Element94

Hello Pilots, Future Pilots, Retired Pilots, and aviators alike...

From the infinate...er...um, wisdom that graces this board I have a question:

I am 15 years old (turn 16 on 12/9), and so far I have nearly everything I need go get my PPL (aside from the Solo & Solo X-C time...)....So, what should I do until then?

I still want to keep flying (yes, it costs me an arm and a leg, and sometimes an eye)...but, I want to keep doing it for the fun of it. Otherwise, I get REALLY REALLY bored. (Flying is my escape...)

What does everyone here recommend? More X-C (My CFI is somewhat weary about this, as, I'm "good to go" with my X-C planning and execution...), or should I just do T/O's & LDG's....Ie, Basic Airmenship, or is there somthing that is perhaps more worthwhile?

Thanks guys,

-Element94 (But, you can call me John )

KiloAlpha

You could do more instrument training, practice flying in class B/C/D airspace, fly into a grass field or 2, find a 150/152 and do some spin training (lots of fun), or even shoot some to's/landing with a pretty stiff crosswind... there's always something to do, your instructor just seems to be either stubborn or trying to save you some cash.

Oh ya, one more thing, WELCOME TO THE BOARD!

KiloAlpha

Also, if you are planning on doing your instrument rating, the XC time logged will be vital. Off the top of my head, I think the instrument rating requires 50 hours of XC time. So realistically, you would be spending quite a bit of time flying XC anyway; why not do it now? The only drawback I see is that by doing it now, you will have to pay your instructor to ride along with you.

Element94

Thanks KA!

I've flown into/out of PVD with myself working the radios (I've got a clip edited somewhere on LiveATC.net if you want me to dig it out...) Plus, we have a grass strip that we use about 1/3 of the time at my home airport (1B9)...

I didn't mean to say my CFI doesn't want me doing X-C's. (I know, PIC's responsibility is to take be accountable. Ie, don't blame your CFI...)....

However, until I can solo, He said that it would be X-C time that I really couln't "count" [towards the ppl].

Edit: Thanks, I'll take that into account, too! The "real" reason I'm getting my PPL is to go IFR, anyway. (More fun, more challenging...) (And eventually Commercial, CFI, ME, ATP....that whole deal)

-Element94

POPA

Has to be PIC xc time, which means the time he logs with his instructor won't count.

Element94

Hmmm...I guess that's why I'm waiting then.

Thanks POPA

rickair7777

YES! You need 50 hours XC PIC for the IR.

You could start learning the commercial manuevers...that would help with your COMM & CFI ratings.

JSchraub

I would say practice to/landings. You can never be TOO good to not practice that...

Ottopilot

I say fly less than normal until December, but keep flying to keep your skills. Once a week or every two weeks should keep you from losing all your skills. Practice all the stuff you've learned so far. Solo should be easy at that point. I soloed on my 16th birthday. You'll enjoy it too.

Ottopilot

I was just filling out my logbook and cane upon a question too. I'm a First Officer on the 757/767, so I log my time as SIC. Last week I did a flight as an IRO (international relief officer). That makes me third in command. For flights over 8 hours you need three pilots, I was the 3rd on the 767. I don't normally do IRO flying. I spend 1/3 of the flight in the left seat, 1/3 in the right seat, and 1/3 in the back reading, watching movies, eating, and sleeping. I sit in the jumpseat for takeoff and landing. I have to be typed on the plane to do this IRO flying. My logbook doesn't have a column for TIC (third in command). I can make one, I guess. I don't think anyone cares, I don't even need to log time anymore. I think I'll just put it in the SIC column, since that is what I hold and fly almost always.