I met my CFI today. We got together for about an hour. He went over the plan for training. It's well thought out. At 2 flights per week, the average time would be 6 to 7 months to license. The bulk of the calendar time is pre-solo because that's where all the book time comes in. The three stages are pre-solo (Stage 1), solo (Stage 2), and Stage 3 (solo cross-country or xc). He emphasized that learning to fly is difficult. There is lots to attend to at once and the physical requirements (for example, steering with the feet) are foreign. Luckily I am very coordinated from my extensive physical training over the years (NOT). He said that this will likely be the most challenging thing I will ever do as an adult. Wow. We went over a sample lesson. I was prepared and it went fast. I am studying like they tell you to in college, but I didn't. Review the last chapter, work hard on the new material, and preview the next chapter. I am trying to put in some time each day and it seems to be working out.
My CFI is a fireman in Meridian. He has about 5,000 hours and has taught a lot of folks to fly. Nationally, 70% of those who start don't finish. Here at Ponderosa, it's about 40%. Either they run out of money, don't like it, or don't want to put in the time. He says he has taught a lot of folks to fly, and never gave up on one that was willing to hang in there. He did point out that it gets somewhat harder with age. If only everything got harder with age. Anyway.. he spent time as a corporate jet pilot and has a wealth of experience. Pretty matter-of-fact and business like, which is fine with me. He said that he will be honest in his assessment of my skills..the goal being to turn out a safe pilot. I agree. Young guy..I imagine mid to late 30s.
And the best part is we meet next Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 for the next two lessons and some flying!
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Wow, this is intense. your instructor sounds like he knows what he is talking about (lets hope so) haha. And I have no idea what you mean by: "Luckily I am very coordinated from my extensive physical training over the years (NOT)" You are probably the most agile, flexible, and physicaly ripped person I have ever met in my life. ;) I'm glad you like your instructor. I think you will definately be in the 30% of people that start flying lessons and finish. :) Ok now, about this blog. I have one word: PICTURES!!! You need some pics of whatever plane you fly, your instructor, you in a cool outfit (leather aviator jacket,jeans and some kick A aviator shades), and you should have someone take a picture out the window when you are in the air. These will make your page way cool. I do however like the background. Also, you have to consistently update your blog. It stinks when people never update their blogs because then the people reading them get bord w/it and stop reading and posting comments. I'm not accusing you of anything yet, but just as a heads up. :) Good luck in you quest for the skies. Tell your instructor I say hi.
.:AnDi:.
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