How did you get into flying?
High Flying Bird
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I'm not sure how I got into flying. I was excited the first time I ever flew, but not enough to want to learn. Dad was always interested in aircraft, but not flying them. I expect someone said it might be difficult, or told me I couldn't do it. That would be enough of a reason to make me try! Once I had had my trial lesson I was completely hooked and now I can't get enough.
Title? What title?
Join Date: Dec 2002
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Grew up under the 26 approach path to Luton and as a kid, spent hours laying on the ground watching them. Decided that I was going to fly for a living aged about 12 (when I realised I was never going to play for Arsenal), and took all the right stuff at school, before being told at the age of 16, by a careers teacher, that I couldnt fly because I had hayfever. I believed him and bumbled along through college and ended up in IT. A couple of years later, worked for a guy who had been an RAF test pilot and a Court Line captain (I still have the company tie he gave me). I wandered into his office one day and his eyes were streaming
'its hayfever' says he,
'no it can't be' says I and I told him the story.
'Complete carp' he tells me
and a few days later, with no intention of turning pro cos I was married and actually doing pretty well , I took my first lesson 'just to show 'em'!!
Still in IT, still PPL and still stare wistfully at aircraft as they pass overhead! If man has created a more inspirational machine than an aircraft I would love to see it.
'its hayfever' says he,
'no it can't be' says I and I told him the story.
'Complete carp' he tells me
and a few days later, with no intention of turning pro cos I was married and actually doing pretty well , I took my first lesson 'just to show 'em'!!
Still in IT, still PPL and still stare wistfully at aircraft as they pass overhead! If man has created a more inspirational machine than an aircraft I would love to see it.
Join Date: Jan 2003
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I was born and lived just off of the approach to 06 at Southend, so my childhood was punctuated with the sights and sounds of Dakotas and Bristol Freighters on finals. Later on they changed to Carvairs, Viscounts and BAC1-11s. My father had many books about the exploits of the RAF, all written during WW2, which I read avidly. He told me of his experiences at North Weald during the Battle of Britain and my mother told me of the Eagle Squadrons stationed at Southend. So I was surrouned by aircraft from a very early age. Later on, I built airfix models of aircraft and started work at Marconi, designing avionics for miltary aircraft.
Many years later in a different job, I was working next to a guy who was doing his PPL, and after my wife bought me a trial lesson, he took us both flying. We went back into the club and I booked my first lesson there and then.
In all the years I spent watching aircraft land at Southend, I never dreamed that one day,I would doing it.
Pprune came along a lot later but I've learnt so much from it, its also given me a chance to put something back.
Many years later in a different job, I was working next to a guy who was doing his PPL, and after my wife bought me a trial lesson, he took us both flying. We went back into the club and I booked my first lesson there and then.
In all the years I spent watching aircraft land at Southend, I never dreamed that one day,I would doing it.
Pprune came along a lot later but I've learnt so much from it, its also given me a chance to put something back.
Join Date: May 2000
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Living just down the road from a friendly airfield did it for me - there's nothing like a continuous stream of tiny aircraft failing to fall out of the sky to make it look both safe and easy.
Any time you're turning final on Rwy 25 at Wycombe, wave - that's me down there!
Any time you're turning final on Rwy 25 at Wycombe, wave - that's me down there!
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Lifelong fascination with how something weighing several hundred tonnes could ever get off the ground. Still amazes me now when I'm flying C150s that mankind/womankind/personkind has conquered the force of gravity (or at least found a way to overcome it).
I gather than the very first word I ever spoke, as a baby, was lying on a Norfolk beach on a sunny day and looking up at the sky... I'm told I pointed up at a 'plane flying over and said... "car".
Naturally I was hooked.....
I gather than the very first word I ever spoke, as a baby, was lying on a Norfolk beach on a sunny day and looking up at the sky... I'm told I pointed up at a 'plane flying over and said... "car".
Naturally I was hooked.....
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Going to Spain when I was 4 and looking at the FD, all those switches, knobs and dials opened my eyes. Had a million and one questions which continued whenever I was on a jet to somewhere hot.
The sight, sound and smell of an airport had me hooked but I never considered civil aviation to start with, I loved the Phantoms and Jaguars of the RAF. Sadly that never came to fruition but the love of planes never died and it's all gone from there. I think I have got worse as I have got older and spend any spare money on a quick trip round the skies.
Still hoping to sit in the point end one day but it doesn't look like I will be sparking the imagination of a 4 year old now the FD is off limits.
The sight, sound and smell of an airport had me hooked but I never considered civil aviation to start with, I loved the Phantoms and Jaguars of the RAF. Sadly that never came to fruition but the love of planes never died and it's all gone from there. I think I have got worse as I have got older and spend any spare money on a quick trip round the skies.
Still hoping to sit in the point end one day but it doesn't look like I will be sparking the imagination of a 4 year old now the FD is off limits.
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Grew up with a sky full of aircraft.
2 local RAFVR squadrons of Meteors
A de Havilland plant producing Hornets, Vampires, Venoms, Doves, Herons and Comets.
A real airport Speke, with lots of DC3, DC4, Rapide etc activity.
All within ten miles, and also a constant flow of Transatlantic traffic for Burtonwood. My enduring memory of which is 2 full squadrons of B36's passing in formation.
That collection's enough to interest anybody in flying
2 local RAFVR squadrons of Meteors
A de Havilland plant producing Hornets, Vampires, Venoms, Doves, Herons and Comets.
A real airport Speke, with lots of DC3, DC4, Rapide etc activity.
All within ten miles, and also a constant flow of Transatlantic traffic for Burtonwood. My enduring memory of which is 2 full squadrons of B36's passing in formation.
That collection's enough to interest anybody in flying
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Still hoping to sit in the point end one day but it doesn't look like I will be sparking the imagination of a 4 year old now the FD is off limits.
I was told I asked that question when I was around 4 - went with my dad a visit to the airport (not spotting, but picking up a relative coming back from their holidays). This is where I pointed up at a departing aircraft and asked the question.
***(sorry about the posting mistake - accidently deleted a part of my previous pos
) ***In conclusion, you don't need to be a pilot to inspire the little 'uns. Just see if they are interested and if they are then you can take them to air shows and such things. Even if your children, nephews etc... don't grow up to be pilots - it still gives something in common between the two of you.
Good luck -
Last edited by Andrew M; 24th Apr 2003 at 10:04.
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Won a trial flight in a raffle when I was about 20. Hadnt given it a thought before then, but based on that experience took it up when I got some cash together.
So do some marketing with those trial flight vouchers !
So do some marketing with those trial flight vouchers !
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Father was an RN instructor officer, and was posted to Culdrose in the early sixties when I was a child. His duties as also a met. officer there made aviation a constant background during the two years we remained there.
Later, in Birmingham in the early eighties, I started a PPL course, went solo, but gave up a few hours later owing to lack of flying/drinking/curry vouchers.
Early mid-nineties started again, in Leeds, but stopped when I failed the JAR medical. Started on a long course satisfying the various medical tests the CAA required.
Mid-2002, the NPPL arrived. Flying salvation! So, took the course, got the DVLA-type medical, and gained the NPPL in late 2002 - now having satisfied the CAA for JAR medical I have converted to JAR-PPL.
I never realized I was so determined to get qualified as a pilot, until, as has already been said on this thread, one realized quite how much satisfaction it gives.
Later, in Birmingham in the early eighties, I started a PPL course, went solo, but gave up a few hours later owing to lack of flying/drinking/curry vouchers.
Early mid-nineties started again, in Leeds, but stopped when I failed the JAR medical. Started on a long course satisfying the various medical tests the CAA required.
Mid-2002, the NPPL arrived. Flying salvation! So, took the course, got the DVLA-type medical, and gained the NPPL in late 2002 - now having satisfied the CAA for JAR medical I have converted to JAR-PPL.
I never realized I was so determined to get qualified as a pilot, until, as has already been said on this thread, one realized quite how much satisfaction it gives.
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When I was a kid I was always into tales of airborne derring-do, and built airfix kits and balsa-wood aeroplanes. I thought that actually being able to fly an aeroplane must be the best thing EVER!!
Then computers came along and I got into flight sims. Still thought that flying an aeroplane must be the best thing ever.
However I never really expected that it was something I would ever get to do. As my old grandma was like to say, "That's not for the likes of us".
"Bo**ocks" I thought...
What really sprung it was when a colleague at work started taking flying lessons. He had to give them up due to money/family committments, but that was the first inkling I had that I could afford it.
Once I'd done a costing, and realised that I could actually afford to take a couple of lessons a month, there was no turning back.
Until that time, I'd only ever been on any kind of aeroplane twice, going to and from Oslo on a holiday in 1991.
So I had me a trial flight at Biggin Hill, and I was hooked. Started taking as many lessons a month as I can possibly afford (three or more on average) and did my first Solo last September.
Had far too long a break this year for bad weather, but now I'm on navigation and will soon be doing my first solo cross-country.
And you know what? I was right. It IS the best thing ever!
Then computers came along and I got into flight sims. Still thought that flying an aeroplane must be the best thing ever.
However I never really expected that it was something I would ever get to do. As my old grandma was like to say, "That's not for the likes of us".
"Bo**ocks" I thought...
What really sprung it was when a colleague at work started taking flying lessons. He had to give them up due to money/family committments, but that was the first inkling I had that I could afford it.
Once I'd done a costing, and realised that I could actually afford to take a couple of lessons a month, there was no turning back.
Until that time, I'd only ever been on any kind of aeroplane twice, going to and from Oslo on a holiday in 1991.
So I had me a trial flight at Biggin Hill, and I was hooked. Started taking as many lessons a month as I can possibly afford (three or more on average) and did my first Solo last September.
Had far too long a break this year for bad weather, but now I'm on navigation and will soon be doing my first solo cross-country.
And you know what? I was right. It IS the best thing ever!
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Various family members (current and late) who are/were variously military, commercial and aerobatic pilots. I was wanting to do this since I was 16 and finally managed it at the age of 30.
I still smile when I think that I've actually got a PILOT'S LICENCE!
I still smile when I think that I've actually got a PILOT'S LICENCE!
High Flying Bird
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... and the rest of us wonder what on Earth went wrong with the testing procedure to allow you to get one. 
Se you next Friday mate.
Don't forget my books and the jug of sea breeze or whatever it is you've owed me for about 3 years!
Se you next Friday mate.
Don't forget my books and the jug of sea breeze or whatever it is you've owed me for about 3 years!
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First got the bug after watching "REACH FOR THE SKY" film, but never thought it was within "my reach". As a kid in the 80's went to Finningly airshows...again had massive yearning. Then one day had trial flight (a year ago to the day actually)...totally hooked..passed my ppl in December, and still have to pinch myself daily to realise im not dreaming...i try to fly at least twice weekly and totally addicted. (FS2000 also ). 
..if anyone is concidering it...Just do it !!....The best feeling in the world (well, nearly )
..if anyone is concidering it...Just do it !!....The best feeling in the world (well, nearly )
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Much like many on this thread i spent my youth dreaming about flying and tripping up looking at the skies whenever a plane flew overhead. I used to cycle to Gatwick, a 70 mile round trip to just sit and watch and wonder in awe.
Like many others I thought it was out of my reach.
Years later a girlfriend bought me a trial lesson and I was hooked. After completing my first 38 hours I had a financial disaster, but after 18 months am now back on track and hope to complete PPL in time for summer. During that bleak 18 months I could barely think of anything else apart from getting myself back on track. If you want something badly enough I guess you will achieve it.
I would encourage anyone thinking about it to actually go out and do it. Hopefully when I obtain that coveted licence I can start converting!!
Like many others I thought it was out of my reach.
Years later a girlfriend bought me a trial lesson and I was hooked. After completing my first 38 hours I had a financial disaster, but after 18 months am now back on track and hope to complete PPL in time for summer. During that bleak 18 months I could barely think of anything else apart from getting myself back on track. If you want something badly enough I guess you will achieve it.
I would encourage anyone thinking about it to actually go out and do it. Hopefully when I obtain that coveted licence I can start converting!!
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Never really thought about it in the early years. Loved watching aeroplanes, and built the models, though. Never thought I could be a pilot (it wasn't what I was studying) and didn't even know how to go about it.
Quit school with no idea what to do, and saw an advert for Air Traffic Controllers. Part of the advert said "we will train you to PPL". So I applied, became a controller (didn't even know what that was either) and got the PPL. Luckiest break ever - found out I loved all things aviation. Loved controlling, but always wanted to fly. Couldn't keep the PPL going though, as one hour's flying was a week's wages in those days.
Times have changed, the kids have flown the nest, and now I've got enough time and money to get back into the air - brilliant!
Quit school with no idea what to do, and saw an advert for Air Traffic Controllers. Part of the advert said "we will train you to PPL". So I applied, became a controller (didn't even know what that was either) and got the PPL. Luckiest break ever - found out I loved all things aviation. Loved controlling, but always wanted to fly. Couldn't keep the PPL going though, as one hour's flying was a week's wages in those days.
Times have changed, the kids have flown the nest, and now I've got enough time and money to get back into the air - brilliant!
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Dad was an engineer at Southend Airport in the early 70's. He used to take me to the Historic Aircraft Museum there every Sunday morning. I can remember the anticipation and the thrill I got from clambering over the Beverley and peering into the cockpits of the Meteor, Sea Hawk and Javelin etc., asking him the same questions week in, week out! I can even remember the smell!! We'd always leave with the latest release from Airfix, which he'd build and I'd inevitably smash up!
He'd stop at the Airport 'Flarepath' Club on the way home for a pint, while I stood in the car park with a bottle of Coke and a straw, watching the Carvairs, Heralds and Viscounts coming and going.
The fascination remained, I'd always ask for flight deck visits whenever we went on holiday, Dad still organised impromtu trips to Duxford, Hendon, Mildenhall etc....and a pleasure flight from Clacton in a Cessna 172 in about 1980 (G-AWUW).
When we moved house to within walking distance of the Airport, I inevitably ended up becoming a 'spotter'. In my teenage years I discovered sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, ditched the notebook and anorak but went through school with the intention of having an 'aviation related' career. Applied unsuccesfully for a BA Cadetship in the mid eighties and drifted into Air Traffic Control as an Assistant. Got sponsorship for Controller training and, cutting a long story very short, ended up where I am today. Getting paid for a job that I love!
The PPL always seemed prohibitively expensive, especially with mortgage and kids around, but I got mine in 1996, thanks entirely to an instructor friend who gave his time, effort and money to get me through at a fraction of the cost. I still owe him hundreds of beers and curries...cheers Paddy...you are the World's nicest bloke!! My first solo will remain one of my greatest achievements. Night and IMC Ratings have followed, and I've enjoyed every single second of it all. I still get a big cheesy grin from ear to ear whenever I 'slip the surly bonds', and haven't entirely ruled out ATPL's.
A boyhood dream has become a reality, thanks to some inspirational people, that's probably why I bore the hell out of friends, family and complete strangers, harping on about what a privilege it is to be able to fly......thank goodness for pprune!!
He'd stop at the Airport 'Flarepath' Club on the way home for a pint, while I stood in the car park with a bottle of Coke and a straw, watching the Carvairs, Heralds and Viscounts coming and going.
The fascination remained, I'd always ask for flight deck visits whenever we went on holiday, Dad still organised impromtu trips to Duxford, Hendon, Mildenhall etc....and a pleasure flight from Clacton in a Cessna 172 in about 1980 (G-AWUW).
When we moved house to within walking distance of the Airport, I inevitably ended up becoming a 'spotter'. In my teenage years I discovered sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, ditched the notebook and anorak but went through school with the intention of having an 'aviation related' career. Applied unsuccesfully for a BA Cadetship in the mid eighties and drifted into Air Traffic Control as an Assistant. Got sponsorship for Controller training and, cutting a long story very short, ended up where I am today. Getting paid for a job that I love!
The PPL always seemed prohibitively expensive, especially with mortgage and kids around, but I got mine in 1996, thanks entirely to an instructor friend who gave his time, effort and money to get me through at a fraction of the cost. I still owe him hundreds of beers and curries...cheers Paddy...you are the World's nicest bloke!! My first solo will remain one of my greatest achievements. Night and IMC Ratings have followed, and I've enjoyed every single second of it all. I still get a big cheesy grin from ear to ear whenever I 'slip the surly bonds', and haven't entirely ruled out ATPL's.
A boyhood dream has become a reality, thanks to some inspirational people, that's probably why I bore the hell out of friends, family and complete strangers, harping on about what a privilege it is to be able to fly......thank goodness for pprune!!
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Always wanted to fly light aircraft as a hobby. Never really thought about a career in aviation until I experienced a jump seat approach in a BA 777 into JFK. I think I was buzzing for a month My heart was beating like a drum after the captain kicked out the drift and touched that thing down on the centerline; a truly wonderful experience!
My heart was beating like a drum after the captain kicked out the drift and touched that thing down on the centerline; a truly wonderful experience!
