1st time flying abroad, how different?
Hi all,
I know many many of you have done hour building in the US and so will be able to answer this rather naive question. I have only flown in Ireland and during my 110hrs or so, have only visited a few airfields, all of then small. Irish airspace is easy to handle as it is uncomplicated and ATC, even when on a vfr flight plan tend to leave you in peace. Even so, I always found that 'procedure' was the most daunting task for me when flying ie;using the radio properly, approaching other airfields, joining to land in a correct manner etc. I am always very conscious of doing things just right and hate been unprepared for a flight, therefore I always feel the pressure to have my procedures down to a 't' before I fly. So this leads me to the following question. Being only familiar with Irish airspaces and small destination airfields, what is it like to go to Florida and fly in a completely different environment in terms of bigger destination fields, lots more traffic, different radio standards etc. etc. I need to do 47hrs P1 before CPL training starts and seeing as everyone seems to go Stateside for hour building, I guess I need some common sense advice . I am sure there are books on the subject of flying in the States, could anybody recommend one? Also when you get to the flight school do they take the time to bring you properly up to speed before letting you go out solo. I have my PPL and 110hrs spread out over the past 3 and a half yrs, so I do not consider myself experienced and due to irregular flying, would not be overly confident as it is difficult to feel 100% proficient when you have some 8week gap sinve your last flight and over a year since your last solo flight!!! I feel that going away would be great experience and a good confidence boost, and also a nice little holiday. So what say you in terms of advice? How is it done when you get there?
I am sorry to ask another question about Florida, I am sure everyone is bored to death on the subject but I am not asking about the quality of the schools or asking for a recommendation. Just about procedures and the flying part!
Thanks for any advice
KiloBravo