I've been scanning through the thread and I feel I may keep it bumped and current by adding my own £0.02p, mods feel free to strike down your wrath upon my post if it has already been covered, and my sincere apologies to any time, space and bandwidth I've wasted! you too reader!
About hours building, have any of you considered networking? I'm a 10hr PPL study, not even licensed yet and I've been making great connections in America as well as home! a lot of hobby pilots, farmers and charity pilots welcome their very own amateur FO for their exploits, young and old a lot of established pilots are not looking, but are welcoming for someone to sit in the seat less sat!
Some of the guys I've been speaking to said they'd love someone to split the fuel with them on a few runs and would welcome an air buddy to come practice with them! not to sound like a deviant but upon reading another thread a few nights ago and learning about the whole hours building lark I went and did a little snooping and found I was saving a packet flying with these lovely guys and girls! hell I don't even care if the hours don't count! I'm not too clear on that yet but grabbing air is grabbing air, logbooks be damned!
To save on accomodation where I plan to visit I'm making fantastic connections with people willing to let me surf their couch! most are for free but some require a little elbow grease... better than $45+ a night right?
The books I'm using right now to study JAA/FAA ATPL were bought off fleabay for a staggering
£30, a fraction of the original cost from what I've seen! they are a little ragged and dogged with notes scribbled along the borders (that are actually proving useful) but the seller was kind enough to include a few blank practice exams with a kind note telling me to photocopy them and wishing me good luck!
There are savings to be made! it's just putting yourself out there and having a little faith in your fellow man! there are plenty of decent guys and girls out there willing to lend you a hand, but they can't come find you! you have to find them!
and hey, if I'm wrong, atleast I'll make the news right?
here's hoping I don't have to put the lotion on the skin lest I get the hose again!