A year of flying

[FlyingForFun]

We're well into December now, there's only a couple more weekends left this year, and the chances are that weather will stop us from flying on those weekends anyway... So I thought it was a good point to ask what you've acheived, as far as flying is concerned, this year. And, more importantly, what would you like to achieve next year? Maybe there's a particular rating you want? Or are you looking to buy a new aircraft? Maybe all you want to do is log more hours? Or do you have your skills test booked or planned for next year?

I'll start. This year, I have:

Got a complex checkout
Got a night rating
Had some aerobatic training
Had some multi-engine training
Bought a share in a Europa
Passed the first half of my ATPL exams.

Next year, I plan to:

Pass the second half of my ATPL exams
Get an IMC rating
Get a Tiger Moth checkout
Get a CPL

I'd also love to do some formation flying, but there's only so many things you can do in a year, and I don't think there'll be time for that next year. But never mind, I've got the rest of my life to do everything I won't be able to do next year! :)

FFF
--------------

[Kefuddle_UK]

Congrats Fun. You seem to have acheived a hell of a lot there :)

My overly ambitious plan for next year is:

* Complete PPL
* Buy plane
* Ensure that I am completey at ease with any RT, controlled airspace, MATZ, SVFR or VFR situation!
* Fly some good journeys. I would love to fly to see Le Mans next year :)
* Get a night rating.
* Get an IMC rating.
* Complete first half of ATPLs
* Enjoy every minute of it :D

I don't ask for much do I :cool:

[Dave Gittins]

This year was good. After more than 10 years "training", (at Ringway, Chester, Barton and Luton) I passed my skills test in Feb - flying out of Luton.

I moved to Kingston upon Thames and joined LTFC at Fairoaks & "converted" from a 1999 Warrior with twin GNS 430s to a 1968 Cherokee 140 (with a VOR but no DME) and discovered the Fairoaks "local area" and learned how to leave the big boys at the big airport up the road alone (unlike one of our unfortunate number who strayed a bit and stopped LHR for 10 mins).

Had a few flights around the south coast on glorious summer days and an LTFC cross channel checkout to Le2K. Lately my flying's been confined to scurrying down to Fairoaks as soon as the sun comes out, to look for a free (sorry vacant ... wouldn't free be nice !!!) aeroplane and keep current in the circuit or down and around Guildford.

I've bought a GPS and more or less discovered what it can do for me.

Last thing for this year is to go to Tenerife for Christmas and hope I can fly there.

Next year ..... If I don't get to fly in Tenerife this year, I am there 'til after new year, so maybe I can start the year with a scenic tour around Mount Teide.

I want to "convert" back to the 172 at Fairoaks, although I have a fair few Barton 172 hours already.

Will I do my IMC & night ??? Well I have had a fair bit of practise whilst at Luton ... Skill test took almost 12 months 2 perform because of weather restrictions so did a fair bit of dual night and real IMC and ILS's and PRAs. Although Fairoaks isn't really a night and IFR place (non FMI aeroplanes and nothing else either) the additional skills and maintaining their currency might save my ass some day so I should ....

The main thing is to use my hard won license as much as I can and get as far as I can. France again, the deep South West, up to the East and the North. ... maybe as far as Scotland.

Above all there is only one real goal in my aviation in 2003 .... to enjoy my flying as much and as often as I can.

Sooo .......... to all the usual suspects on this forum .... All the best for Christmas and a Happy New Year and I hope YOU get what you want out of flying next year.

Dave G

[Keef]

Yes, it's been a good year for flying and an awful year financially ;)

Went to Florida, got the FAA IR and an unrestricted FAA PPL to attach it to. Nearly got an FAA CPL; decided not to bother, given no need ever to fly commercially. FAA issued me a CPL anyway. Sent it back.

Not enough flying after that. Kept the IR in currency, but only just. A few nice trips, but more would have been nicer.

Next goal? To get the aeroplane back from the painters at Biggin tomorrow...

[AerBabe]

This year:

PPL arrived in the post (GFT taken 12.01)
Got checked out on my second aircraft - PA28-140
Went to my first (Popham) and second (Sywell) fly-ins
Started tailwheel conversion in Chipmunk - yay!!!
Had my first experience of aerobatics - bleeping amazing
Took part in my first competition - the BWPA Chairwoman's Challenge - and came joint 3rd out of 10 entries
Ran out of money.


Next year:

Do some motor gliding (cos it's cheap!)
Finish tailwheel conversion


If I get a job...:

Start IMC
Try out some new aircraft!
Go to more fly-ins
Fly as much as possible...


I'm pretty happy with what I've managed to achieve this year, considering I'm a full-time student. I became officially unemployed (and unemployable while I've still got the thesis to write) at the end of September, so I pretty much stopped flying at the beginning of that month. I've done a fair bit of RHS flying though (many thanks to anyone reading this who's taken me up, it is very much appreciated). As always there is so much more I'd like to do, but time and money are too limiting.

Next year I'll be concentrating on writing my thesis, but I should have a bit more income. I've got to pay off my overdraft before I can think about flying though. The motor gliding has been offered to me by my Chippie instructor, when he was feeling sorry for me! It's a tailwheel, and a new type to add to the notches on my headset...

[kabz]

Congrats AerBabe !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's my own puny efforts :

- Passed FAA glider in March (after 11 Months)
- Passed FAA private airplane in June (15ish months)
- Passed FAA IR Dec 1st (5 months)

Gonna try and get a multi-rating before the end of the year ...

Next year :

- FAA Commercial/Multi/IR any way I can (need 80 hours or so)
- FAA CFI ratings at a 'good school' (need $$$)

Donations gratefully received !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Who has control?]

In 2002 I managed to:-

Buy a share in my own aircraft.
I went to my first Pprune Fly-in so....
I met ppruners. (a scary experience!)


In 2002 I also intend to go to my first Gatbash. If I survive into the New Year...


In 2003 -

Fly more.
Fly even more.
Fly further.

[vancouv]

This year I managed to:

Get my PPL in trusty C152s
Convert to PA28s
Do a X-channel check
Start a night qualification
Watch the rain and cloud from the club windows (a lot!)

Next year I hope to:

Complete the night qualification
Do an IMC rating
Fly loads more and to more airfields
Hopefully get a GPS for Xmas and learn how to use it!
Spend no time looking out at rain and clouds (mmmmmm, perhaps optimistic!)

[Rod1]

FFF

That is quite a list!!!

This year;

Sold two out of three shares in my AA5B
Almost got a part built Europa XS TG.
Did a particularly challenging 8-day tour of France in the summer, including the RSA flyin (the weather was very poor most of the time)
Still hope to revalidate my night rating
Tried to get Notam system fixed

Next year;
Get part built kit aircraft (Europa or MCR01 probably) and get building
Get up to Scotland for some serious touring (weather stopped me last two years)
Do another 8-day French trip, in good weather.
Sell remaining share in AA5B
Get Notam system fixed
Win lottery so I can fly more

Rod

[Evo]

I guess mine was Solo (3rd March), QXC (one Thursday in August, I forget which), Skills test (2nd Sept), Licence issued (11th Sept) :) watched rain fall (October -> present) :(

Next year? Nothing in particular other than get to the 100 hour mark. Maybe start the IMC when the weather gets crappy again... :)

[big.al]

Triple F - you've had quite a year with many achievements - many congratulations.

Aerbabe - considering you've no income as a student, that's a marvellous achievement. Very well done.

My list is;

1) passed three ground exams between Jan and March (plus two others at the end of the previous year)
2) went to Florida on 13 April 02 to start lessons
3) first solo after 12 hrs - about a week later
4) passed QXC and remaining ground exams a week later
5) managed to cope with engine failure on last practice before final check ride prior to GFT (coaxed the 152 down onto first available runway at Winter Haven)
6) did ok (but not great) on check ride late that same afternoon
7) passed skills test 7th May 2002, despite making a complete hash of my initial heading (wrote down the WRONG bl**dy number on the flight log in planning..... doh!).
8) got PPL ticket through the post and had a few extra 'lessons'/check ride with local club to get used to (very) short field grass landings.
9) have mainly poodled around the area since (a couple of scenic flights over Derbyshire with Mrs Big and my boss).
10) did my first UK land-away at Norwich on 12th October (picked up mother to bring her back to Derbyshire for the weekend).

Haven't flown since. Four cancellations due to wx (aaarrrggh!) and one (yesterday) due to Bronchitis, but the weather would have meant cancelling again anyway....

Plans for next year mainly consist of:

a) hours consolidation and getting back into practice.
b) would like to try out a PA28 or C172 (have only flown two-seaters so far).
c) hope to fly down to Blackbushe to see a friend who is also learning to fly (Hi Des, if you're reading this.....)

Had hoped to plan a weekend flying trip to the Channel Isles with aforementioned flying buddy but I guess this depends on whether (sorry - WHEN) - he passes and whether I feel confident enough to tackle this in six months time....

A bit early I know, but warm Christmas wishes to all PPruners, especially those who frequent the Private Flying forum...

[stiknruda]

2002 Hi-lights
------------------

Competed in 3 aeros comps in the single seat Pitts and loved them!!

Broke the 700hr TT barrier.

Took The Kentish Fledgling for 20 mins of gentle Sunday morning aeros in a borrowed Pitts S2A.

Let Aerbabe pole me around the sky in the my rebuilt Aeronca for a couple of fun hours


2003 Outlook
-----------------

More aeros comps
More fun flying
A x-channel Balbo with Pitts-mates


Safe flying to all for 2003



Stik
:D

[Fly Stimulator]

FFF,

Good thread - it's a good time of year to look back, and to daydream about the warm summer days to come next year (surely we're due a really decent summer by now!)

This year: First Channel crossing
First Irish Sea crossing
Bought first aeroplane and took it to France every week for the next two months
Flew amongst some fabulous scenery on holiday in New Zealand
Got an NPPL SEP licence
Started on JAR upgrade and night rating Next year: Finish JAR
Do IMC
Do an aerobatics course
Do some time in a ‘classic’ – Tiger, Cub etc.
Do more farm strips in the UK
Do more touring across the Channel

[BlueRobin]

This Year:

Completed PPL
Converted to Warrior (still rated the HR200 over it though)
First Channel Crossing
(which incorporated) Three days touring Europe.
Full Tailwheel Conversion to Cub (unlike AerBabe!)
Flew with friends (extra 6 types gained)

Next Year:

Don't care, but currently spending non-flying times plotting for a group aircraft. I must have buy in or this hobby will have to stop due to expense. Flying 10-20 hours a year is no good.

Do you know how hard it is to get an aeroplane share for £5000, 50pcm and 50ph in Deepest Warwickshire? :eek:

[knobbygb]

Well, on the face of it I haven't actually achieved much. Done 38 hours of training, 'passed' the QXC and currently trying to break the record for the most number of cancelled Skills Tests (Yes, I know I keep going on about it, but it's just a LITTLE frustrating being so close). Flew in the USA for the first time (Kingman, Arizona) and can't wait to go back.

I'm determined to get the license before the end of the year, so next year.... Going to do the night qualification over winter, then back to Arizona before spring (the whole of February and March would be very nice, but I don't think so somehow).

Then... well, just relax, take friends up and try to get to a couple of Pprune fly-ins. Think about possibly trying one of those old-fashioned tail wheel thingies perhaps. Would also like to fly in Greece, but I'll save that for when I have more experience.

big.al, didn't know about your engine failure, well done! Would have been ironic if you'd coped with that OK then later the same day screwed the GFT up on a dodgy PFL ;)

[FNG]

Not a vintage year of flying for me. I aim to fly about 80 hrs a year, but so far this year have flown fewer than 40. Far too many "Waltham-Waltham" entries in my logbook, although at least a fair few of these were aerobatic trips. I took my solo aerobatics up to a modest standard, but then had long lay-offs and lost aerobatic currency. Flirted with idea of getting involved in classic jet syndicate, but nothing came of it.

No particular milestones, but one day of exceptional memories: sharing my aircraft with Typhoon, Spitfire and Hurricane pilots during Project Propeller at Kemble.

Next year:

- more aeros, more sophisticated aero sequences
- longer European trips (just a couple of Deauville hops this year)
- keep trying to persuade people to come in with me on that Fairchild Argus
- maybe an IMC, not sure
- maybe read the 97,000 page instructions for the GPS, and turn it on some times

[AerBabe]

Thanks Kabz and Big Al. Yup, it's difficult working 15 hours a week to pay for 1 hour of flying, but very satisfying! I'm proud that I've had no financial help with my flying (although mum did pay for the postage to send my licence application off, but only because it was Christmas!).
Very impressed you managed to get down safely from an engine failure while still a student. Wonder how well some PPL holders would cope, especially those that don't practise PFLs very often.

Stik, yup, I should have added that to my list! ARGH!!! :) Thanks again... Has the a/c been the same since?
Another thing to add to my 'to do' list for next year is farm strip flying. My Chipmunk instructor has offered to do this with me.

[Hampstead]

OK this year...

Got made redundant as part of general worldwide fall out post Enron. Spent redundancy money and the whole "summer" getting my PPL (A) in a C152.

Converted to PA28 Archer.

Flew most of the way to Montpellier as part of club fly out in terrible weather. Instructor on board !

Got new job and hence more flying vouchers.

Finished night qualification

Finished IMC course and was due to take GFT yesterday but clouds at 300feet . Took written part yesterday and by some miracle got 100%.

Now looking for a share.....

[EI_Sparks]

God I hate topics like this, I wind up feeling terribly depressed at not having gotten anything done :( *sigh*
Oh well, it gives me something to aim for for next year ;) :p

[Rote 8]

This year

As a Christmas gift I received membership of a gliding club. I hoped that this would make me a better pilot all around and improve my chances of pulling off a more successful forced landing if the time ever came as well as being good fun. Whilst the gliding has definitely been fun I can’t help feeling that I have not actually done a great deal of it. You do seem to spend a huge amount of time on the ground when gliding as compared to the amount of time in the air. Over the summer when the weather was nice I was torn between getting my gliding up to scratch and getting on with some hour building. I would say that my lack of gliding progress has been my biggest aviation disappointment this year. Despite that I have had one or two noteworthy flights in a glider and will be torn next year when I come to decide whether or not to renew my club membership.

I completed the first half of the ATPL Groundschool and exams, passed the 100hr TT mark, and will hopefully finish my Night Qualification this week if the weather is kind.

Next year

I plan to start an IMC early in the New Year whilst the weather is still poor, complete the ATPL exams and get my CPL and Instructor Rating.

I would also like to do some Aerobatics, cross the channel, and get some more types in my logbook. So far only C152 and PA28.

Good luck to everyone on fulfilling next year’s goals.

[Select Zone Five]

2002

Realised I was working for cash....and nothing else
Quit job in March to gain PPL (life long ambition) and relax a bit after 18 months of 11-12 hour working days :(
Passed PPL(A) Skills Test first time (personal goal) after 45 hours between April and September :D
Realisation that I'm a pilot and that I couldn't stand to go back to a desk job! :rolleyes:
Passed Class 1 medical
Serious research into gaining fATPL (thank you so much PPRuNe and PPRuNers!) amongst others
Enrolled on ATPL theory course to start in Jan 2003


2003

Work like crazy to pass all ATPL exams by August
Assess the cash situation and hopefully go to the USA for some recreational flying/hour building and QXC
Begin CPL/IR training or realise I need a stack more cash :(


My main aim for next year is to get the ATPL's and do some flying in the USA or Canada. I'm not too sure how my money is gonna hold out so I want to plan the next stage after my exams. Might need to search for a j-j-job. I miss being able to spend cash freely without comparing value to flying hours. I'd like to do some night flying and cross channel trips etc. but I'm under money pressure by having no income and this is my main worry! Trying to stay focused on enjoying flying and not thinking too much about funds.

[HelenD]

This year (2002)
I got medical clearence to be allowed to be sent solo and am now restricted to type demonstrated.
I got sent solo when I went to Inverness - That was after only 7 hours on type - still have yet to be allowed to solo the type I have most hours on.
Passed all my ground exams.

Next year (2003)
Get my PPL early Jan I hope (going back to Inverness for that)
Hope to be allowed to solo the PA28 in Southampton doubt it can happen before then now. For those of you who know me you will be pleased to hear if it dosent happen soon I will be going elswhere.
Oh and If I can handle it without getting scared I will do my night.

[Barney_Gumble]

This year..2002

1. Changed aircraft type C172 to C150 to PA28 and back to C172
2. Hours Building in UK and Europe
3. Bought a share in a C172 :D :D :D

Next year...2003
1. Build up skills in new a/c
2. Night Rating
3. IMC
4. Oh yes and new addition to the family (should be on finals by early May).
5. And baby seat for Cessna :D :D

Barney

[Crossedcontrols]

In 2002 I:

Discovered taildraggers,
Did a tailwheel checkout in a J3 Cub in Florida (FAA) while on a business trip.
Did the CAA tailwheel checkout in the UK
Packed in flying the club PA28.
Joined a PFA group PA18 -95 Supercub flying from a Farm Strip.
Did FAA biennial in a Supercub 150 in Phoenix on another business trip.
Did my first Pprune fly in (Sywell).


In 2003 I intend to:

Try and arrange a 'business trip' to Alaska and do some floats.
Find time to fly to the IOM T.T.
Have some quality time with the Cub touring UK farmstrips.
Be a better Pilot.


A safe a prosperous 2003 to all PPRUNErs

CC

[ratsarrse]

2002 was not a good flying year for me...


Went to Florida, visited some of the schools that advertise in the UK, quite liked Ormond Beach
A 1 hour trial flight in Georgia turned into a 2 hour flight when we got lost.
Decided probably better off doing PPL in UK where I might stand a chance of knowing where I am...
Went to Sywell and loved it. Right, this is the place!
Made redundant, got a new job, moved house, spent all my money. :(
2002 has almost ended and I've achieved nothing


So, 2003 has to better by default except that now there is the NPPL to take into consideration...hmm more decisions. So in 2003 I will:

Finally get my PPL!
Even if I have to sell my parents and their dog into slavery
:)

[DRJAD]

2002: Started flying training (5th Aug) again after some years.
Joined Sherburn, and soloed again after getting GP finally to accept NPPL scheme! (reluctant because GPs not notified in advance.)
Passed all ground exams for PPL.
Passed NST (4th Dec)
"Passed" QXC (9th Dec)
Now awaiting decent weather to coincide with a booked slot to go for GFT!

2003 aspirations:
Build hours locally, and slightly further afield.
Get Class 2 medical to convert NPPL to PPL
Start on IMC and night ratings.
Perhaps look for a syndicate to join.

Enjoyed, continue to enjoy, and anticipate continuing to enjoy flying!! Best wishes to all for 2003.

[Ace Rimmer]

Erm let's see

2002
Went to the Popham fly-in the company of his moderatorness BRL

Didn't make it to Sywell (ADI went tits up return to EGKA and low and behold two wheels on my wagon - an interesting experience (and confidence building since it was an actual crap-fan interface situation and the training worked).

Added following types to the log book
C172
CRJ200
DHC8-Q400
717-200
ATR72-500

Except the 172 the others came under the heading - 'gawd I love my job'

Managed to convince my boss that a Arrer or a Seneca IS a cost and time effective alternative to going commercial especially on multi-stop near continent trips (well sort of, depending on his mood) :D ;)

Oh yeah, learned how to roll and dead stick land a Dash 8 (in a sim)
Flew and ER145 under the Golden Gate bridge (a sim again but this was a level D so the external views and what not were the bollocks) - I want you all to understand this was not pissing about (oh no) this was serious and meaningful research.;)

2003
Fly more for work and fun (if it all works out I should get three maybe four more turbine types in the book during the year)

Get involved with the Project Propellor fly-in that has to be a kick flying with those types and maybe do something to pay the debt we all owe to these heroes.

[Fly Stimulator]

OK, it's getting towards Christmas again and so it is time to revive the annual tradition of the "Year of flying" thread.

There was a different one (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=111725) last year, but I thought I'd delve further into the archives and resurrect this one.

For me it has been another good flying year

This Year Opened the year with a three-day flight to Alicante at the start of January in a rather basic C150. Genuinely fun, improbable as that may sound!
Flew to Scandinavia in early summer, saw lots of wonderful scenery and made several new friends.
Had a wonderful 10 days flying around France in late summer with several old friends
Had lots of shorter weekend trips to all sorts of nice places
Am currently ending the year by flying a microlight from Sardinia to Sweden. After a good start last weekend the aircraft is currently marooned in northern France but I hope to complete the trip this year rather than next!
Did my first amphibian flying - a wonderful way to fly, but not ideally suited to the London area unfortunately
Best of all, met a wonderful woman who, in spite of never having done it before, turns out to enjoy travelling in small aeroplanes :)
On the downside, weather prevented my planned weekend in France with Aussie Andy:{
Failed to fulfil most of last year's plans, such as trying aeros, taildraggers and flexwing microlights

Next year

Same ambitions as last time: Do a tailwheel course
Do an aeros course
More touring
Have a go in a flexwing microlight when it gets warmer again

[S-Works]

It has been a pretty good year for flying for me with more than 350hrs flown this year and a lot of really great trips to places like Texel, Chataeu La Chassagne, Waterford and the regulars such as the Channel Islands and France.

This Year:

Logged 78 New Airfields
Coverted to Tailwheels
Renewed my Microlight Rating
Jersey Air Ralley
Added new types including, Extra 300, Piper Super Cub, DA40, B58, Navajo

Next Year:

More new airfields
Turboprop Conversion
Malta Air Ralley
Jersey Air Ralley again (superb event)
Sea Plane Rating in Canada
Finish JAR IR - Or maybe wait and see if the new PPL IR materilises!

The great beauty of flying is that you are always learning and there is always something new to do!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Bose-X

[justanotherflyer]

Best of all, met a wonderful woman who, in spite of never having done it before, turns out to enjoy travelling in small aeroplanes

Well done - and wishing you every happiness! Though I think my claim is almost more impressive - I managed to hold on to the same woman in spite of being involved with small aeroplanes... here's to the patient aviation spouses and sweethearts of the world.

ps Bose-x - great to meet you in Waterford... a bigger, juicier barbecue is already in the planning for '05.

[S-Works]

The waterford 05 fly-in, count us in! I will bring beer and steak!

lovely bunch of people and a great city, we were made to feel very welcome by all.

Looking forward to it.

[Aim Far]

Its been quite a good one for me.

Highlights
150 hours or so
1. 2 weeks flying round most of Europe (having bought the full Europe Bottlang, I thought I should make the most of it)
2. a fantastic few days back home on the west coast of Scotland and bagging airstrips in the Orkney Islands
3. various other shorter trips to Germany

Lowlights
1. Letting my SEP rating lapse by mistake (LPC next week:{ )- thank goodness for my FAA licence in the meantime.
2. The odd IFR "moment"

Plans for next year
1. A Baltic trip (the one in Flyer looked fun though I can't really understand people who fly 1000 miles and only stop for lunch)
2. That :mad: Courchevel rating I've been promising to do for the last couple of years.
3. Keeping flying fun.

[Evo]

I guess mine was Solo (3rd March), QXC (one Thursday in August, I forget which), Skills test (2nd Sept), Licence issued (11th Sept)


I renewed it this year :)

[Penguina]

From the other thread linked above:
-----------------------------------
Next year I would like to:

Save in the first half of the year then hours build somewhere exciting in the second half;

Do at least one aerobatics lesson;

See what the North of England and Scotland charts look like!

Meet more people of my level I can fly with;

Do some more easy competitions because they're fun!

Would dearly love to get IMC, but might need death of rich uncle to achieve it on top of keeping current and saving.

And to stay safe and to trust myself more.
------------------------------------
On paper, I've been largely unsuccessful.

I had a shot in September at doing a flying trip in France, if you remember, but the flu stopped me making the trip in the end.

No aeros achieved.

No more competitions, only one attempt.

No IMC.

I have, however, got a Northern chart and used it to go up north!

I have met more people - haven't flown with them much though.

The last I have achieved. Which is the really important thing :) :) :) :)

Next year - well, that's another story.... :uhoh:

[FlyingForFun]

I guess I'd better reply to this one, since it was me who started it ;) (Not that I wouldn't reply anyway, you understand...)

So, last year I said the following:My plans for next year? Much simpler than last year. I aim to be being paid for flying by this time next year, most likely as an instructor. And yes, I achieved it! :ok:

Aims for next year, then:
Get an Instrument Rating. And not only that, but also to get a first-time pass. (If you don't frequent the Wannabes forum you may not realise that the first-time pass rate for JAR IRs is unbelievably small.)
Be paid enough to be able to live on ;)
Carry on enjoying flying at least as much as I have done for the past 4 and a bit years :DI would love to be able to log lots more actual instrument time. Realistically, though, this isn't likely to happen. Almost all of my job as an instructor needs to be done in VMC, and my employer does not make it financially viable for me to become an IMC instructor. So unless I get another job, the only significant flying I will do in IMC will be for my IR, and I will no doubt loose the skills soon after I get them. :(

FFF
---------------

[dublinpilot]

Well, I’ve had a very enjoyable year. :D

I suppose the only real hopes I had for the year, were to get checked out on my new clubs Arrow, and to make the most of it there after, and that’s pretty much what I did!

2004 saw 45 hours flown, and 11 new airfields visited.
A retractable carriage checkout for the Arrow
A cross water checkout.
I too got to attend the Waterford Fly-in, but sadly didn’t get to meet the stealthy Bose-X! :confused:
I have a very enjoyable trip to the Outer Hebrides.
I got to spend a great weekend in Blackpool, on the Pprune Bash, and meet the fun loving gang!
I also managed to bring 4 people for their first ever flight in a light aircraft.
Oh, and I’ve managed to beat IO540’s statistics, and had my first rating re-validation ;)

Plans for next year?
Well more of the same really. But I would like to put a bigger emphasis on overnight trips in 2005, so as to make the absolute most of the trips!
I would also like to do a trip to the Arran Islands off the Irish west coast, and maybe a flight further into the England than I’ve managed so far!
I’ve also promised to show Penguina & Smurf some of our isle from the air, if they manage to make it over next year. And hopefully some of the other Ppruners that I met in Blackpool will manage an Irish trip next year too! Any chance you could all arrange to be here for the same weekend? That would be lots of fun ;)

So I guess my plans are more around having fun, than adding ratings etc.!

Looking forward to 2005!:cool:

dp

[High Wing Drifter]

A so so year.

* Got me Night Qualification
* Got an IMC
* Passed me ATPLs
* Started me CPL
* 75hrs TT but only 52hrs P1
* 9 new airfields.
* Actually done some grass field stuff.
* First farm strip too.
* First aborted take-off
* Still haven't managed to get to Caenarfon!

Next Year.

* Complete CPL
* Complete IR or FI (can't decide yet)
* Leave the FIR
* Get to Caenarfon - godamit!

[Andy_R]

Achievements this year:


Passed all my ground exams for PPL in February
Obtain JAR PPL in April
Fly Tomahawk, Warrior and Cessna 152 Aerobat
Cross channel checkout
3 trips to France including one to Deauville
20 new airfields logged
98.2 hours logged (will be 100 by year end)
0.7 hours in Extra 300
aero's in a bulldog as part of conversion
1/6th share in an aerobat
Fly-Ins at Sandown, Le Touquet, Bembridge, Deauville and Kemble
Met loads of fellow pilots
Introduction to formation flying


And for next year:


Obtain IMC
Do AOPA Aerobatic Course
Do initial formation flying course
Fly around Britain for the hell of it :p
Visit loads of new places and meet loads of new people

[Flik Roll]

This year I have:
Won the Diana Britten Aeros. Scholarship
Passed 120hrs on one type (tailwheel)..nearly did 100+ on the other!
Had my first engine problem while flying


Next year I plan to:
Complete my scholarship in the Cap10
Do some aeros comps!
Go past 200hrs TT before I'm 20 (Feb)
Fly in the USA - California and also go and view the Grand Canyon
Find a way to get some money while at uni.....

[Capt. Manuvar]

2002

First flight

2003

PPL
PA28 conversion
Night Qualification

This year

aprox. 150hrs
20+ new airfields
visited my first "international airport"
ASI failure
Flew in another country for the first time
1200nm round trip cross country in a C152
A few 4+hr flights in a C152 (long range tanks)
New Types: Beech 95 Travelair, C172, Piper navajo, Citabria (back seat:rolleyes: )
ICAO CPL MULTI-IFR
Canadian winter flying experience
Visited a few treelined gravel strips
Flew across a time zone for the first time
First weather diversion
Flew in rain for the first time
6hrs actual IMC

2005
Get job flying something fun while getting paid loads of cash :}
Tail dragger checkout
JAR ATPL writtens:yuk:

[stiknruda]

This time last year I wrote:


Well next year is already pretty mapped out: more of the above and an upgrade of my provisional DA to a real DA

PLUS

sometime between Chrimbo and New Year I take delivery of a 40' ICAO container and spend 2004, 2005 and a bit of 2006 cutting, shaping and welding all the bits in the box together to make an aeroplane again!! And again - as I bought enough 4130, T6/T3 ally and spruce to make two!


2004
Funny how some things don't go to plan!

Okay so the project made great progress until the PFA Rally when I become involved with a rebuild of a factory built Pitts S2A. Still far too heavily involved for my liking but expect the aircraft to be out of my hangar/hair/mind by New Year! Yes, the repair work will have covered my entire flying budget but was it really worth it as I have had less time to enjoy doing what I like!?

My DA, what a saga! All the DAE's have been very helpful but it was not until I secured the services of Harpo (JH) early last month that I was happy with a routine. JH came to stay for a couple of nights and we quickly got down to a safe beginner's DA aerobatic sequence. It has an avalanche, a shark's tooth, a couple of flicks on downlines and lots of swooping and looping.

It won't knock Will Curtis off his perch OR even turn his head but it's just a bit of serious fun.

We went and flew it together a few times, JH announced thet he was happy and all I had to do the next morning was to show him my spin recovery (he would be on the ground) and then run through the sequence with him on the crowd line...
next morning - fog all day, following morning fog all day... JH had an appointment with Benjie from the Tiger Club, so I took him to Norwich railstation in the car! JH lives hundreds of miles away and won't be in East Anglia until next spring but has put me in touch with his mate PK (Kynsey) so I hope to sort this next step out within the next few weeks. Also learnt how to do tailslides with JH and Lomcevaks!

On a positive note, this year have overcome my fear of inverted spinning and have begun to experiment with Lomcevaks.

Had an amazing 7 ship Pitts fly-out to France (article to appear in your favourite flying-comic in the new year!)

And I may or may not have gone to Curtis Pitts' birthday party in Ozark, Alabama.

And I may or may not have met a wonderful girly or two!




2005

2 or 3 small airshows
work up to my formation DA with Pitts 2112
wings built for my project


Stik

[Charlie Zulu]

From the other thread I found the list of things I would like to have done this year (2004):


ATPL Written Exams (at least the first module)
FAA Multi Add-On
FAA Sea Plane Rating
Maybe an FAA CFI ticket as well
A shed load of hours...
Lots of time in America
Find an N reg aeroplane to buy a share in...
Above all else... safe flying.


Well taking the above list into consideration, I have acheived not much in the way of what I had planned for this year.


I've enrolled and studying the 1st module of the ATPL Exams
Added a Multi Addon to my FAA CPL/IR back in July
Didn't have time whilst in Florida for a Sea Plane Rating.
The CFI ticket went out of the window when I started the ATPL
Flew about 100 hours in total.
Only 20 hours or so in the USA.
Haven't bought a share in an N reg aeroplane.
Yes most of my flying has been safe... I hope!
Attempted to land a tailwheel with varying degrees of success (or rather failure).
Changed base airports from Cardiff to Swansea. :sad:


For next year (2005):


Most importantly I will pass all 14 of the ATPL exams (fingers crossed).
Complete the conversion course to JAA CPL/IR and FI(R).
Will visit Jack Browns for an FAA Sea Plane Rating.
Haven't used my Northern England chart yet so will do before the new one is due out... ;)
Would like 700 hours (minimum for Single Pilot IFR Air Taxi work) by the end of 2005... only 100 to go.


Oh well I've gone and said what I hope will happen... most of last years didn't come true... hopefully this lot will instead!!!

Best wishes,

Charlie Zulu.

[Aussie Andy]

Another great year! maintained ~40 hrs yearly average
nudging 200 hrs TT
did Project Propeller again!
mixed results with foreign trips this year... failed to get to France & Channel Islands this year as planned - we were weathered off on both attempts...
but enjoyed a number of great flights in anda round San Francisco bay area, especially with wife & kids on hols there in August (see photo below over Golden Gate!)
Finally started IMC rating - loving it! Should be finished in January (2 hrs to go, ground exam passed)
http://members.lycos.co.uk/andyhardyuk/pprune/Golden_Gate_Fog.jpg

Roll on 2005!

Andy :ok:

[Grainger]

Been a great year so far:

Flew my 400th hour on my 10th anniversary
Kept both R22 and R44 ratings current
Did my JetRanger conversion :D
. . . and survived my first PPRuNe bash !

Next year:

Build to 50 JetRanger Hours
Round UK tour
Juggle all three type ratings
. . . and maybe, finally, get an answer from the CAA and get started on my Instructor's rating !

G :cool:

[Monocock]

Well, I've had a very enjoyable year all in all.

1. 91 hours flown (so far!) and hoping to get to the 100 with a few more frosty mornings and a two week holiday coming up.

2. Have owned three different a/c this year and have found a whole new world after I did my....

3. Tailwheel conversion completed in June. Suddenly realised that flying can be challenging and fun again.

4. Passed the 750 hour mark (P1)

5. Survived an EFATO and have spent many hours reflecting on the event. My theory about them is that I don't have one. When it's going to happen it's just going to happen and you will do your very best when it does.

6. Discovered Luscombes (if ONLY I'd found them 12 years ago and I could have 12 more years of REAL fun).

7. Went to a PPRuNe fly-in.

8. Went to PFA Rally for the first (and probably last time).

9. Took five kids flying to see them smile.

10. Took their Mums flying to make me smile


Here's wishing you all the very best for next year. Those of you who are going "all ATPL'ish" on us, come back now and again and remember where you came from!!!:ok:

[Dusty_B]

This has been a most odd year. I've achieved such a lot, but feel like I've done no flying at all!!

Firstly, I did my JAA CPL and IR between March and July, did my night rating in August (yes, that is in the wrong order - don't ask), and then the MCC in October.

All this flying... but hardly any of it was the fun flying that I've enjoyed in MY aeroplane! Of course, I flew 85 hours for my CPL/IR, but if you asked me how many hours I've flown this year, my initial reaction would be "about 20", because that's all I've done in the Jodel :(

The best part of the whole flying course this year was the MCC (with AFT incase you wanted to know). Such fun, hard work - but without any of the pressure - such is training to a fixed budget!! I really enjoyed my two weeks.

The most memorable moments though are:
1) IR Test - Initiating the go-arround from Asym ILS, looking up as the screens came down, and seeing the runway a long, long, long way away: I'd mis-read the altimeter by 1000'...
2) MCC Course: Flicking the "cabin notification" switch, and hearing a "bong" in the background. oh yeah, NOW I feel like a professional pilot!!
3) First cloud break over an 8/8th layer. It's ALWAYS sunny up there folks.
4) 20 minute flight in a friends (freshly imported) RV4; Where do I sign?


What next then? For 2005:

1) Get a job. Turboprops would be nice.
2) Buy share in RV4 (as soon as it's back on the register).
3) Aerobatics. I'm gonna get myself seriously good in that RV4! Enter a competion.
4) Try and be happy: The financial strain I'm under now is REALLY getting me down. I've never been more qualified to fly than I can now, and as a result, I can't afford to fly. Welcome to wannabe hell :ouch:

[Blinkz]

Well this year has been a great year for me since it marked the end of a long struggle to get my class 1 medical and so allowing me to start what I have been dreaming of doing for the past 20 years.

I finally got my medical in July and so I could start making more solid plans (then just my vague thoughts before my medical)

Started my PPL at the beginning of October and since then I have got 26 hours TT with 2.5 solo. I've passed airlaw, met and aircraft gen all with >90%.

Next year I'd like to finish my PPL, get a night rating and maybe a IMC, start AND finish my ATPL exams and depending on how long all that takes start my hour building and CPL/IR course.

[Ace Rimmer]

Hmm well last year I whinged about some lows...not flying enough...not doing the taildragger conversion etc

This year's lows are... still not flying enough

But the highlights were....

Got the tail drag sign off (probably going to turn that into a story for a flying comic)

Added following types to log book
ATR42-500
PZL M28 (Polish built AN28)
Actually this was only yesterday. One of those 'life is good' moments. Picture the scene if you will bit claggy in Paris we'd waited all morning for the wx to get above Cat 1. Finally got off the deck just after lunch. Blatted off from Le Bourget bit of dodging around CDG do a missed approach at Pontoise then back to Le B. flying the ILS to 07 then it occurs to me..."here I am flying an ILS to minimums in an aircraft I've never flown before...over one of the world's great cities (visible through the gunk from time to time) and I'm at WORK!!!!"

But a bit of a low... asked if I wanted to go on the delivery flight to US leaving this morning Paris to Naples FL via Wick, Keflavik, Nansauraq (sp), Goose Bay, Bangor, etc but had to say no cos I've got other work commitments for this week grrrr... (could have made a good story too)

Plans for next year...

Fly more
Do AOPA aeros course
Add EMB190 to log book (for FTR)
Do an M28 transatlantic delivery (this time to French Guyana)

[In Altissimus]

It's been a strange year, this time last year I said...

* Finish IMC.
* Have a couple of glider lessons
* Do a long international trip (Estonia?)
* Visit friends near Aberdeen
* Maybe think about a faster steed

And finally - get my front teeth fixed properly

I've only achieved two of those - and one of them wasn't (really) flying-related :E

The highlights of the year have to be the Dawn to Dusk Challenge - which was completed despite an alternator failure, and a magical trip to L2K 4-up where everything just 'went right' for the whole day.

Lowlight is the number of hours logged - only about 40. This was mainly due to a change in circumstances which led to me changing location.

However, I am now a part-owner of a TB-10, so...

Looking forwards:

Remember to renew licence in February!
Finish the IMCR
Get to know my new steed
Learn the circuit patterns at WW!
The south of France beckons

[BeauMan]

Alrighty then...

2004 Achievements
Passed PPL
Tailwheel conversion
First cross channel trip
Introduced to a Yak (cheers LT! :ok: )
Convinced Ms BM to come flying with me

2005 Goals
More Cubbage
Convert Ms BM into Mrs BM, and convince her that accompanying me on a 25hr hour-building jolly round the US when we're on honeymoon is actually a good idea :E
Finally take BM Jnr up with me for his first go
Maybe a little bit of Chipmunkery :ok:

And of course...

Keep myself in one piece so that I'm able to set myself some 2006 goals this time next year! :ok:

BM

[AerBabe]

Last year I said:

Next year:
Do some motor gliding (cos it's cheap!)
Finish tailwheel conversion

If I get a job...:
Start IMC
Try out some new aircraft!
Go to more fly-ins
Fly as much as possible...



Well, I didn't do any motor gliding. However, I did finish my tailwheel conversion. I got a job... AND it was at an airfield... BUT it doesn't pay enough for much flying, and certainly not an IMC. :(

What I have done is:
Bought a share
Tailwheel differences
Microlight differences
Logged some P1
Logged two new aircraft types.


Next year:
Dawn to Dusk again??
Finish Chipmunk conversion
Fly something exotic.


There's no point being too optimistic. :sad:

[fonawah]

This time last year I was about 1/2 way through PPL training.
PPL attained April this year (2004)!
Since then, I have taken several friends on flights and convinced one to attain her PPL. (She has already started training).
The furthest I have ventured is Peterborough Connington!

Next year.....
1)I would like to get an IMC.
2)Fly abroad..possibly France.

Hope you all have a great festive season and fulfill your dreams in 2005
:ok:

[APRIANA]

This year I secured my Night Qual.

Next year I intend to fly over to Ireland;
Start my ATPL exams;
Complete an IMC Rating;
Convert onto the C172.

Good luck to everyone with their plans.