instructor gave me advice when I was training: Don't make something fun your career. Even though I never got there, I still think about what he said. And I think he's right after reading this forum and others.

Anyway, best of luck!

 

[Flip Conroy]

We were at a un-towered airport so there was no traffic pattern.

I must have missed this in the FARs and AIM when I was learning.

But congrats on your first flight.

 

[Flying Ninja]

I must have missed this in the FARs and AIM when I was learning.

But congrats on your first flight.

Well, the AIM's description of a traffic pattern is "suggested" right? I've been to a couple uncontrolled fields where people did what they wanted to do. So this guy may not be too off from the truth of what happened on his flight...

 

[777-2H4]

If I wanted to check out another flight school, would I be able to sign up for a demo flight with them now that I have already had one? Or is it just a matter now of talking to their CFI in order to decide who to pick. I'm thinking that taking a flight with a CFI is a good way to see how I would feel taking lessons from that person. Or os that just wrong? Do you choose a flight school or instructor simply on the basis of a meeting or interview?

 

[Flying Ninja]

Go check out as many flight schools as you can/want to. Just remember one thing: you're paying them. Don't treat flight training differently from any other product you consume. If you don't like the product, or they don't deliver the product to your satisfaction, complain. You have the money. You can always walk. Just don't get stuck signing some contract that traps you and your money.

Not everyone gets along and not everyone can teach you as efficiently as the next person. Interview the school/CFIs and go with your objective analysis. If after you get into it you find that you're not happy, switch to another CFI or go to another school. Ask a lot of questions. How they respond to your hard questions should give you a very good indication of the way they operate. And keep asking questions here. The more the better to help you understand what you're getting into.

 

[JSky26]

My flight instructor gave me advice when I was training: Don't make something fun your career. Even though I never got there, I still think about what he said.

Ninja,

This is an interesting point. I feel like it is the passion and enjoyment that people get out of aviation that keep them flying professionally...it sure hell ain't the money