All of the above I agree with... but also, it's something that relatively speaking, not many people achieve (a PPL and the ability to fly an aircraft solo, that is) - there is (to me) a certain something in being able to say I can fly / hold a pilot's license. Elitist maybe (criticise me if you like) but I bet you all love it when non-flyers discover you are a pilot.

Then again I just love climbing out of my home airfield and looking at everyone on the ground getting smaller! "Here I am, flying a plane" - indescribable pleasure! So not just an aviation snob after all...

Hi Tigger,

Just read that you've training started training for your PPL. I'm as pleased as punch for you, especially since few of us have the imagination to do their PPL on something as wonderful as the Moth. I certainly didn't, although I wish I had now.

Good luck on your training. I'm sure the puke-thing will pass pretty quickly, even without the tablets. I had a similar problem during my first few hours, which I've now put down to simply feeling nervous about my lesson, rather than air-sickness per se. Never returned since, even after I moved on to aeros, etc.

Keep us posted on how you get on.

TW

"Why do you like flying?" I'd often thought only a non-aviator could ask that question (no offence meant to anyone). T-M you have now committed aviation... well done :D

It is so hard to explain why I like flying, it's not the freedom (what? in classes A & C airspace !!!), it's not the view (although they can be breathtaking... see caribbeanburn in the gallery), I think it's more a state of mind, just being there. I believe it was Ernest Kellog Gann that wrote "pilot's record their time in the air as if it were the only time that was important to them"

I once had an arguement with a colleague at work (in a factory... well I have to pay for my flying somehow!) and he said "you think you're above me don't you?" to which my reply was "when I'm flying.... I am!"

I have been told by many people that I fly for the wrong reasons. I started my flying lessons in 1990 and by '92 had given up due to bad weather, lack of funds and bad friends who could not understand why I wanted to fly, because it didn't interest them they believed it shouldn't interest me either. I fly only three times in the next seven years. But it was after my brother's sudden death in a light aircraft accident in '99 that it dawned on me, time is important, it is finite, you only get a set amount and you can't stop it slipping away. I'll tell you now, getting into a light aircraft for the first time after the accident was the scariest thing I have every done, but I had to do it. Now my freinds and family think I am flying for my brother, which they believe is the wrong reason, but whatever the reason is... it is my reason and by definition cannot be right or wrong... it just is. I passed my skill test last month and I'm just waiting for the Jiffy bag to land on my doormat.

Sorry about the rambling. T-M please learn from my mistake, don't give up. You only get one life, live it your way :)

Fly safely and point the nose towards your dreams.

BOTR

p.s. Please don't dis Richard Bach, I've just finished "One" and I so want it to be true, it's the only way I'll see my brother again :(

Yes it is true more than half of those who gain there PPL - give up flying completely within 2 years.

Here for it's worth (come on it must be more than tuppence)is my opinion why.

Anyone who takes their trial lesson and goes on to complete their PPL does so for 2 reasons, they want to fly as a career (the bug got them) or they become addicted. obsessed, determined to get to at least their PPL

Flying is expensive and there is a lot involved to keep and maintain your licence.

The other thing is the very quick loss of currency in skills if you don't fly frequently, interpreting TAF's, METAR's and NOTAMS', navigation skills, landings and R/T work - all this leads to I'll put it off to next week when the weather is better


I do agree with nooodle though - it definitely hlps in attracting the opposite sex! - where's that wicked evil grin icon!

I had my third lesson after a 2 week gap due to weather and felt fine so I think I have got over my air sickness. After all that worry I was only ever sick for my first lesson! Give up? Why would I do that? Ill fly until Ive got no money left.

That's the spirit TigerMoth. Fight to the last pilot standing!!

Kermie http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/aircraft/stuka2.gif

Tigger,

And then you'll get some more money and carry on until that runs out... and then you'll get some more... ad nauseum.

Is flying addictive? Nah, I can give it up anytime. Just don't want to. So there.

TW