Just want to say thanks

[MikeT]

I just have to take a moment and say thanks to all of you at Pilot Edge. I have been having an absolute blast flying on the network and it now has me itching to go get that PPL that eluded me so many years ago. I had flown to the point of a couple solos in 1990 when the pressure 2 small children and only one construction worker income grounded me for all these years. I thank you and soon one of the flight schools at KSEE will be thanking you. You really have made me realize how much I want to go tie up this loose end.

Thanks again PE, you guys rock!!!

Mike

[rgrazian]

Mike,

Good Luck on your quest! We need more pilots out there!

I recently returned to aviation after a long hiatus. I completed my PPL in 1995. I flew often for a few years, then like you, life got in the way. I jumped back in the seat last year and am going to take my Instrument check-ride in April. Pilotedge provided a tremendous supplemental training and support network. I know without a doubt it’s helped me improve single pilot resource management in IMC. These guys are great!

Again, good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

~Rob

[Keith Smith]

Wow, awesome news on both fronts!!

[Calvin Waterbury]

MikeT - You don't know what your post has done for me. My hurdle is health, but your post/attitude helps realign my focus. Thank you!

[MikeT]

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger there Calvin, I am in a similar boat. Not so much bad health but certainly not excellent health. I have always been a big guy and even back in 1990 I was not your average sized pilot. I'm 6'4" and back them I was a goos 280lbs. Well 20 years have not been all that kind and I am now pushing 325lbs. So in short I have to get a little weight off before I go running down to the airport to look for a 90lbs CFI. It's doable though and getting back in the cockpit is a good motivator.

A little story about being a big guy flying. Back in 1990 I had a very frustrating experience and it was also part of the reason why I got disenfranchised, along with the afore mentioned financial reasons. Back then I did most of my time in a Beachcraft Skipper. Basically it was the Beach version of the Piper Tomahawk if you're familiar with that aircraft. In hind sight I realized that the CFI I had was an idiot to put us both in that plane. I was 280lbs and he was at least 200 if not more. After quite a few lessons I had done a couple solos and was feeling good and confident when we went back up for some dual time in the pattern. On one of the touch and goes the carb heat was left on and all of a sudden we here having a hell of a time trying to gain altitude on the climb out. About the time I think we were both ready to declare an emergency and turn back toward the field he realized what was happening, killed the carb heat and we continued on in the pattern. I think it was at that point that he also realized what an idiot he was for putting us both in that Skipper. The next time I came for a lesson he had switched us over to a Cherokee. Obviously much safer, but all the confidence I had gained was now gone since I was in a totally unfamiliar aircraft. The frustration lead to a very uncomfortable cockpit and in the end played a part in my hanging it up. In hind sight I should have demanded some unpaid time in the Cherokee to make up for his mistake, but at 25 you don't really have the confidence for that kind of a showdown, well at least I didn't.

So Calvin, let's do this you and I. It's about time we both get back in the cockpit and make it work this time!

Mike

[Calvin Waterbury]

Ok Mike... it's a deal! I needed someone to give me a swift kick in the rump! Thanks!

[arb65912]

Mike and Calvin, I think both of you gave me some motivation to get back to real life training. I only have 12 hours in P28A Cherokee which I did last year.
My 2 major limitations are in this order, finances and hearing problem.
Hearing problem, I have learned that it can be acceptable to fly, with the headphones on, I am able to hear instructor quite well.
Finances... that is a hard part, I will have to save some money and take several flying lessons this summer.
At least I do not feel alone knowing that other have also some obstacles but determination is the winner.

Good luck guys and keep your fingers crossed for me also. Cheers, AJ

[Calvin Waterbury]

AJ,

Glad I/we can be an encouragement. Between Mike, you and myself we may have the makings of "The Old(?) Gimpy Student Flight Club!"

[arb65912]

We sure could. Old is just the number... on the other hand I wish mine was lower. Cheers, AJ

[Calvin Waterbury]

We sure could. Old is just the number... on the other hand I wish mine was lower. Cheers, AJ

Yes, but...

Lower "Number" = I can do things.
Higher "Number" = I can't do things.

Looks like the "number" does have some relevance.

But, like MikeT said in the OP, I am very grateful for having the likes of Pilotedge and the PE people around to add something very special to my sim flying. Thumbs up!