Learn to fly

This is a long term goal, I probably wont start it for at least another 5 years, but it is defiantly on my list. I’ve had 6 flying lessons in the past and loved it.

it’s been a long lasting dream to fly for me…my dad was a pilot so i grew up listening and seeing flying. the thing i could manage doing was paragliding. it’s not very difficult to learn, it’s definitely the cheapest way to fly, it’s relatively safe and it gives you the beauty of flight and freedom all in a backpack.
had to do a work and travel program for a summer to buy my first glider. then a whole winter waiting for good weather and saving for a course…and then the magic happened…

... I wonder how long this would take, and how much money…

I’ve had so many dreams with flying in them. For as long as I can remember, it’s been there, sometimes buried deep beneath other desires. Maybe someday I’ll make it happen.

While in Kaua’i, both myself and my wife took a flight with Birds in Paradise Ultralight Flights in Hanapepe, HI at the Port Allen Airport. It was a blast.

Learn to fly: Gliding, PPL and Helicopter. Maybe one day jet?

I learnt to glide / got solo in 2002 if I remember right but have done very little since. This is something I am really keen to pick up again. This took me a week, but about 2 hours of actual flight time (must have been about 8-10 or so winch launches to 1000 and a couple of aerotows to 2000).

PPL and Helicopter. I’ve had the opportunity to fly a few light aircraft under guidance and once flew an old Yak which was excellent fun, but I’d like to be able to do this properly and on my own.

Helicopter is something else entirely and I haven’t had an opportunity to try it yet, nor have I even flown in one. I might take a lesson soon though as an introduction. I like the flexibility that it represents.

Jet – now that really is wishful thinking but it would be great fun!

Everyone else here wants to fly planes…
I want to just… fly. Whoosh!

but one that would definitely be worth it. Hard to imagine an activity that would provide more exhilaration and freedom. Hope to start taking lessons and earn my Private and Instrument ratings within four years.

My 4th flight hour yesterday I got to taxi, radio, takeoff, climb and land (solo – supervised) which was the thrill of a lifetime! I was really nervous about the radio, but I was a champ. I had an older instructor who really pushed me on rudder, slow flight and a few stalls as well.

But it does cost $$. Done 2 “discovery flights” at two local schools and picked one that I’m just beginning with (3 hours so far). I just hope I can stick with it, follow up as much as I can with FSX and work my way through a CBT on the ground.