My dilemma
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My dilemma
On March 1st this year, at the age of 62, I started flying lessons at the Cornwall Flying Club near Bodmin in south west England. Aircraft have always been a passion of mine, having previously served in the RAF as an engineer, and in 2011 finishing my working life in Germany, working for Airbus. Now that I'm retired I'm realising a lifelong ambition to become a private pilot.
To date I've completed nearly 40 hours of flight training in a Cessna 152 and I've passed all my ground exams, excluding the RT practical. I went solo in June after 24 hours but progress since has been frustratingly slow, due largely to poor weather sabotaging my planned lessons! I'm currently in the circuit consolidation phase of the training, prior to moving on to the navigation exercises. I confess that I haven't found learning to fly as 'easy' as I'd anticipated but nevertheless I'm making progress and I'm keen to complete my PPL training before I get much older!
I've already invested almost £6000 in lessons and equipment and given that my resources aren't limitless, my question is, can anyone recommend a good flying school(s) in France, Spain, Italy etc. where I could complete my training quickly, and hopefully in more consistent weather conditions?
Thanks in advance for any help forthcoming!
Mike
To date I've completed nearly 40 hours of flight training in a Cessna 152 and I've passed all my ground exams, excluding the RT practical. I went solo in June after 24 hours but progress since has been frustratingly slow, due largely to poor weather sabotaging my planned lessons! I'm currently in the circuit consolidation phase of the training, prior to moving on to the navigation exercises. I confess that I haven't found learning to fly as 'easy' as I'd anticipated but nevertheless I'm making progress and I'm keen to complete my PPL training before I get much older!
I've already invested almost £6000 in lessons and equipment and given that my resources aren't limitless, my question is, can anyone recommend a good flying school(s) in France, Spain, Italy etc. where I could complete my training quickly, and hopefully in more consistent weather conditions?
Thanks in advance for any help forthcoming!
Mike
I'm not up on schools, but just offering a thought or two.
Much as we might love to believe otherwise - learning to fly (or many other similar skills) gets a lot harder and slower with age. It's nothing to be ashamed of - just how it is. That you doubtless know a huge amount about how aeroplanes work doesn't really change that because it's all about a strange combination of physical and mental skills that is fairly unique to the cockpit environment, and doesn't have a great deal to do with how much you know.
There are plenty of foreign schools out there and doubtless recommendations will come along shortly. Do be aware that experience gained abroad is only partially useable back in blighty - you can doubtless go and get your licence finished off somewhere with good weather (Florida is worth a look, there have always been a few European-approved schools there and I'm sure there still are), but you'll need to do some re-acclimatisation back in good old British weather (and RT, and airport conventions...) once you return. But, with 40 hours done here, and hopefully maintaining reasonable currency, that shouldn't be too much of a problem in your position.
G
Much as we might love to believe otherwise - learning to fly (or many other similar skills) gets a lot harder and slower with age. It's nothing to be ashamed of - just how it is. That you doubtless know a huge amount about how aeroplanes work doesn't really change that because it's all about a strange combination of physical and mental skills that is fairly unique to the cockpit environment, and doesn't have a great deal to do with how much you know.
There are plenty of foreign schools out there and doubtless recommendations will come along shortly. Do be aware that experience gained abroad is only partially useable back in blighty - you can doubtless go and get your licence finished off somewhere with good weather (Florida is worth a look, there have always been a few European-approved schools there and I'm sure there still are), but you'll need to do some re-acclimatisation back in good old British weather (and RT, and airport conventions...) once you return. But, with 40 hours done here, and hopefully maintaining reasonable currency, that shouldn't be too much of a problem in your position.
G
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Hi, couple of things you did not mention.
Are you with the same instructor, i.e. they don't change on you?
Do you fly the same aeroplane?
Is your time freely available.
Do you spend much time flying with others and learning how they go about it?
When I was learning, there were five elements that conspired to ruin my progress:-
1. Your free time.
2. Aircraft availability.
3. Weather.
4. Instructor availability.
5. Money.
After 15 hours of going nowhere, I gave up on club training, bought my own aeroplane, sought an excellent free lance instructor, and had my PPL within 40 hours.
Now, I understand that not everyone can do that, so......Closely look at why your progress is stalling. Speak with the CFI/Instructor and let them understand your concern. Moving club may not be the correct move, so ask around, look around, and see if any alternatives are there, other than club.
6k, 24 hours going solo, and now at the 40 hour mark, with all exams passed, you should be close to test, but......something aint quite right.
Are you sure it is just weather, and not something else?
One other thing - at 40 hours, you should have done some nav I would have thought
Are you with the same instructor, i.e. they don't change on you?
Do you fly the same aeroplane?
Is your time freely available.
Do you spend much time flying with others and learning how they go about it?
When I was learning, there were five elements that conspired to ruin my progress:-
1. Your free time.
2. Aircraft availability.
3. Weather.
4. Instructor availability.
5. Money.
After 15 hours of going nowhere, I gave up on club training, bought my own aeroplane, sought an excellent free lance instructor, and had my PPL within 40 hours.
Now, I understand that not everyone can do that, so......Closely look at why your progress is stalling. Speak with the CFI/Instructor and let them understand your concern. Moving club may not be the correct move, so ask around, look around, and see if any alternatives are there, other than club.
6k, 24 hours going solo, and now at the 40 hour mark, with all exams passed, you should be close to test, but......something aint quite right.
Are you sure it is just weather, and not something else?
One other thing - at 40 hours, you should have done some nav I would have thought
Last edited by maxred; 21st Oct 2013 at 15:13.
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I'd be inclined to stick it out. I started my PPL in 2000 aged 52 and still in full time employment so it took me around 60 hours and two years to get there in the end, but I really enjoyed the training. Since then I've gained IMCR and night as well as getting retractable sign off and aged 62 I gained a full instrument rating which also took me two years of study and flying.
I'd stick with it here if I were you and enjoy the training. There's no reason why you can't do some journeys with your instructor as a way of doing the NAV exercises.
Good luck and have fun!
I'd stick with it here if I were you and enjoy the training. There's no reason why you can't do some journeys with your instructor as a way of doing the NAV exercises.
Good luck and have fun!
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I got my PPL(A) in my late 40s after around 90 hours. Like you, I found it much harder than I expected, and it took very much longer than I'd anticipated.
All you wrote sounds fine, except for one thing... Solo at 24 hours, but solo consolidation ever since! No nav, no instrument flying, nothing to give you a change of pace and a break? Weather conspiring against you after a pretty good summer?
It could be just that that's the way things are. However, a change of airfield and/or instructor might just get you out of what sounds like a bit of a rut. I know about those; I got stuck in several of them, and sometimes all that's needed is another point of view.
As Genghis said, learning to fly takes longer when you're older, a little fact I fought hard against, but (with a few lucky exceptions) it's true. But if you're stuck on the same exercise for too long, at any age, something else needs to be tried, not because anything is necessarily wrong, but just because it might help.
All you wrote sounds fine, except for one thing... Solo at 24 hours, but solo consolidation ever since! No nav, no instrument flying, nothing to give you a change of pace and a break? Weather conspiring against you after a pretty good summer?
It could be just that that's the way things are. However, a change of airfield and/or instructor might just get you out of what sounds like a bit of a rut. I know about those; I got stuck in several of them, and sometimes all that's needed is another point of view.
As Genghis said, learning to fly takes longer when you're older, a little fact I fought hard against, but (with a few lucky exceptions) it's true. But if you're stuck on the same exercise for too long, at any age, something else needs to be tried, not because anything is necessarily wrong, but just because it might help.
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"Much as we might love to believe otherwise - learning to fly (or many other similar skills) gets a lot harder and slower with age. It's nothing to be ashamed of - just how it is. That you doubtless know a huge amount about how aeroplanes work doesn't really change that because it's all about a strange combination of physical and mental skills that is fairly unique to the cockpit environment, and doesn't have a great deal to do with how much you know."
Thanks Ghenghis. I've come to accept the "old dogs, new tricks" factor but it's the lack of continuity because of the weather here that's prompted me to think about alternative strategies for completing my PPL. As far as the flying is concerned it's the landings, on grass runways with significant slopes and no longer than 650m that has proved the most difficult for me so far, valuable as this experience is.
"Hi, couple of things you did not mention.
Are you with the same instructor, i.e. they don't change on you?
Do you fly the same aeroplane?
Is your time freely available.
Do you spend much time flying with others and learning how they go about it?"
Thanks Maxred.
1. Yes, I've been predominantly with the same instructor.
2. Yes, I fly the same a/c - Cesnna 152
3. I'm retired and my time is freely available for the flying lessons.
4. Yes, I'm fortunate to fly quite regularly with other club members.
My main frustration is the lack of perceived consistency due to the weather - we,re on the edge of Bodmin moor - and this is why I think it may be sensible to complete my training elsewhere. I know it can take an age to achieve the PPL in the UK because of the weather but, being retired, I have the time to be flexible. Making the best use of this flexibility is my main reason for asking about alternatives.
I should make clear that not all my hours since first solo have been circuit consolidation. When wind conditions have not been favourable for circuits (often the case!), I've done other exercises, such as steep turns, PFL's and a little instrument flying.
Thanks Ghenghis. I've come to accept the "old dogs, new tricks" factor but it's the lack of continuity because of the weather here that's prompted me to think about alternative strategies for completing my PPL. As far as the flying is concerned it's the landings, on grass runways with significant slopes and no longer than 650m that has proved the most difficult for me so far, valuable as this experience is.
"Hi, couple of things you did not mention.
Are you with the same instructor, i.e. they don't change on you?
Do you fly the same aeroplane?
Is your time freely available.
Do you spend much time flying with others and learning how they go about it?"
Thanks Maxred.
1. Yes, I've been predominantly with the same instructor.
2. Yes, I fly the same a/c - Cesnna 152
3. I'm retired and my time is freely available for the flying lessons.
4. Yes, I'm fortunate to fly quite regularly with other club members.
My main frustration is the lack of perceived consistency due to the weather - we,re on the edge of Bodmin moor - and this is why I think it may be sensible to complete my training elsewhere. I know it can take an age to achieve the PPL in the UK because of the weather but, being retired, I have the time to be flexible. Making the best use of this flexibility is my main reason for asking about alternatives.
I should make clear that not all my hours since first solo have been circuit consolidation. When wind conditions have not been favourable for circuits (often the case!), I've done other exercises, such as steep turns, PFL's and a little instrument flying.
I don't think you have done an excessive amount of consolidation by the sound of it. Bodmin isn't the easiest of airports, especially in the winter. It probably would be reasonable to go somewhere with better weather for a couple of weeks, treat it as a holiday with flying, do some navs solo and dual. No need to go to the USA, if you stay in Europe there are plenty of places with decent weather and English speaking instructors available. Then back home to finish off.
Aim for about fifteen hours, enough that you get the benefit of your trip, including possibly getting used to a new type, but not so much that you are panting to do the skills test.
Remember, it's supposed to be fun.
Aim for about fifteen hours, enough that you get the benefit of your trip, including possibly getting used to a new type, but not so much that you are panting to do the skills test.
Remember, it's supposed to be fun.
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I started flying at 63 with a 3 axis microlight course in Faro Portugal, You can get quite far in a two week session and two of these sessions should see you with a microlight license.
At least you will be flying and the weather in Portugal is good year round.
Don't dismiss microlight flying, they are great fun. I had a number of group A aircraft after my first microlight but regret to this day that I didn't just keep the X-Air I started with - changed only under pressure from her indoors (cold, draughty etc.)
Not difficult to upgrade to PPL (as I did) when you want to.
FF
At least you will be flying and the weather in Portugal is good year round.
Don't dismiss microlight flying, they are great fun. I had a number of group A aircraft after my first microlight but regret to this day that I didn't just keep the X-Air I started with - changed only under pressure from her indoors (cold, draughty etc.)
Not difficult to upgrade to PPL (as I did) when you want to.
FF
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I'm really grateful for the help and suggestions I've received so far - thank you!
Yes, learning to fly can be fun indeed and, in my own experience, often is. But, again my experience, it's also hard work which has on occasion resulted in brain overload and the "I've had enough for now" syndrome. As Genghis said ..."it's all about a strange combination of physical and mental skills". Anyway, I digress!
To re-emphasise, I want to get on with my training right now, not next Spring and summer and, if I'm to do this, I clearly see that I need to go somewhere that doesn't suffer from the vagaries of a British winter. Somewhere in the southern hemisphere would not be realistic - I think! - mainly because of the costs involved. This leaves me with locations in Europe with the most reliable weather. France was high on my list of possibilities, with one school in particular of interest to me. Unfortunately the weather there would probably not be reliable enough for me to chose the location I had in mind (Limoges).
It's been suggested to me that I consider Greece, where the weather probably would be ok for me to complete my training. I could also take advantage of easy, cheap flights and maybe accommodation while I'm there. Does anyone have any thoughts to share with me on this, or any other, possibility?
Yes, learning to fly can be fun indeed and, in my own experience, often is. But, again my experience, it's also hard work which has on occasion resulted in brain overload and the "I've had enough for now" syndrome. As Genghis said ..."it's all about a strange combination of physical and mental skills". Anyway, I digress!
To re-emphasise, I want to get on with my training right now, not next Spring and summer and, if I'm to do this, I clearly see that I need to go somewhere that doesn't suffer from the vagaries of a British winter. Somewhere in the southern hemisphere would not be realistic - I think! - mainly because of the costs involved. This leaves me with locations in Europe with the most reliable weather. France was high on my list of possibilities, with one school in particular of interest to me. Unfortunately the weather there would probably not be reliable enough for me to chose the location I had in mind (Limoges).
It's been suggested to me that I consider Greece, where the weather probably would be ok for me to complete my training. I could also take advantage of easy, cheap flights and maybe accommodation while I'm there. Does anyone have any thoughts to share with me on this, or any other, possibility?
but it's the lack of continuity because of the weather here
When I was doing my CPL, not just PPL, I had 1000ish hours, and my instructor probably treble that.
On one memorable and frustrating occasion we cancelled 7 lessons in a row, 6 for weather and one for some other reason that escapes me now. It will get better as you get more experience, but this sort of thing still happens.
G
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Ok, I would suggest that a france and Spain would, at this time of year, be just as unpredictable as the UK, weather wise.
Only decent option would be the States, either Florida, or California.
Intensive 10 day programmes, get it done and dusted. I think that is what you are telling us you want.
So Long Beach, Naples, are the schools I have experience at.
BA will have a seat sale shortly. Why don't you check costs, all related to your experience? It would get the job done.
Naples Air Centre- good rep, UKFT Flight at Long Beach. Here [url=http://www.ukft.com/]
Only decent option would be the States, either Florida, or California.
Intensive 10 day programmes, get it done and dusted. I think that is what you are telling us you want.
So Long Beach, Naples, are the schools I have experience at.
BA will have a seat sale shortly. Why don't you check costs, all related to your experience? It would get the job done.
Naples Air Centre- good rep, UKFT Flight at Long Beach. Here [url=http://www.ukft.com/]
Last edited by maxred; 22nd Oct 2013 at 20:44.
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FI
As Maxred says Fla or California, are good options, I would also consider more rural areas where you can bang out the pattern work and learning without the hassle of being at or next to big airports with busy GA and commercial traffic. Also, if you don't fancy the school/FBO thing there are plenty one man band CFI,s with there own 172 or pipers where you can get a dedicated plane and one instructors undivided attention. Then maybe finish of with a 3 day American Flyers ground school which is really reasonable and a good way of preparing for the test.
Last edited by piperboy84; 22nd Oct 2013 at 21:25.
vc,
Lots of good advice in the posts above. After looking at Bodmin's details, it seems like a tough place to start your training. I was lucky when I started, by training at White Waltham, which is just a big grass field with runways up to over 3000' long. I would have been a lot more apprehensive staring at Bodmin's short runways while on final.
I would like to encourage you to consider the recommendations to consider the US. Relatively cheap to get to and the extra airfare cost compared to flying to say Greece, will be more than compensated for by the cheaper rental costs and there is a much better chance of good weather in the winter.
My advice would be to treat it as a flying holiday. Don't worry so much about circuit-bashing. Fly something bigger and faster than a 152, plan some cross-countries and learn navigation US-style (VORs, GPS and best of all, radar flight-following). Let the instructor handle some or all of the radio (at least initially) while you concentrate on the flying and navigation.
My preference would be to go to southern California, just for the experience of flying in the Los Angeles basin, including right across the top of LAX and a trip across the sea for lunch at Avalon (the Airport in the Clouds) on Catalina Island. I did that recently and on the way back, we did a visual/ILS approach and touch-and-go at Burbank, in between the Southwest 737s before returning to Van Nuys. All with friendly controllers, including LAX Tower and not a landing-fee in sight!*
If you do that, you'll be much more comfortable and more relaxed in your flying, you'll be better prepared mentally for finishing your PPL, you'll have some lifetime memories and you'll be able bore your friends in the pub and on PPRuNe with your US flying stories.
Just remember to allow for jet-lag on your first few days, particularly if you go to the west coast.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
*PS I forgot that there is a small fee at Avalon to help maintain the privately-run, but quite busy airport.
Lots of good advice in the posts above. After looking at Bodmin's details, it seems like a tough place to start your training. I was lucky when I started, by training at White Waltham, which is just a big grass field with runways up to over 3000' long. I would have been a lot more apprehensive staring at Bodmin's short runways while on final.
I would like to encourage you to consider the recommendations to consider the US. Relatively cheap to get to and the extra airfare cost compared to flying to say Greece, will be more than compensated for by the cheaper rental costs and there is a much better chance of good weather in the winter.
My advice would be to treat it as a flying holiday. Don't worry so much about circuit-bashing. Fly something bigger and faster than a 152, plan some cross-countries and learn navigation US-style (VORs, GPS and best of all, radar flight-following). Let the instructor handle some or all of the radio (at least initially) while you concentrate on the flying and navigation.
My preference would be to go to southern California, just for the experience of flying in the Los Angeles basin, including right across the top of LAX and a trip across the sea for lunch at Avalon (the Airport in the Clouds) on Catalina Island. I did that recently and on the way back, we did a visual/ILS approach and touch-and-go at Burbank, in between the Southwest 737s before returning to Van Nuys. All with friendly controllers, including LAX Tower and not a landing-fee in sight!*
If you do that, you'll be much more comfortable and more relaxed in your flying, you'll be better prepared mentally for finishing your PPL, you'll have some lifetime memories and you'll be able bore your friends in the pub and on PPRuNe with your US flying stories.
Just remember to allow for jet-lag on your first few days, particularly if you go to the west coast.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
*PS I forgot that there is a small fee at Avalon to help maintain the privately-run, but quite busy airport.
Last edited by India Four Two; 23rd Oct 2013 at 08:47.
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Hi Mike,
couple of things:
While I would also recommend you to consider the US (do the calculations - the much cheaper hourly rates will offset a large share, if not all, of the additional cost of "getting there" in the first place), this thread creates the impression that you can just fly over there and begin training anywhere you like. That's not the case. First of all, for your UK license, you will need to choose between a small number of UK-CAA authorised schools (I believe 5 are based in Florida, while one is based in Southern California). Also, be aware of the paperwork needed to get your training visa and your TSA clearance. You will probably need to plan 2 months in advance to get this sorted. Having said that, I did my PPL in California in December and January and the weather was superb 99% of the time.
This long thread has all the details regarding training in the US:
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...-part-1-a.html
This is my own review of what I did:
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...san-diego.html
Finally, if you're looking into Spain, there is "Fly in Spain" in Jerez, which was also on the top of my list before I went to California. There is a recent review of that school to be found here:
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...-training.html
Good luck with any path you choose!
couple of things:
While I would also recommend you to consider the US (do the calculations - the much cheaper hourly rates will offset a large share, if not all, of the additional cost of "getting there" in the first place), this thread creates the impression that you can just fly over there and begin training anywhere you like. That's not the case. First of all, for your UK license, you will need to choose between a small number of UK-CAA authorised schools (I believe 5 are based in Florida, while one is based in Southern California). Also, be aware of the paperwork needed to get your training visa and your TSA clearance. You will probably need to plan 2 months in advance to get this sorted. Having said that, I did my PPL in California in December and January and the weather was superb 99% of the time.
This long thread has all the details regarding training in the US:
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...-part-1-a.html
This is my own review of what I did:
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...san-diego.html
Finally, if you're looking into Spain, there is "Fly in Spain" in Jerez, which was also on the top of my list before I went to California. There is a recent review of that school to be found here:
http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...-training.html
Good luck with any path you choose!
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Wow! thanks for all the great advice on which to base my decision, guys!
I confess I hadn't seriously considered the USA after reading about all the bureaucracy involved but, following the advice here, I'm going to look very closely at this option.
Rhino 25782, do you have more information about the UK-CAA authorised school in Southern California that you mentioned?
EDIT: I guess it's UK Flight Training in Long Beach?
Mike
I confess I hadn't seriously considered the USA after reading about all the bureaucracy involved but, following the advice here, I'm going to look very closely at this option.
Rhino 25782, do you have more information about the UK-CAA authorised school in Southern California that you mentioned?
EDIT: I guess it's UK Flight Training in Long Beach?
Mike
Last edited by vegancruiser; 23rd Oct 2013 at 09:46.
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EDIT: I guess it's UK Flight Training in Long Beach?
Full review here: http://www.pprune.org/private-flying...san-diego.html
If you have any more specific questions, feel free to ask!
Btw. if you go for it, you might consider getting more value for money by also completing your night rating overseas! I ran out of time and otherwise would have done it.
Cheers
Patrick
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I thought about doing my PPL abroad where the weather was kinder, but I decided against this for a couple of reasons.
I didn't want to just learn in perfect, sunny conditions and then come back here to be flying in the usual mucky weather. I spent most of my circuit lessons in crosswind and I don't bat an eyelid about it anymore. In the UK you'll still be in marginal weather a lot of the time
I also wanted to do my PPL in one of the most congested air corridor's in the UK, transiting past luton, stanstead, heathrow, gatwick all the time. Now it's second nature and I have no issues doing this on a regular basis. Flying in empty airspace now is a joy, but I'm used to much tighter spaces as part of the course.
I didn't want to just learn in perfect, sunny conditions and then come back here to be flying in the usual mucky weather. I spent most of my circuit lessons in crosswind and I don't bat an eyelid about it anymore. In the UK you'll still be in marginal weather a lot of the time
I also wanted to do my PPL in one of the most congested air corridor's in the UK, transiting past luton, stanstead, heathrow, gatwick all the time. Now it's second nature and I have no issues doing this on a regular basis. Flying in empty airspace now is a joy, but I'm used to much tighter spaces as part of the course.
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good morning vegancruiser....
The best advice in this thread, as so frequently occurs, was that given by Ghengis....
I started flying at the age of 50, in gliders, and figured I better get on with it before the final curtain came down! so been flying ever since, and have the PPL, IR, bells and whistles and 3,000 hours.
So true, that the older you get the more your learning curve turns into a flat line! I have had to suggest to some enthusiastic students over 60 that perhaps it is best just to enjoy flying dual!
But you want to get the ticks in the boxes, best suggestion is to go to the US of A. Florida is great, but avoid being near Orlando, heavy heavy traffic of heavies overhead, I just flew at Kissimmee a couple of weeks ago, and their patterns (circuits) are fairly restricted because of all the jets winging into Orlando.....
ALSO, BEWARE! Never but never part with your money all at once. Flight schools have a long history of going belly up, and they love to get a wad of cash up front. Pay as you fly...it may save you big bucks in the long run.
The best advice in this thread, as so frequently occurs, was that given by Ghengis....
I started flying at the age of 50, in gliders, and figured I better get on with it before the final curtain came down! so been flying ever since, and have the PPL, IR, bells and whistles and 3,000 hours.
So true, that the older you get the more your learning curve turns into a flat line! I have had to suggest to some enthusiastic students over 60 that perhaps it is best just to enjoy flying dual!
But you want to get the ticks in the boxes, best suggestion is to go to the US of A. Florida is great, but avoid being near Orlando, heavy heavy traffic of heavies overhead, I just flew at Kissimmee a couple of weeks ago, and their patterns (circuits) are fairly restricted because of all the jets winging into Orlando.....
ALSO, BEWARE! Never but never part with your money all at once. Flight schools have a long history of going belly up, and they love to get a wad of cash up front. Pay as you fly...it may save you big bucks in the long run.
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Thank you all for taking the time to offer me such great advice. It's good to get differing opinions based on people's own experiences.
Since I last posted I've managed another 36 mins solo time, bringing my P1 grand total to 1 hr 48 mins! Regardless of which way I proceed, there is one thing I'm convinced of and that is, learning to fly at Bodmin with its short uneven grass strips would ultimately make me a more accomplished, safer pilot, sooner. This is not to detract at all from the skills of pilots who've carried out their training exclusively from conventional runways and who will probably adapt to grass later. It's just a case of 'doing it the hard way' which, in itself, may be a disadvantage for someone like myself who has found the landings especially demanding. I set high - and perhaps unrealistic! - targets for myself and on times I've felt very discouraged. I know I'm not alone in feeling this way when learning to fly and with dedication, I know I'll get there.
In the light of the advice given here, I'm now considering my next move. My current feeling is that I'll either persevere with Bodmin and its weather, or go somewhere in southern Europe to finish my PPL. Taking the USA route is very, very appealing - especially in California! - and I'm making enquiries, but I have to say I'm discouraged by the amount of red tape involved.
Since I last posted I've managed another 36 mins solo time, bringing my P1 grand total to 1 hr 48 mins! Regardless of which way I proceed, there is one thing I'm convinced of and that is, learning to fly at Bodmin with its short uneven grass strips would ultimately make me a more accomplished, safer pilot, sooner. This is not to detract at all from the skills of pilots who've carried out their training exclusively from conventional runways and who will probably adapt to grass later. It's just a case of 'doing it the hard way' which, in itself, may be a disadvantage for someone like myself who has found the landings especially demanding. I set high - and perhaps unrealistic! - targets for myself and on times I've felt very discouraged. I know I'm not alone in feeling this way when learning to fly and with dedication, I know I'll get there.
In the light of the advice given here, I'm now considering my next move. My current feeling is that I'll either persevere with Bodmin and its weather, or go somewhere in southern Europe to finish my PPL. Taking the USA route is very, very appealing - especially in California! - and I'm making enquiries, but I have to say I'm discouraged by the amount of red tape involved.
Last edited by vegancruiser; 25th Oct 2013 at 10:45.
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: North Cornwall, UK
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"I have had to suggest to some enthusiastic students over 60 that perhaps it is best just to enjoy flying dual!"
Now THAT makes depressing reading!
Now THAT makes depressing reading!