What to do once i get my private pilot license

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I don't care if my wife goes with me, or not. In recent years she has had no interest, so I enjoy the solitude of flying without anybody in the plane, but me. So go check out other airports. Fly around and get more proficient. Then get an IR. Buy a bird, have fun. Enjoy and get involved.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

I'm the same. Love flying alone. Took a few people up after my PPL -- a cousin , bf, & grandmother -- & oddly, another new PP, who asked me to teach him how to navigate bc even though he had his ticket, he kept getting lost on his x-countries! But like you, I really enjoy just flying alone.

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Dry-Horror-4188@reddit

That scares me that you had to show a PP how to navigate. God forbid he decides to get his IR. Another issue is, unless he is flying with steam gauges or cannot figure how GPS works, I do not see how someone can get lost flying in the modern era of electronic navigation.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

I wondered how he passed his checkride. I didn't know him until he approached me & asked me to teach him. I worked pt-time at the Part 61 school & he had heard that I was planning a very long x-country for fun & that I was a good student. I had scored in the high 90s on my written & passed my checkride in barely VFR conditions w/ strong gusty winds. The DPE failed a guy who tested right after me. At this point, I was working on my CPL.

The one condition he had, though, was that I had to be quiet about flying the club plane bc they didn't allow females to fly their planes! So stupid. But I had no affiliation w/ that police dept so I didn't care. It was an excellent opportunity to do the trip on the cheap & help a fellow pilot learn what he should have learned. His CFI had an ATP & was considered a good instructor, so IDK what happened.

GPS wasn't available yet, so it was mainly VOR, plotting the route on the sectionals, & using the E6B. I also covered pilotage & dead reckoning, to ensure he knew it all. I went over all the planning w/ him, showing him step-by-step, explaining the VOR -- how to fly off of one, to one, & how to use them along the route to ensure we were on track.

At one point, en route, he refused to listen to me when I explained that after intersecting the VOR, he needed to turn back to the heading or we'd wind up flying in circles until we ran out of gas! He finally listened, thank God. He flew the 4 legs to the destination w/ me instructing re navigation, & I flew back.

As far as I know, he never got lost anymore. IDK if he ever got his IR; I never saw him again. But several yrs later, I called my DPE about a pilot we both knew who had had a fatal crash...& he said pilot X also had a fatal crash (pilot X was the guy whom I taught navigation). The DPE told me that he was landing at our home a/p & that he hit power lines & crashed. He was flying solo so no one else died. I hadn't heard about it bc I had moved to another city. So that's how his story ended. RIP.

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Dry-Horror-4188@reddit

That is a tough story, so based on your post, you, like I, probably been in aviation for a number of years (40+ for me, licensed at 17).

As I have said on other posts here, you get around aviation long enough you will know someone that looses their life. For me, it has been a larger number than I like to think. The toughest one was I lost an instructor, that was a hero, when the Lear he was flying that pulled drones lost their engines on approach into KFA. He successfully set it down on a street narrowly missing a school, and clipping an apartment building.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

Yep. Like you, been flying a long time. Got PPL while finishing B.A. CPL training during my M.A. & flew a businessman's 172 while training for CPL. No pay, of course, but did it for the experience, free hrs, & had access to his plane for lessons.

I saw either YOUR post or another's post about flying long enough & losing people you know. 3 ppl I knew had fatal crashes, including the guy I helped.

One was a highly experienced & respected fighter pilot who did airshows in his AT-6. He took me up in a Citabria during my PPL training. Thank goodness he warned me not to eat breakfast! Bc he did everything but tapdance w/ that plane & I enjoyed every minute! We dated after that for a short time. He lived out of town & was a corporate pilot & my "plate" was full, flying & finishing my B.A., so we lost touch. So it was especially sad when I heard on the news several yrs later that he crashed performing his last maneuver at an airshow in a friend's AT-6. His family witnessed that. He left behind a young wife & 2 young kids. He was 42. Very sad.

So I can relate to you losing such an important person as your CFI. How awful! Mine's still around. You said he successfully set the Lear down, but clipped an apt. building. Did that cause the plane to catch fire? Did people in the bldg escape? So sorry for your loss.

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Dry-Horror-4188@reddit

If I recall correctly, one person in the apt. was severly burned. He was my instructor at a flight school I belonged to way back when I lived in Northern California. My first flight instructor in Wyoming clipped a power line in a 172 while flying Pipelines. He didn't make it, so I had 2 instructors not come through.

I also used to hold Fly-in's when we lived in SoCal. Had a cabin outside Big Bear, CA and we would BBQ and host pilots from CA, NV and AZ. One year two people came and we got to know them somewhat, anyhow he was involved in a mid-air outside Corona, CA. which made me never fly into Corona, CA again. We have since moved and now live in Texas.

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old_flying_fart@reddit

she has had no interest

Bummer. Sorry, dude.

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SpaceDave83@reddit

After I got my PPL, I didn’t want to go anywhere so I thought I’d just try out some different types of planes. Got a tailwheel endorsement just for grins. That school also taught aerobatics so I took an intro flight, not expecting to like it. I was wrong, I loved it. I ended up flying competition aerobatics and bought a single seat Pitts S1S (they are not expensive).

Aerobatics may or may not be for you, but the point is try different stuff to see what you like. If your family eventually change their mind, you can always rent a C172 at most airports.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

Wow! I plan to fly tailwheels at some point, as well as some aerobatic lessons. On my very 1st PPL lesson I asked my CFI to show me a spin. He did. I LOVED it. He said I was the ONLY student who ever asked him to do that & he was a seasoned CFI. And he taught me later in my PPL training how to do it & recover bc I told him I wanted to know how, in order to be a better & safer pilot.

Very interesting that you fly in competitions! My one & only aerobatic ride was w/ a friend who'd been a fighter pilot & took me up in a rented Citabria during my PPL training. Later on, he bought & restored an AT-6 which he flew in airshows & races. Unfortunately, yrs later, I heard on the news that he crashed at an airshow in a friend's AT-6 while his was in the shop. It was fatal. The NTSB said "pilot error", but I wonder what happened bc he had a reputation as a VERY SAFE & EXCEPTIONALLY SKILLED pilot. My CFI said you couldn't fly w/ anyone better. He was only 42. Stay safe!

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SpaceDave83@reddit

Air show flying is VERY different from competition. Air show flying is incredibly unforgiving and requires a lot of training and experience. Competition flying is at a higher altitude (except for the unlimited category) and is not about impressing the audience with derring-do. It’s about flying very precisely. You have to make your loops look circular, your vertical flight is exactly vertical, etc.

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TxAggieMike@reddit

Start building cross country PIC time that’s needed for instrument flight checkride.

Start doing Pilots n Paws missions.

Make like minded friends and attend fly ins or seek out the best flyable BBQ Burger and Breakfast places.

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falcopilot@reddit

I'm interested in Pilots n Paws, it was a factor in what plane I might want.

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546833726D616C@reddit

Big paws, big airplane.

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TxAggieMike@reddit

One of my first dog passengers was an adult Saint Bernard.

Thought I was going to bust a gut lifting him into the baggage area.

But he hopped right through the cargo door of the 182 and went into the crate.

I dang near foster failed on that flight.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

Awww... "foster fail". I would've needed help to lift him! Thank you for volunteering. I'm constantly recommending Pilots 'n Paws to Rescue Orgs. I plan to join the pilot volunteers once my "plate" is cleared of other stuff. I'll likely be using a 172. Question: Do you need to remove the rear bench seat to fit a large/xlarge crate? Or, does folding down the bench suffice? You must've had a XXL crate for a St. Bernard!!

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TxAggieMike@reddit

An XL folding crate worked.

Also the ones with the spring rods that allow fold flat when not in use.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

Ok. Thank you! Forgot about folding crates. I have 2, but they're med size & I don't use them anymore bc current dogs are much larger. Didn't realize folding ones came in XL! I had a fabric one w/ spring rods but those rods didn't hold up.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

I second Pilots n Paws!! Volunteering one's time to fly rescued dogs & cats to their new, furever homes!!

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PeaceLvSpreadsheets@reddit

For me, like-minded pilot friends were the key to staying current. I have a fantastic little group and we take turns being PIC, we split costs and explore tiny airports all over the state.

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usmcmech@reddit

Buy an acro airplane and have fun terrorizing the local traffic pattern.

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TxAggieMike@reddit

This comment is more enjoyable because I know you

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usmcmech@reddit

Why I have no idea what you are talking about. ;)

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TxAggieMike@reddit

What’s your schedule over next 6 weeks… would like to get the tailwheel thing done.

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BootComprehensive321@reddit

Rah

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trashme8113@reddit

I had the same. After a year of having my ppl, wife finally came with me. She doesn’t like to fly, but I was having adventures with my friends and she was missing out. I’m in the northeast so I’d fly to MVY or KLCI and enjoy the day. Now she comes with me - it’s about the destination and adventure, not the flight.

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THevil30@reddit

That base leg at KLCI though... took me by surprise.

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trashme8113@reddit

The changing winds or the mountain in the way?

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THevil30@reddit

The mountain hahah. I wasn’t ready for it and extended my downwind, climbed over the mountain and came back in over the lake.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

What a/c were you flying?

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THevil30@reddit

It was an Archer - this was a few months ago.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

Ok. Thanks! I never flew a Piper. I trained in the Cessna -- mainly 172s. I hope to fly a Piper one day. Very nice-looking plane. At my Cessna Pilot Center, the CFIs said the Piper "lands like a brick" compared to the Cessna. So I'm interested in experiencing the difference myself! 🙂

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nolaflygirl@reddit

Yep. But it also builds PIC time in addition to the fun!

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Chappietime@reddit

Get an instrument rating. It will give you a very valuable set of skills that will help keep you alive should you find yourself in low visibility.

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usmcmech@reddit

While I agree that an instrument rating should be in a fresh PPL's near future. I also recommend some solo fun flying first. Build that PIC decision making muscle, go explore on some short cross country fights, attend some local fly ins, "shoot down" some toilet paper rolls, and so on.

PPL D-> INST is a good way to burn out in the training bubble.

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nolaflygirl@reddit

Good advice! I loved doing quickie fun solo stuff, like landing at a nearby subdivision in a neighboring state, which had a beautiful runway & a courtesy car w/ driver! The driver would take me to the Country Club where I'd order a nice meal, relax by the pool, & when ready, would call the driver who'd pick me up & bring me back to the plane! I didn't have much money at all -- I was finishing my B.A. & working a couple of pt-time jobs.

Maybe OP could do PPL->CPL w/o burnout. I had a ball going straight to CPL training bc I thoroughly enjoyed practicing the precision maneuvers like Chandelles (my favorite) & landing on the numbers, etc., plus the x-countries. For the long x-country, once I had complied w/ the requirements, I hopped over to the Bahamas for fun, spent a night, & flew back home the next day!

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ShelbyDriver@reddit

Plus it will give you a reason to keep flying.

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MegaDuck71@reddit

Join a flying club or (and) look in to gliding.

I am personally not taking (non pilot) passengers till I get my IR. I am a pretty new private pilot and I want to be more proficient before I take passengers up.

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old_flying_fart@reddit

It's nice to have boundaries, but sometimes there are perfect, simple days with low traffic CAVU weather, and no wind. Don't pass up the opportunity to make great memories on simple flights.

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MegaDuck71@reddit

I appreciate the vote of confidence. Had you seen my last shambolic IFR flight training you might have a different opinion. It’s one of my first and I have a small brain so it was difficult for me. However, I think I can fly myself safely VFR. GA is more dangerous than the average person thinks and I don’t want to subject other people to that risk before I feel that I am a good pilot.

I saved up the money to power through the IFR stuff after the PPL so I am hoping I get it done in a few months. So, it’s not years away.

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jtyson1991@reddit

Are you going to take your passengers in IMC once you're rated?

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MegaDuck71@reddit

I haven’t figured that out yet. However, I would likely not take off expecting I would get into IFR landing weather with passengers if I get my IR at the early stages.

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old_flying_fart@reddit

"shambolic IFR flight training" and "one of my first"

Those two go together.

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Go_Loud762@reddit

Have you ever considered flying to South America?

We have many lucrative routes for you to fly. Much important cargoes. VIPs. And many monies,

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LRJetCowboy@reddit

Get a mistress and fly her around.

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falcopilot@reddit

... And stuff.

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Go_Loud762@reddit

Yeah, butt stuff. Heh heh.

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MattL-PA@reddit

Or fly escorts to Miami

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FriendshipSe7en@reddit

You need a commercial license for that, unless you wanna do the flying for free.

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old_flying_fart@reddit

Who cares? It's deductible!

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coldnebo@reddit

yeah, but is it for a common purpose? 😏

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LordCrayCrayCray@reddit

Don’t joke. A lot of pilots get off on stuff like that.

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Jp8886@reddit

Just have them cover gas

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FutureRenaissanceMan@reddit

Also new kids probably

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CarolinaSchola@reddit

Second family

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Nathan_Wildthorn@reddit

What to do? Work on proficiency. 🙂 👍

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lowlifesurveypilot@reddit

Pro tip, make friends with the people in flight school then split the costs. I have taken friends up but they are always kind of hesitant.

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EquipmentFormer3443@reddit

Join the military and become a pilot

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Hantotech@reddit (OP)

Too old

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StarPlat0054@reddit

Pull out the “im a pilot” line with everyone you talk to.

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Purple_Shame5075@reddit

I'm also working on getting my PPL. I don't have a real plan, but IFR, multi, and Sea Plane are endorsements I'm planning on pursuing.

Get some time in, get a few 100$ burgers. Some extra cross country hours to travel. Fortunately, my partner and son will fly with me. Once you get comfortable with it though, you should be able to get them to ride.

Especially if you throw in a unique destination for her.

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EliteEthos@reddit

Why are you getting your license?

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Hantotech@reddit (OP)

Its a personal goal that i have been carrying with me for 20 years. I have time now, so I am attempting to get it done while i can. I love the idea of the freedom flying creates, opening the opportunity for endless adventure..

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Icy_Huckleberry_8049@reddit

thousands of things to do - go for $200 hamburgers, go sight see, take a trip somewhere, etc.

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iheartrms@reddit

$500 hamberders!

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AdventurousSepti@reddit

Join a local pilot organization. Such as EAA. Join national EAA, then find a chapter near you. Yes, it is EXPERIMENTAL Aircraft Association, but actually most members fly factory built Cessna and Piper, etc. Jump through two hoops, online class about 20 minutes and cursory background check, to become a Young Eagles pilot. EAA YE program has flown almost 2.5 million youth 8 to 17, I've flown over 300. Gives a good excuse to fly, introduces the next generation to general aviation. About 7% of pilots under 40 started as Young Eagles. On Facebook there is FATXX, Flights Above The .. in my area it is FATPNW Flights Above The Pacific Northwest. There are several different Facebook groups around the country. Ours has almost 20,000 members. Many will share expenses with you to fly around to restaurants, sights, activities, fly-ins. Many states have their own organization. Here in WA it is WPA, Washington Pilot's Association. There are chapters all over WA that have monthly meetings. Look for Fly-Ins within a comfortable flying distance from you. Maybe invest in a tent and basic camping gear as many of theses have camping beside the plane and have meals available. Join with 3 to 6 others, form a LLC, and buy a plane. You can join a local flying club but many have as many as 20 pilots per plane. With 3 to 6 you can say you own a plane, scheduling is much easier, and costs are reasonable. I've owned 3 planes, all in partnerships (really LLC's) and all have been great. Now flying a Zenith CH-650 that 4 of us built and now fly. Monthly expense if I don't fly is $165 each per month. That pays for hangar, insurance, and a basic annual/condition inspection (we could do ourselves but prefer to pay a A&P for safety). flying we pay our own fuel and $20/hr for maintenance/reserves. Get your PPL and enjoy. But don't do it in a vacuum. Join pilot organizations (AOPA, EAA, local state), subscribe to flying publications. Get inside aviation.

Video is another hobby of mine so while most YE pilots just give a flight, I use 3 or 4 cameras and make a video of their flights to share with friends and family. Remember, my target audience is the YE and their friends, so it is longer than if made for general public. I got my PPL in 1982.

https://youtu.be/vI4GOtlalM0?si=YiisxPSC6iwEEcRl

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AZMedGuy@reddit

I’m active in my local EAA chapter and it’s great to connect with other people who want to fly.

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itchygentleman@reddit

$1000 burger

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Iflysims@reddit

It’s your license to learn.

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redtildead1@reddit

Get your instrument rating!

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Ok-Motor1883@reddit

It’s not such a bad idea from them. A ppl is still very inexperienced. I made my own personal minimum of not flying my family until after I had my instrument rating. Not because I was flying them in imc but just to ensure I had more training and time in the air.

My wife was resistant at first but once I offered to fly her for a weekend getaway from the kids that’s what sold her.

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classysax4@reddit

$100 hamburgers with other pilots

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ltcterry@reddit

I flew 20-30 hours a year for 30 years before I changed careers. CFI-G at about year 24.

$100 hamburgers. My kids. Their friends. Occasionally for work. A couple long trips.

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Lamathrust7891@reddit

I'm planning on hour building, checking out the regional airports in my area until im legal\safe and confident enough to volunteer for angel flight.

Expensive burgers or fish and chips.

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LeatherFruitPF@reddit

Start flying to work and brag to your colleagues how you get to skip the morning rush hour.

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Emdub81@reddit

Get hoes in different area codes.

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JustAnotherDude1990@reddit

Instrument training.

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us1549@reddit

Get a new wife

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3Green1974@reddit

I found that people were just hesitant because I only had access to older planes. Once they went once to get pizza the next city over (45 minute flight) they got used to it. It will probably just take a couple “I’m flying this really fun and cool thing” to get your kids on board.

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phxcobraz@reddit

Go do what airplanes are made to do, travel. Plan some 200+mi X/Cs to somewhere interesting, stay the night, and enjoy the place then fly back. Or just do long day trips.

My wife doesn't really care about flying much, but loves going places and getting there faster than a really long drive. We've gone skiing, hiking, visited museums, concerts in another town, etc.

You will need to build up X/C time if you ever intend to get your instrument rating, so why not start now.

You will learn how FBOs and fuel/parking work, more congested airspace, and a variety of things about airport operations both in the air and on the ground, stuff you really don't get exposed to flying the pattern to get your private.

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snoutpower@reddit

I'm a bit in the same boat. I got my PPL in February and had the thought that I'd be going with my wife all over. She's only flown with me twice (total of about 2.5 hours) since i got my license. I've flown about 60 hours since getting my license for reference. But I've put it out there to friends and other family in case anyone else wants to go and to my surprise, I have a lot of people that want to fly, including co-workers. Also, I'm part of a club so i can sometimes sync schedules with other club members to fly together. Keep in mind that you'll need to be flying every few weeks (ideally) to stay proficient... so make sure you're working that into the budget.

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FloatinBoatinSOB@reddit

It’ll be a great place to go after you guys fight about something- clear your head 🤣

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Infamous-Ad-140@reddit

Fly around and stuff

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:

I'm currently pursuing my product pilots license and my wife and kids refuse to fly with me once I get my license. I get the impression from everyone around me that this will be a personal endeavor so with that in mind what should I do once I get my private pilots license keep things interesting...

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