Took my first flight today at Cessnock Aerodrome

[RDavies]

25 years ago I took my first TIF and knew I would end up learning to fly at some stage. A mere 25 years flew by and with slightly more time and money on my hands, decided to have another crack.

 

My interest was rekindled when my kids were discussing possible career options and mentioned being a pilot. My daughter was thinking more seriously about a career in aviation despite being a bit scared of flying. My son being a bit younger just thought it would be awesome and cool.

 

I was worried about initial costs to get to the flying solo stage but after finding out about RAA I realised it was not as expensive as I had expected.

 

My daughter was first to go up and being a little more timid but mature I had asked if the instructor could take it a little easier, nothing too wild, just show her the ropes and give her some hands on. When she came back, all fear of flying was gone and she LOVED IT. Next was my younger son. As he was not mature enough to realistically take in much information, I had asked if he could be shown a bit more of a wild time. From what I could see, his flight was a little more aggressive and on his return it was obvious he loved it.

 

Next was my turn. The instructor took a lot more time to show me aircraft checks and operation before we took off, likely as he knew I was serious about beginning lessons shortly. I felt like a bit of a goose when trying to taxi, but felt a lot better once up in the air. The 1/2 hour flew by and once again I was pretty retarded during taxying back to the hanger.

 

On the drive back home it soon became evident it was a great idea to give my kids a go. Now they are keen for me to get endorsed for passengers and my wife is keen for me to get her up in the air as well seeing as they did not find it scary at all.

 

In the near future, expect a few newbie questions here and there so please persevere with me.

 

Thanks from Rod

 

 

[Guest Andys@coffs]

Rod

 

Thanks for posting....we have pretty much all caught the bug....but hearing that someone else has too, revalidates why we are all hooked.

 

Hope you continue to enjoy

 

Andy

 

 

[cooperplace]

25 years ago I took my first TIF and knew I would end up learning to fly at some stage. A mere 25 years flew by and with slightly more time and money on my hands, decided to have another crack.My interest was rekindled when my kids were discussing possible career options and mentioned being a pilot. My daughter was thinking more seriously about a career in aviation despite being a bit scared of flying. My son being a bit younger just thought it would be awesome and cool.

I was worried about initial costs to get to the flying solo stage but after finding out about RAA I realised it was not as expensive as I had expected.

 

My daughter was first to go up and being a little more timid but mature I had asked if the instructor could take it a little easier, nothing too wild, just show her the ropes and give her some hands on. When she came back, all fear of flying was gone and she LOVED IT. Next was my younger son. As he was not mature enough to realistically take in much information, I had asked if he could be shown a bit more of a wild time. From what I could see, his flight was a little more aggressive and on his return it was obvious he loved it.

 

Next was my turn. The instructor took a lot more time to show me aircraft checks and operation before we took off, likely as he knew I was serious about beginning lessons shortly. I felt like a bit of a goose when trying to taxi, but felt a lot better once up in the air. The 1/2 hour flew by and once again I was pretty retarded during taxying back to the hanger.

 

On the drive back home it soon became evident it was a great idea to give my kids a go. Now they are keen for me to get endorsed for passengers and my wife is keen for me to get her up in the air as well seeing as they did not find it scary at all.

 

In the near future, expect a few newbie questions here and there so please persevere with me.

 

Thanks from Rod

Hi Rod,

who did you fly with?

 

 

[billwoodmason]

Living the dream - enjoy!.

 

 

[recflyer]

25 years ago I took my first TIF and knew I would end up learning to fly at some stage. A mere 25 years flew by and with slightly more time and money on my hands, decided to have another crack.My interest was rekindled when my kids were discussing possible career options and mentioned being a pilot. My daughter was thinking more seriously about a career in aviation despite being a bit scared of flying. My son being a bit younger just thought it would be awesome and cool.

I was worried about initial costs to get to the flying solo stage but after finding out about RAA I realised it was not as expensive as I had expected.

 

My daughter was first to go up and being a little more timid but mature I had asked if the instructor could take it a little easier, nothing too wild, just show her the ropes and give her some hands on. When she came back, all fear of flying was gone and she LOVED IT. Next was my younger son. As he was not mature enough to realistically take in much information, I had asked if he could be shown a bit more of a wild time. From what I could see, his flight was a little more aggressive and on his return it was obvious he loved it.

 

Next was my turn. The instructor took a lot more time to show me aircraft checks and operation before we took off, likely as he knew I was serious about beginning lessons shortly. I felt like a bit of a goose when trying to taxi, but felt a lot better once up in the air. The 1/2 hour flew by and once again I was pretty retarded during taxying back to the hanger.

 

On the drive back home it soon became evident it was a great idea to give my kids a go. Now they are keen for me to get endorsed for passengers and my wife is keen for me to get her up in the air as well seeing as they did not find it scary at all.

 

In the near future, expect a few newbie questions here and there so please persevere with me.

 

Thanks from Rod

Great work on getting started.

What aircraft are you training in?

 

 

[RDavies]

Hi Rod,who did you fly with?

My instructor was Kieth McGeachie at Recreational Aviation Newcastle (based at Cessnock Airport)

 

 

[RDavies]

Great work on getting started.What aircraft are you training in?

It is a Tecnam P2002.

 

 

[RDavies]

Took my first proper lesson today.

 

See, I told my first TIF instructor I would return for lesson and sure enough I did. 25 years later.

 

 

[Kamloops]

That is great...and welcome to the forum.

 

 

[facthunter]

Just as well they weren't relying on your custom to get a feed. Nev

 

 

[Camel]

Just as well they weren't relying on your custom to get a feed. Nev

My old instructor use to say that they came to "make an appointment to make an appointment " as they had excuses why they weren't going to fly and would next time.

 

 

[Traveldoc]

Rod, sounds like me 5 months ago. All a bit unnatural and slightly nerve wracking.....Is this really for me??

 

40 hours later much more relaxed and basic flying inputs are starting to become automatic. Now looking for an aircraft to buy!

 

Steve (originally from Murrurundi)