I think most important thing is to keep on flying no matter how. Go with a friend, so many people stop flying after they get the license. I think your comment nails the problem right in the eyes
Had a similar experience to your story as a solo student pilot, I asked my CFI for confirmation of the CTAF frequency of a nearby airport to which he replied "yeah". I flew the pattern at this airport making my calls on what I thought was the correct frequency. I nearly had a head on mid-air collision with a Beech Baron... I think I had all of 15 hours of experience at the time. I learned a valuable lesson that day, ALWAYS confirm things for yourself...
Sometimes the confidence issue is brought about by the money/time issues. You can't fly often due to money or time, then you get rusty, then you go up on a challenging day and freak yourself out. That's happened to me a couple of times. When it did I would just stop flying until I had the money or time to fly often enough to stay sharp.
For me, 1(Money) and 2(Time) are the big factors. When I was single had more of both. I hope I'm back at it before 5 (Health) becomes an issue. Inability to pass a flight physical ended for my dad when he was about my age (55).
@@MyTimeToFly I have an instrument/commercial for both ASEL and Rotorcraft. The weather was sometimes an issue, but it was pretty rare. I was using my Mooney M20E for work instead of being a pax on Delta/American and was able to make my client meetings with essentially equal performance to the carriers (though if the weather looked bad, I might leave the day before, or if it looked bad the day before, very early the day of - if I was wheels up at say 6:30 a.m., I could often be at the client site at 9:00 a.m. - particularly if I was going from my home in Eastern time to a client in Central time). In any event, the instrument rating greatly reduces weather being an issue.
I had the exact same experience with turning the radio down/off. The plane coming from the opposite direction was a student with and instructor on board. I didn't have to go looking for the other plane - he found me in short order and wasn't so forgiving in his comments. Very humbling and frightening but it was a lesson never forgotten! Great video!
Like Larry Isreal, of TEAM used to say: "I got tired of flying straight and level." Me too. I got licensed in Jan of 1980 - rented a lot - waited in the FBO for the guy to get back who was ahead of me. Then the 172's nose strut needed servicing - needed 2 quarts of oil, and on and on. Loved the Piper Arrow, then the wings started falling off. Then built 3 Experimental Amateur Built planes - lots of time eaten up there. Quit renting GA planes. Flew my last EAB for over 13 years and >750 hrs. Lots of fly-in breakfasts and boring holes in the air. Still, was tired of flying straight and level. No acro in my little plane - so, opted out of the program. Was fun - but that wore off. I worked Aircraft Avionics for a long time, so I still have an interest in airplanes and what makes them tick. I'm now what they call, in the "Parachuting Free Fall Community," a "WUFFO." "What fo you jump out of those airplanes?" :) Or, now, just an interloper at the FBO, from time to time. Thanks, N-6395T & PCA/USPA B-6370
Good video and reality check for us all. Covid has really put an end to our travels, but my bride and I are looking forward to 2021. We have plans for traveling out west and getting back to normal. Last year was my worst for flight time, just 55 hours. I would type more but my preheats are on, and I'm going flying this morning! ;)
For me it was the Money I was spending, I wanted to be able to retire someday. Also I was just taking to a guy who went thru all the training to fly but he was afraid to take the written test so he just quit.
Most definitely it can be hard to justify the money. That’s truly unfortunate about the gentlemen not taking the written, I guess the only positive is that he at least got some left seat experience!
Started when I was 18 in 1988 got my private but I always knew I couldn’t afford private flying and I worked out I could make money out of flying so that’s what I did over a four year period finally getting my ATP. Now 50 and flying airliners in Australia my thoughts are always with the idea of some day flying privately.
There’s a 6: safety. I don’t have a problem with confidence in my skills or airmanship. What I do have a problem with, is the statistical safety and the factors I cannot control as a pilot. As a single dude, I couldn’t care less. But as a husband and a father of two small boys? I can’t justify that risk. No matter how small. It’s still bigger than driving (in Europe, I dunno about America).
Great reminder MTTF, thank you... Small delays can turn into weeks and months... +1 for developing strategies to keep getting back on the horse... 😀 - a -
Money has stopped so many people. Where there's a will, there's a way! At the age of 16, I got together with a dozen other guys from school, and we all pitched in to buy a cheap Cessna 140, put a 50 gal. barrel for fuel in the back of an old pickup that one guy had, gave the ownership to a CFI in exchange for training...and got our licenses. Took me over a year to get the hours and testing, but we did it... Where there's a will, there IS a way.
When I started flying, I didn’t realize how often these planes crash. All the news of crashes in my local community tends to have a chilling effect on my willingness to go fly.
The reality is that small GA aircraft on average are worse than motor vehicles but safer than motorcycles. The good news is that 15% of aviation mishaps are mechanically related, and 85% are pilot error. Work at avoiding the following 1) inadvertent IMC, 2) fuel exhaustion, 3) CFIT (controlled flight into terrain), 4) low speed/ low altitude maneuvers, and 5) tailwind and gear-up landings Eliminate these 5 items through planning and discipline, and you are now safer than a car or truck.
Lots of good stuff here. I’ve had a couple of layoffs myself and a couple of years of little/no flying. My hope is that now with my commercial in hand I can mitigate the cost. Let me know if you need someone to hold down the right seat for you.
Another reason might be non support from one's own family. Such as spouse, parents, etc... Even friends. Just because they find no joy or excitement about flying, they are quick and determined to point out why you shouldn't fly. "You're never going to use this as a job. It's too dangerous. When are you going to find time to stay proficient?" These are the dream squashers reasonings I've heard over and over.
Truth! That’s why I’m so lucky to have the supportive family I have! My previous hobby was much less family oriented, maybe that’s played out in my favor!
Unfortunately for me it is heart surgery. Been trying for years and thousands of dollars in tests. FAA is a huge up hill battle with very little help of compassion.
Well for me confidence was and still is my biggest issue. I got my certificate in 04 then quit flying for about 13 years. I never really felt confident in my ability. Worried about the weather, or busy airport or messing up with ATC. I have just recently started flying again and and have made much progress. I have gotten a high performance rating flown the farthest I have ever gone and even taken the wife for a trip successfully. Unfortunately, I still have confidence issues. I schedule a day to fly and have talked myself into canceling. It's like I have all of these what ifs that run through my head and it ultimately paralyzes me then grounds me. I have gone up with many CFIs and all say I'm safe and just need to go and fly to build confidence. I'm over forty years old now and though I enjoy flying I feel at times the same way I have when I gave it up many years ago. My medical is up for renewal again in January so maybe that will be a decision point for me. I'm tired of letting myself down. Anyway you hit the nail on the head with this video!
First, thank you so much for sharing, that takes a lot of courage! I have often talked myself out of flying too, it can be difficult to overcome. You have to do something very hard, reflect on yourself and decide how important flying is to you. It sounds like many CFIs believe in you, and We believe in you too! Best of luck, and thank you again for sharing!!!
About money, 1st you can’t take it with you..I think many have tried. 2nd, as you get older you’ll find that money is or was not as important as you thought unless you like to sit on top of a pile of it and have nothing else in life to show for it. I enjoy aviation and am now gettin my PPl at 70. Money well it’s still important but not as much as I used to believe….
Money... yes. It’s bad. Here is the thing tho, did you actually take the wage to price ratio? In Canada it’s like... 12 grand? But they have a 15 dollar minimum wage. (Which I’m not saying is a good or a bad thing, I’m just saying you’re gonna get there faster with that than 9 dollars.) Ways around cost are to A: find your less expensive flight schools. Then B: save up and budget the full amount in a savings account. C: after you DO get your license, buy a very small plane with a single seat and less than 100 HP. Believe it or not, some of these planes can be just as fast as a Cessna. If you want more than one seat, consider a flight club. Confidence: this is up to you. Ima motorcycle rider and on Christmas of 2020, it was raining and I had a few distractions. I had spaced my important rules for riding and the bike slipped. It didn’t fall but it almost did. That hurt my confidence pretty badly. But I’m still a rider, I analyzed what I did wrong and I realized that I wear my gear just in case I brain fart like that again. In an airplane there are a few things you can do. You can bring a parachute or equip your plane with one, avoid busy airports except in a pinch, constantly radio check, set personal rules and have a backup plan in case something happens. And most importantly, if you mess up, learn from it. And learn from when other people messed up too. I also drive semi. I’ve boonked things, had close calls, had scares and everything else. I choose to keep at it because I like it. But if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t do it. So if you like it, don’t have plans and back up plans. If you don’t like it, don’t waste your precious time on it. Medical: you can appeal and jump through hoops to get a medical. But like with problem #1, it’s going to cost you money. However you can find FAA approved clinics that vary in cost, so I would find the least expensive and maybe travel a bit to get there. Sometimes 3-600 dollars in airline tickets plus the exam itself actually cost less than your local clinic.
@@MyTimeToFly sure! But I’m a roller coaster guy, musician, hiker, audio engineer and a buttload of different stuff actually. I like to find ways to do things outside of what’s considered “ordinarily accepted.” But yes wha you said is fair I do love my vehicles :D
6. Getting married and planning for kids and realizing that the very small risk of a bad accident that you completely ignored in the past is suddenly not worth it anymore, because you have so much more to lose now than just your own life. Also to think you would never crash is pure ignorance, unexpected things happen, extremely experienced pilots have crashes.
No doubt, accidents are a real possibility in flying. I agree risk vs. reward is a constant dynamic to be evaluated. So people can stomach a bit more risk, while others simply choose not to. All a matter of personal preference I guess.
American Aviation is heavily subsidized by US taxpayers. Similarly, General Aviation is also supported by the American people. Flying is part of our history, so it's one hobby the American people are prepared to subsidized. Fly safe, stay strong.
Thanks for being here, tell me a little more. I know my airport is owned by the “village” which supports it with tax dollars, give me a couple more examples...I just genuinely want to learn!
Believe it or not, I lOVED to fly my EAB when it was windy. Coming down final with a huge crab engaged - into the round out and start of the flare, STILL with the crab - then LOTS of rudder, drop that wing, and put the tail wheel and the upwind main gear down at the SAME time. This would keep the crosswind from weather cocking your plane. Loved it. Have been turned 90 degrees on the taxiway, heading for the tie down spot. (at KPTB) That made it interesting.
I think most important thing is to keep on flying no matter how. Go with a friend, so many people stop flying after they get the license. I think your comment nails the problem right in the eyes
You got it man, whatever it takes! Thanks for being here!
Had a similar experience to your story as a solo student pilot, I asked my CFI for confirmation of the CTAF frequency of a nearby airport to which he replied "yeah". I flew the pattern at this airport making my calls on what I thought was the correct frequency. I nearly had a head on mid-air collision with a Beech Baron... I think I had all of 15 hours of experience at the time.
I learned a valuable lesson that day, ALWAYS confirm things for yourself...
TRUTH! Close calls teach you lessons you never forget!
Sometimes the confidence issue is brought about by the money/time issues. You can't fly often due to money or time, then you get rusty, then you go up on a challenging day and freak yourself out. That's happened to me a couple of times. When it did I would just stop flying until I had the money or time to fly often enough to stay sharp.
Thank you for sharing, you are definitely correct that the reasons often build on each other!
For me, 1(Money) and 2(Time) are the big factors. When I was single had more of both.
I hope I'm back at it before 5 (Health) becomes an issue. Inability to pass a flight physical ended for my dad when he was about my age (55).
My biggest one is time, then probably weather, but I I had both of those...I’d run out of money. I sure hope you can get back to it!
@@MyTimeToFly I have an instrument/commercial for both ASEL and Rotorcraft. The weather was sometimes an issue, but it was pretty rare. I was using my Mooney M20E for work instead of being a pax on Delta/American and was able to make my client meetings with essentially equal performance to the carriers (though if the weather looked bad, I might leave the day before, or if it looked bad the day before, very early the day of - if I was wheels up at say 6:30 a.m., I could often be at the client site at 9:00 a.m. - particularly if I was going from my home in Eastern time to a client in Central time).
In any event, the instrument rating greatly reduces weather being an issue.
Yes! I absolutely need to get my butt in gear and get my instrument!
I had the exact same experience with turning the radio down/off. The plane coming from the opposite direction was a student with and instructor on board. I didn't have to go looking for the other plane - he found me in short order and wasn't so forgiving in his comments. Very humbling and frightening but it was a lesson never forgotten!
Great video!
Thanks Dave, good to hear I’m not alone!
Like Larry Isreal, of TEAM used to say: "I got tired of flying straight and level." Me too. I got licensed in Jan of 1980 - rented a lot - waited in the FBO for the guy to get back who was ahead of me. Then the 172's nose strut needed servicing - needed 2 quarts of oil, and on and on. Loved the Piper Arrow, then the wings started falling off. Then built 3 Experimental Amateur Built planes - lots of time eaten up there. Quit renting GA planes. Flew my last EAB for over 13 years and >750 hrs. Lots of fly-in breakfasts and boring holes in the air. Still, was tired of flying straight and level. No acro in my little plane - so, opted out of the program. Was fun - but that wore off. I worked Aircraft Avionics for a long time, so I still have an interest in airplanes and what makes them tick. I'm now what they call, in the "Parachuting Free Fall Community," a "WUFFO." "What fo you jump out of those airplanes?" :) Or, now, just an interloper at the FBO, from time to time. Thanks, N-6395T & PCA/USPA B-6370
I get that completely! Without a mission, and a new mission from time to time...it can get boring! Exciting can often be a bad thing!
Just had to put my training on hold as my wife lost her job due to COVID. But, I will be back in the air ASAP.
I love the determination!
Definitely can agree with the West Michigan weather being an issue!
I was on the east side of Michigan today, and was shocked how much less cloud cover they had. I love West Michigan, but it can be a bummer!
Good video and reality check for us all. Covid has really put an end to our travels, but my bride and I are looking forward to 2021. We have plans for traveling out west and getting back to normal. Last year was my worst for flight time, just 55 hours. I would type more but my preheats are on, and I'm going flying this morning! ;)
Thank you for the kind words, enjoy your flight today!
For me it was the Money I was spending, I wanted to be able to retire someday. Also I was just taking to a guy who went thru all the training to fly but he was afraid to take the written test so he just quit.
Most definitely it can be hard to justify the money. That’s truly unfortunate about the gentlemen not taking the written, I guess the only positive is that he at least got some left seat experience!
Started when I was 18 in 1988 got my private but I always knew I couldn’t afford private flying and I worked out I could make money out of flying so that’s what I did over a four year period finally getting my ATP. Now 50 and flying airliners in Australia my thoughts are always with the idea of some day flying privately.
It crazy to me how different the private and commercial worlds are. What do you desire to get out of private flying that you can’t from the airlines?
I think the freedom todo what I want todo fly when I want to fly no roster.👍
Makes sense to me! It has to be exciting flying the big stuff though!
Pays the bills.
Roger that
There’s a 6: safety. I don’t have a problem with confidence in my skills or airmanship. What I do have a problem with, is the statistical safety and the factors I cannot control as a pilot. As a single dude, I couldn’t care less. But as a husband and a father of two small boys? I can’t justify that risk. No matter how small. It’s still bigger than driving (in Europe, I dunno about America).
Great reminder MTTF, thank you...
Small delays can turn into weeks and months...
+1 for developing strategies to keep getting back on the horse... 😀 - a -
Thank you for the kind words AC!
Money has stopped so many people. Where there's a will, there's a way! At the age of 16, I got together with a dozen other guys from school, and we all pitched in to buy a cheap Cessna 140, put a 50 gal. barrel for fuel in the back of an old pickup that one guy had, gave the ownership to a CFI in exchange for training...and got our licenses. Took me over a year to get the hours and testing, but we did it... Where there's a will, there IS a way.
Such an awesome story! Thanks for being here!
When I started flying, I didn’t realize how often these planes crash. All the news of crashes in my local community tends to have a chilling effect on my willingness to go fly.
A great point and so true! A good reminder that we shouldn’t always focus on the bad news, it can paralyze us!
Do you not drive a car because they crash??? I think of it this way, if you enjoy it do it or you can live you life in fear...
Amen!
The reality is that small GA aircraft on average are worse than motor vehicles but safer than motorcycles.
The good news is that 15% of aviation mishaps are mechanically related, and 85% are pilot error.
Work at avoiding the following 1) inadvertent IMC, 2) fuel exhaustion, 3) CFIT (controlled flight into terrain), 4) low speed/ low altitude maneuvers, and 5) tailwind and gear-up landings
Eliminate these 5 items through planning and discipline, and you are now safer than a car or truck.
Wise words, thanks a bunch for sharing!
Very honest and well done video!!
Thanks for being here and for the kind words Don!
Lots of good stuff here. I’ve had a couple of layoffs myself and a couple of years of little/no flying. My hope is that now with my commercial in hand I can mitigate the cost.
Let me know if you need someone to hold down the right seat for you.
Right on Tim! What are first couple ways you plan to utilize that commercial, if you don’t mind sharing!
Next step is probably CFI. Long term I’d like to fly corporate. In reality though, I want to do whatever it takes so that I can afford to keep flying.
Roger that! Sounds like a dream coming true!
Another reason might be non support from one's own family. Such as spouse, parents, etc... Even friends. Just because they find no joy or excitement about flying, they are quick and determined to point out why you shouldn't fly. "You're never going to use this as a job. It's too dangerous. When are you going to find time to stay proficient?" These are the dream squashers reasonings I've heard over and over.
Truth! That’s why I’m so lucky to have the supportive family I have! My previous hobby was much less family oriented, maybe that’s played out in my favor!
Unfortunately for me it is heart surgery. Been trying for years and thousands of dollars in tests. FAA is a huge up hill battle with very little help of compassion.
I’m so sorry to hear that Marc!
Well for me confidence was and still is my biggest issue. I got my certificate in 04 then quit flying for about 13 years. I never really felt confident in my ability. Worried about the weather, or busy airport or messing up with ATC. I have just recently started flying again and and have made much progress. I have gotten a high performance rating flown the farthest I have ever gone and even taken the wife for a trip successfully.
Unfortunately, I still have confidence issues. I schedule a day to fly and have talked myself into canceling. It's like I have all of these what ifs that run through my head and it ultimately paralyzes me then grounds me. I have gone up with many CFIs and all say I'm safe and just need to go and fly to build confidence.
I'm over forty years old now and though I enjoy flying I feel at times the same way I have when I gave it up many years ago. My medical is up for renewal again in January so maybe that will be a decision point for me. I'm tired of letting myself down.
Anyway you hit the nail on the head with this video!
First, thank you so much for sharing, that takes a lot of courage! I have often talked myself out of flying too, it can be difficult to overcome. You have to do something very hard, reflect on yourself and decide how important flying is to you. It sounds like many CFIs believe in you, and We believe in you too!
Best of luck, and thank you again for sharing!!!
About money, 1st you can’t take it with you..I think many have tried. 2nd, as you get older you’ll find that money is or was not as important as you thought unless you like to sit on top of a pile of it and have nothing else in life to show for it. I enjoy aviation and am now gettin my PPl at 70. Money well it’s still important but not as much as I used to believe….
I appreciate the thoughts, and good for you for pursuing your PPL now. I hope your journey is going well!
Money... yes. It’s bad. Here is the thing tho, did you actually take the wage to price ratio? In Canada it’s like... 12 grand? But they have a 15 dollar minimum wage. (Which I’m not saying is a good or a bad thing, I’m just saying you’re gonna get there faster with that than 9 dollars.) Ways around cost are to A: find your less expensive flight schools. Then B: save up and budget the full amount in a savings account. C: after you DO get your license, buy a very small plane with a single seat and less than 100 HP. Believe it or not, some of these planes can be just as fast as a Cessna. If you want more than one seat, consider a flight club.
Confidence: this is up to you. Ima motorcycle rider and on Christmas of 2020, it was raining and I had a few distractions. I had spaced my important rules for riding and the bike slipped. It didn’t fall but it almost did. That hurt my confidence pretty badly. But I’m still a rider, I analyzed what I did wrong and I realized that I wear my gear just in case I brain fart like that again. In an airplane there are a few things you can do. You can bring a parachute or equip your plane with one, avoid busy airports except in a pinch, constantly radio check, set personal rules and have a backup plan in case something happens. And most importantly, if you mess up, learn from it. And learn from when other people messed up too. I also drive semi. I’ve boonked things, had close calls, had scares and everything else. I choose to keep at it because I like it. But if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t do it. So if you like it, don’t have plans and back up plans. If you don’t like it, don’t waste your precious time on it.
Medical: you can appeal and jump through hoops to get a medical. But like with problem #1, it’s going to cost you money. However you can find FAA approved clinics that vary in cost, so I would find the least expensive and maybe travel a bit to get there. Sometimes 3-600 dollars in airline tickets plus the exam itself actually cost less than your local clinic.
Some very wise word here, thank you so much for sharing! Seems like you have a passion for everything with an engine?
@@MyTimeToFly sure! But I’m a roller coaster guy, musician, hiker, audio engineer and a buttload of different stuff actually. I like to find ways to do things outside of what’s considered “ordinarily accepted.” But yes wha you said is fair I do love my vehicles :D
I’m feel like I’m much the same! We’re all in this together!
@@MyTimeToFly damn right we are!
I also have Lake Michigan to the west, KBEH based. Where are you based?
Sparta, 8D4. It might even be worse for you, you’re probably closer to the lakeshore!
We are indeed closer, challenge is probably the same. Thanks for the video, well done, good topic.
Thank you kindly!
6. Getting married and planning for kids and realizing that the very small risk of a bad accident that you completely ignored in the past is suddenly not worth it anymore, because you have so much more to lose now than just your own life. Also to think you would never crash is pure ignorance, unexpected things happen, extremely experienced pilots have crashes.
No doubt, accidents are a real possibility in flying. I agree risk vs. reward is a constant dynamic to be evaluated. So people can stomach a bit more risk, while others simply choose not to. All a matter of personal preference I guess.
American Aviation is heavily subsidized by US taxpayers. Similarly, General Aviation is also supported by the American people. Flying is part of our history, so it's one hobby the American people are prepared to subsidized. Fly safe, stay strong.
Thanks for being here, tell me a little more. I know my airport is owned by the “village” which supports it with tax dollars, give me a couple more examples...I just genuinely want to learn!
Another reason. 25G35 every effing day, for days on end....
Yes sir, and the runway is always pointed the wrong way!
Believe it or not, I lOVED to fly my EAB when it was windy. Coming down final with a huge crab engaged - into the round out and start of the flare, STILL with the crab - then LOTS of rudder, drop that wing, and put the tail wheel and the upwind main gear down at the SAME time. This would keep the crosswind from weather cocking your plane. Loved it. Have been turned 90 degrees on the taxiway, heading for the tie down spot. (at KPTB) That made it interesting.
Practicing in big wind sure makes you a more capable pilot!