It's been 40 years since I've flown left seat. How easy/difficult to get back in.

Posted by MusicalFamilyDoc@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 94 comments

I'm 65 YO and generally healthy. Got my PPL in November 1979 during senior year of college. Only 96 hours TT. Last flew left seat in 1983 during 4th year of medical school!!!! About the time of graduation (1984) fuel costs had gone up, so a small plane rented for close to $100 wet. As an newly married intern making about $15K/year, i could not justify the cost. Throughout my 36 year medical career, I've wanted to get back up in the air, but a bit afraid to lest I fall in love with it again and start trying to finagle a plane into my life - already have another money draining hobby. I've had several friends and patients over the years try to talk me back into it. **Question:** please don't be offended by this question: I have a young patient who got his CFI a year ago and we've talked about going up so I can sit left seat. I'm about to take him up on it so I can see if I can still do this. Is landing a C-172 after many years in any way, shape, or form like riding a bicycle? I've had pilot friends tell me it'll be easy. I trained in C-150. I have a few hours in C-172, Cherokee 140, Piper Warrior, and Grumman Cheetah. My smoothest landings were in the 172 and Warrior and Cheetah. I have a hunch that I will not land the plane on the 1st flight, so I will likely need to pay my young friend for some hours of various maneuvers to get the feel of the aircraft. Would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks.