Passed my RPL flight test
 

Not a PPL yet, but for a guy who was too scared to step on an aircraft 15 year ago to being legally allowed to fly a plane is a pretty amazing feeling.

And yes, I am still scared of flying, but I have managed to push the best part of that irrational fear to the back of my mind.

I am pretty chuffed at the moment. Long way to go yet, but probably one of the proudest achievements in my life. Its hard to describe the feeling of conquering such a huge irrational fear.

Congratulations Andy, it's a great feeling isn't it! Stick with it, and learn as you go, as we all are......

Well done Andy!

Andy ... Well done!

For what it's worth I know exactly what you've achieved, having been there myself.

That's a massive , massive thing you've done. becoming a pilot is cause enough for celebration, overcoming your fears takes it to a whole new level.

I look forward to hearing about your ongoing flying exploits.

how are you celebrating such a humongous achievement?

Brilliant news Andy!! Quite a turn around!

Where did you do it?

I went to the pub and had some beers!

I am on call for the next 4 weeks, so cant start my navs yet. I plan to use this time to do my PPL written exam.

Redcliffe Aero Club (Queensland, Australia). The instructors have been brilliant, and they were all aware of my fear. Must have been frustrating for them at times, but all credit has to go to them.

FWIW, nearly 70 hours dual and about 20 hours solo to get there. About 2 times the amount of hours that a typical student would require. There was an 8 month break in there when I hit the kangaroo on the motorcycle too.

Best part, apparently my flying standard is well above average and at a CPL level. Not bad considering I did not think I would pass the flight test.

I forgot to mention, but one part of the RPL test is under the hood. I have only done my instrument hours on analogue cockpit cause glass and me dont go well together, sad fact of being older and used to analogue dials.

I had no idea I was going under the hood, and realised pretty quickly that I have no idea how to do a rate 1 turn on a G1000 cockpit. The instructors keep you in glass or analogue for all the revision and pre test stuff so your flight test will be in the same cockpit. All good except my last IFR hours were logged in analogue and I have been flying glass because of availability.

The examiner was great though. After we covered off all the stuff in the training area, he took the time to show me some stuff I have not been taught and is outside the training syllabus. Things that may well save my life