Draccent,
You will probably get the most from this forum, and the genuine good will of it's participants if you respect that for many here aviation is a passion and often a career. After more than thirty years in aviation, the most important thing I have learned is that there will always be something else to learn, thus someone else to teach it. Aviators are eager to spread their passion far and wide, to those they consider worthy. After all, why waste one's time directing an effort to a person who will not appreciate it, or take it seriously? I do my very best to never antagonize anyone, as they might be a teacher now, or in the future. Kids I took flying 25 years ago, are now very experienced pilots, with a lot to teach me!
The same caution extends to commenting negatively on aircraft types. Each aircraft type, for better or not so much, has it's following. Why insult them? Those people probably have a wealth of knowledge as to how to get the most out of that type of aircraft. Why not rub those people the right way, and just ask for help?
One of the sayings includes a phrase that there are "no old bold pilots". I have met some young ones, and a few are still alive. How one approaches the people of aviation will say a lot about how you will approach aviation itself. If you want to endear yourself to those aviators who really have the wisdom you want, approach slowly, and with respect. Treat them as you would want them to see you treating their aircraft, should they allow you to fly it.
One PPrune member who was a new pilot on the other side of the world when she first communicated with me, has now had many hours of flying with me, and my support to be employed in an enviable project development job in aviation, with great opportunities, simply because she used the right approach. The only thing she ever knocked in her communication with me, were people who knocked her first.
35 hours is a great accomplishment, congratulations. Soon I'll have that in helicopters - I'm a newbie there for sure, I tread very lightly. However, my 5000+ hours in 120 fixed wing aircraft (including C172's) make me nearly bold enough to suggest that you to ease into aviation, and spread out the experience, You'll enjoy it longer!
Today's free wisdom, for whatever it's worth,
Pilot DAR
Last edited by Pilot DAR; 17th September 2007 at 00:05.