Life after PPL.What to do?
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Scotland
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Life after PPL.What to do?
Hello everyone.I'm just about to finish my PPL (happy happy joy joy).I was wondering what would be the best thing to do next. Do you think maybe some hours building?Or move onto another a/c type Or IMC rating?I want to get as much experience and be as safe & competent as possible.SO,what did you all do after you finished ? I'd really like to hear.
Join Date: Aug 1999
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I did a few hours to get totally comfortable in the aircraft. Plan a few cross countries, push yourself a little bit, but always try and get a briefing and get good weather info. Don't go if the weather is looking iffy. Have a Plan B and Plan C!
Then when you are getting really happy/ bored by doing that, why not get checked out on a "complex" type? I did some hours then I did my multi engine rating, which was a lot of fun, almost like learning to fly again. You could do an IMC too if you want to spend loads of money. If you do this then plan to fly regularly and practice instrument flying and approaches. There is no point otherwise.
Its difficult to keep the interest, but doing different things, and flying with an instructor again every now and then is a good idea.
Then when you are getting really happy/ bored by doing that, why not get checked out on a "complex" type? I did some hours then I did my multi engine rating, which was a lot of fun, almost like learning to fly again. You could do an IMC too if you want to spend loads of money. If you do this then plan to fly regularly and practice instrument flying and approaches. There is no point otherwise.
Its difficult to keep the interest, but doing different things, and flying with an instructor again every now and then is a good idea.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Norwich, UK
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Congratulations on the PPL. Are you a member of your local PFA strut ? The reason I ask is that it is a great introduction to lower cost, fly for fun, aviating.
I have a share in a Piper Cub, run on a Permit To Fly, under the auspices of the PFA. Just one of the great things about it is the cost per hour; another is (since it is a group owned aeroplane) there is a ready made group of flying partners. I have often shared a flight with a fellow group owner; typically he flies there, I fly back. I guess you could do that with a club 'plane, too.
Sure, an IMC is great - but hey, go have some cheap fun (too) - you deserve it. Happy days...
I have a share in a Piper Cub, run on a Permit To Fly, under the auspices of the PFA. Just one of the great things about it is the cost per hour; another is (since it is a group owned aeroplane) there is a ready made group of flying partners. I have often shared a flight with a fellow group owner; typically he flies there, I fly back. I guess you could do that with a club 'plane, too.
Sure, an IMC is great - but hey, go have some cheap fun (too) - you deserve it. Happy days...
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Leeds, UK
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congrats on the PPL.
why not try some aerobatics - great fun, and will greatly improve your coordination. Like the IMC, it probably also helps with safety - if it all goes pear shaped you'll be a little cooler about what to do...
good luck
why not try some aerobatics - great fun, and will greatly improve your coordination. Like the IMC, it probably also helps with safety - if it all goes pear shaped you'll be a little cooler about what to do...
good luck
Join Date: Aug 2001
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You might want to get hold of the book 'Beyond the PPL' by Nigel Everett. I have recently got my PPL, and have this book. It has lots of exercises to do, tips for better techniques etc. It also gives you some flying goals - such as before you can call yourself a real pilot:
1. Carry out a practice emergency diversion
2. Cross 3 MATZs
3. Fly into/out of 3 airfields in Class D airspace
4. Fly into a foreign country and land at 3 airfields there
I have found that it is nice to have some goals and aims to make yourself a better pilot.
I didn't write the book and don't know the author, so am unbiased!
Samson
PS You can get it from www.amazon.co.uk
[ 01 September 2001: Message edited by: samson. ]
1. Carry out a practice emergency diversion
2. Cross 3 MATZs
3. Fly into/out of 3 airfields in Class D airspace
4. Fly into a foreign country and land at 3 airfields there
I have found that it is nice to have some goals and aims to make yourself a better pilot.
I didn't write the book and don't know the author, so am unbiased!
Samson
PS You can get it from www.amazon.co.uk
[ 01 September 2001: Message edited by: samson. ]
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: East Anglia
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Congratulations
Myself went out and got a few hours under my belt stretching further afield as my confidence had built up. One year later after my PPL I did an IMC, I recomend the IMC as it builds confidence in more complex proceedures and radio work, as well as allowing you to get out off sticky situations when the weather goes abit pear shaped. After the course I promise you, you will have so much more confidence in your flying, and also it can get very prity above the clouds or between layers.
good luck
Myself went out and got a few hours under my belt stretching further afield as my confidence had built up. One year later after my PPL I did an IMC, I recomend the IMC as it builds confidence in more complex proceedures and radio work, as well as allowing you to get out off sticky situations when the weather goes abit pear shaped. After the course I promise you, you will have so much more confidence in your flying, and also it can get very prity above the clouds or between layers.
good luck
Join Date: Feb 2000
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Congratulations on the PPL
I finished mine earlier this year and have slowly tried to build on it - crouss country to a new airport (Shoreham) and also recently trying some grass circuits. I am also going to take part in a club fly out next week to duxford which will be interesting as it will take me around some more congested airspace near London to get there.
All in all, just try and keep flying - I am thinking about the IMC as a project for the winter months when the weather is not so good!!
TZ
I finished mine earlier this year and have slowly tried to build on it - crouss country to a new airport (Shoreham) and also recently trying some grass circuits. I am also going to take part in a club fly out next week to duxford which will be interesting as it will take me around some more congested airspace near London to get there.
All in all, just try and keep flying - I am thinking about the IMC as a project for the winter months when the weather is not so good!!
TZ
