Getting current
 

Hi all! I have a private pilots license, single engine land. However I have not flown in over 15 years. Further, I've lost everything over the years. (logbooks, charts, etc...long story) To get current again, do I have to start over? I will, but I'm hoping to save a few bucks on this endeavor if possible. I really miss it!

KC

When was your last aviation medical? On the form you have to put how many hours you've flown. The FAA should have a record of that.
Your PPL never expires, but most places won't rent you an airplane or take your word for it for training without documented proof.

Do you still have a copy of your PPL? If not, request a copy from the FAA. After you get that, it's just a matter of receiving enough training to feel comfortable again and getting a biennial flight review.
And don't forget to log it!

Thanks for the reply. I have my PPL. I have to get my medical yet. I forgot about hours flown on the medical. But basically you're saying get current medical, and I can get recertified by a CFI after adequate instruction...kind of like a bi-annual?

Yup. Exactly. Your pilot's license never expires, it's for life. You lose the privileges of it when you are not current.

Medical
3 take offs and landings
Biennial
Done

(and whatever extra instruction to feel comfortable)

SAAAweet and thanks. I'll be heavy on the extra instruction. Thanks!

I doubt the FAA will accept the hours you provided on your medical application as gospel. However, they will accept whatever you submitted on your last 8710 form since it was verified and signed off by a flight instructor.

Technically, all you need to do to get back in the saddle again is a flight review (along with the medical). Though, with a 15 year absence, expect it to be a lengthy one.

I have heard people estimate that your flight review will probably take one hour for every year you have been away from the cockpit. Have fun!

I started again after a 15 year hiatus as well. You will be surprised as to how quickly things come back to you. Kind of depends on how much flying you did 15 years ago. But the previous advice you are getting in this thread is all correct and I agree completely.

Check out "flying again" by Jason Schappert (Google it) A great guide/movie/ and resource.

Good luck

More Than Practical
 

Most students I've worked with after a long absence find that the stick and rudder skills come back much more quickly than they anticipated, but the regulations / paperwork / airspace changes take some time to learn. Especially since the last time you flew was pre 9/11

I took 7 years off myself. It sucked at first, knowing that I had been through all this before, but I stuck with it and it paid off in the end. I saved my logbook though, so it was a bit smoother for me.

Do you at least remember "ballpark" how many approximate hours you have? You might want to go digging deep in your cranium to at least remember roughly how many hours you have to so you don't screw yourself when you want to upgrade ratings and you find yourself having to pay for 100 hours all over again just to meet the experience numbers. Your old ones count too. Get a logbook and fill it out the best you can.